The climate of Al Qatif
Positioned within
Saudi Arabia,
Al Qatif, manifests the climate characteristics correspondent to the Köppen climate classification of BWh, which identifies a Subtropical desert climate. Geographically positioned along the coast, this region is notorious for extreme heat, barely insignificant rainfall, and captivating periods of sunshine.
A study of climate parameters reveals that temperatures scale from 15.8°C (60.4°F) to an extraordinary high of 41.1°C (106°F) over the year. The months of
June,
July, and
August stand out with maximum temperatures hovering around 40°C (104°F) and the mercury often rises to a splendid 41.1°C (106°F) in July. The lowest temperatures appear in
January, averaging at 15.8°C (60.4°F).
Rainfall is a sparse occurrence in Al Qatif, with a maximum average of 13mm (0.51") recorded in
November. The resident high temperatures contribute to the evaporation of a large portion of this sparse rainfall, and the city sees virtually no rain from June to
September. The humidity, in turn, varies from 30% during the arid summer months to a relatively higher 55% in
December.
The best time to visit Al Qatif
The period from
November, when temperatures average between 22.7°C (72.9°F) and 27.8°C (82°F), and
February, when the temperatures hover from 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 22.7°C (72.9°F), offers an optimal window to visit
Al Qatif. These months promise cooler days, contrasted against the scorching summer temperatures. Relative humidity is highest in these months, which contributes to a more pleasant climate. Daylight hours range from 10.5 hours to 11.3 hours during this period, optimal for recreational activities.
The worst time to visit Al Qatif
The hot summer months from
May to
September present particularly inhospitable conditions for visitations to
Al Qatif. Temperature highs will be in the blistering range from 36.7°C (98.1°F) to 41.1°C (106°F), with the peak in
July. The negligible rain and low humidity goes hand in glove with the high temperatures, making it quite an ordeal for individuals not accustomed to such torrid climates.
Spring weather in Al Qatif
Heralding spring,
March allows for an increase in average temperatures from 19.6°C (67.3°F) to 26.3°C (79.3°F), a trend that continues up to
May, with temperatures rising from 24.2°C (75.6°F) to 36.7°C (98.1°F). The area receives around 8mm (0.31") to 9mm (0.35") of rainfall during spring, with a larger concentration of rain observed in March. The relative humidity begins to dip this season, with values falling from 45% in March to 34% in May.
Summer weather in Al Qatif
Marked by a heat-induced sensory overload, summer temperatures in
Al Qatif consistently range from 29.6°C (85.3°F) to 41.1°C (106°F). The months of
June till
September are bone-dry, recording virtually no rainfall. Relative humidity drops to a parched 30% in June, before slightly rising to hover in the range of 34% to 43% for the rest of the summer months.
Autumn weather in Al Qatif
The fall in
Al Qatif experiences a gradual diminishing of heat from
September to
November. The autumn temperatures fall in a range from 27.8°C (82°F) to 38.9°C (102°F), offering a slight respite from the intense summer heat. Relative humidity levels begin to rise, especially in November when they reach 53%. The region is virtually dry in September and
October, however, in November, the city records an average rainfall of 13mm (0.51").
Winter weather in Al Qatif
Seasonal winter chill descends on
Al Qatif in
December, with temperatures averaging from 17.9°C (64.2°F) to 22.7°C (72.9°F), continuing up to
February ranging from 15.8°C (60.4°F) to 22.7°C (72.9°F). A relatively cooler climate and comfortable humidity levels averaging between 53% and 55% characterize this season. Rainfall levels are moderate, ranging from 7mm (0.28") in December to 8mm (0.31") in February.
Weather in January
The New Year in
Al Qatif,
Saudi Arabia begins with moderate yet comfortable temperatures.
January enjoys pleasant weather characterized by highs of 21.3°C (70.3°F) and lows of 15.8°C (60.4°F). This phase of reduced heat is a popular time for tourists seeking escape from winter in other parts of the world.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February,
Al Qatif sees a slight rise in temperature when compared to
January. The climate still remains agreeable with February bringing slightly higher temperatures, but the change is minor. This month also marks a decrease in humidity levels to 51%, contributing to the overall comfortable atmosphere.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March, the first month of the spring in
Al Qatif, is a warm month, with an average temperature ranging between max 26.3°C (79.3°F) and min 19.6°C (67.3°F). Entering March, Al Qatif notices a subtle temperature elevation, with the average high-temperature advancing from
February's agreeable 22.7°C (72.9°F) to a warm 26.3°C (79.3°F).
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April presents an increase in the overall temperature, announcing the full arrival of the summer season in
Al Qatif. With temperatures reaching up to 31.1°C (88°F), it marks the transition from mild to warm weather. This warming trend remains prevalent throughout the month, altering its preceding pattern of cooler nights.
Weather in April » Weather in May
Al Qatif,
Saudi Arabia truly enters the summer phase in
May, with temperatures surging to a steaming high of 36.7°C (98.1°F). Accompanied by a significant reduction in humidity to a low of 34% and a drastic drop in rainfall to just 3mm (0.12"), it dramatically increases the heat index.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June ushers in the peak of summer in
Al Qatif, with soaring temperatures and arid conditions. The weather is characterised by high temperatures that can reach up to 40°C (104°F), marking it as one of the hottest months of the year.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July continues the pattern of extreme heat, often being classed as the hottest month in
Al Qatif,
Saudi Arabia. The highest temperature recorded in the city is a staggering 41.1°C (106°F) in July. With total absence of rainfall, and an increase in the humidity to 34%, the weather can seem especially harsh.
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Al Qatif maintains the heat momentum established by
July. Temperatures are still high, although there is a minor drop to 40.8°C (105.4°F) from the extreme peak experienced in the previous month. Despite the long and hot days, humidity shows a further increase, moving up to 40%.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September serves as a transitional period in
Al Qatif,
Saudi Arabia, with the falling temperatures signaling the onset of autumn. The highs become slightly less severe, settling at 38.9°C (102°F). While rainfall continues to be scarce, with no significant changes recorded, the humidity rises slightly to 43%.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Al Qatif is characterized by noticeably cooler temperatures than the preceding month. This month signifies the start of the mild winter season, bringing with it more bearable temperatures. Alongside these favourable changes, the rainfall sees a slight increase, totalling 2mm (0.08") during the month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
Al Qatif in
November continues the pleasant weather introduced by
October. There's a substantial reduction in heat, with the highest temperature going down to 27.8°C (82°F), and rainfall taking a leap to 13mm (0.51") over 4.1 days.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December in
Al Qatif,
Saudi Arabia, brings cool weather that marks the full onset of the winter season. The temperature takes a significant drop with highs reaching only 22.7°C (72.9°F), emphasising the shift in weather conditions.
Weather in December » [Resources]