The climate of Al Khobar
Falling under the Köppen climate classification of Subtropical Desert or BWh category,
Al Khobar,
Saudi Arabia presents a particularly arid and warm climate. Geographically positioned near the coast of the Arabian Gulf, this city's weather is marked by oppressively hot and relatively dry summers, and pleasant winters.
Taking a deep dive into the climatic characteristics of this region, it can be observed that the temperatures maintain a continual upward trend from
January through
July. The mean minimum temperatures hover from 15.9°C (60.6°F) in January to a peak of 33.3°C (91.9°F) in both July and
August. Following this, there is a steady drop in temperature, reaching back to 18.3°C (64.9°F) by
December. This cyclical pattern in temperature plays out on the higher end as well, starting from 21.3°C (70.3°F) in January and attaining a blistering peak of 40.8°C (105.4°F) in both July.
Precipitation in Al Khobar is minimal, thereby reinforcing the desert climate categorization. The annual average rainfall is scarce, and no significant rainfall is recorded from
June to
September. The highest monthly rainfall in the year, averaging at 12mm (0.47"), is observed in
November.
Relative humidity varies inversely with temperature, reaching a maximum of 55% in both January and December, and reaching its nadir at 32% in June. Wind speeds exhibit a slight increase in speed from 18.3km/h (11.4mph) to 20.5km/h (12.7mph) between the months of January and June, subsequently declining to 15.5km/h (9.6mph) by August.
The best time to visit Al Khobar
Given the fluctuations in weather conditions throughout the year, the best time to visit
Al Khobar would be from
November to
March. During this period, the weather is at its most pleasant, with the lowest temperatures ranging between 15.9°C (60.6°F) to 24.2°C (75.6°F), and the highest temperatures between 21.3°C (70.3°F) and 27.7°C (81.9°F). The hours of daylight are at a moderate level, between 10.5 to 12 hours, making for comfortable sightseeing conditions.
The worst time to visit Al Khobar
The month of
July, with mean daily temperatures spiking at 40.8°C (105.4°F) and minimal rainfall, makes it the least favorable period to visit
Al Khobar. The high temperatures persist through
August, making these months inhospitable for travelers, especially for those unaccustomed to such harsh desert climates.
Spring weather in Al Khobar
March ushers in spring in
Al Khobar, a season that prevails until
May. During these months, the average temperature gradually increases from 26.1°C (79°F) to 36.3°C (97.3°F). Precipitation remains low, with rainfall days between 5.3 and 1.2 days per month. The relative humidity continually declines from 47% to 36%, making the weather fairly dry.
Summer weather in Al Khobar
In
Al Khobar, summer extends from
June till
September. This season is characterized by sweltering heat with temperatures notably climbing to a peak 40.8°C (105.4°F) in
July. The relative humidity falls to its yearly low of 32% in June, which along with the zero-rainfall days, results in arid conditions.
Autumn weather in Al Khobar
Autumn arrives in
Al Khobar in
October and stays until
November. Throughout this season, temperatures undergo a gradual decrease from 34.3°C (93.7°F) to 27.7°C (81.9°F). Rainfall also sees a slight increase with November bringing in the maximum rainfall of the year at 12mm (0.47").
Winter weather in Al Khobar
December to
February are the winter months in
Al Khobar. The temperature during these months ranges from 15.9°C (60.6°F) to 22.7°C (72.9°F), making it the most comfortable period of the year. The relative humidity peaks at 55% in both
January and December, resulting in slightly more humid conditions compared to the rest of the year.
Weather in January
January in
Al Khobar,
Saudi Arabia kicks off with cooler daily highs of 21.3°C (70.3°F) and lows of 15.9°C (60.6°F), a significant drop from the heat of the previous
December. The region experiences relatively moderate humidity of 54% coupled with an average rainfall of 7mm (0.28") over 1.6 days.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Al Khobar's weather takes a slight turn in
February with temperatures inclining, which results in slightly warmer days than
January. The atmosphere remains relatively dry with the same 51% humidity as observed in the previous month.
Weather in February » Weather in March
Weather characteristics in
March start to shift as
Al Khobar steps closer to summer. A noticeable increase in the highest temperatures is observed at 26.1°C (79°F), a substantial leap without a significant rise in humidity levels - maintaining at 47%.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Al Khobar witnesses a significant turn in weather during
April with an increase in average temperature to 30.5°C (86.9°F). Coupled with a low humidity of 42%, the city experiences a hot yet bearable climate. Rainfall remains very low in April with an average of 9mm (0.35") falling over a span of 6.3 days, rendering it a relatively drier month.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May invites the onset of summer with a peak in daytime temperatures to an sweltering 36.3°C (97.3°F). Relative humidity drops relatively across the region to 36%, contributing to the intense heat throughout the month. Surprisingly, despite the high temperatures, average rainfall is reduced to a mere 2mm (0.08") during the entire span of May.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The highest temperatures in the year are observed in
June in
Al Khobar, with maximum daily highs soaring to 39.7°C (103.5°F). Low relative humidity of 32% does little to provide respite from the swelter, resulting in a hot and dry climate.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July's weather patterns in
Al Khobar does not see a massive change from the previous month with temperatures topping at an extreme 40.8°C (105.4°F) - the highest average in the year. Despite a slight increase in humidity to 36%, temperatures remain substantially high, ensuring the continuity of the hot and dry climate.
Weather in July » Weather in August
A slight breather comes in
August with a marginal drop in temperatures, yet maintaining a hot climate with occasional wind gusts of 25.6km/h (15.9mph). Comparatively to the previous months, a slight rise in humidity at 43% is observed, alluding to a mild hint of moisture in the otherwise arid atmosphere.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the commencement of the decline in temperatures in
Al Khobar with daily highs averaging 38.5°C (101.3°F). Humidity stays relatively constant at the same level as the previous month, countering the severe heat.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October ushers in the autumn season, seeing a welcome decline in temperatures, averaging at a daytime high of 34.3°C (93.7°F). Accompanying the drop in temperature is a slight rise in humidity to 49%. The average rainfall increases marginally to 2mm (0.08") spread over 0.5 rainy days, a considerable change from the past few months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
With
November,
Al Khobar finally begins to cool off with lower daily highs of 27.7°C (81.9°F), creating a more pleasant weather scenario. Accompanied by increased humidity of 54%, November offers a much-needed break from the prolonged dry spell.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December leads
Al Khobar into its winter with temperatures dropping further to daytime highs of 22.7°C (72.9°F). The relative humidity stays stable at 55%, slightly higher than
November. December sees a further drop in rainfall with an average of 5mm (0.2") falling throughout 1.9 days, providing relief to the inhabitants and enriching the city's greenery.
Weather in December » [Resources]