The climate of Dhahran
Primarily located in the wide expanse of the Eastern Province of
Saudi Arabia,
Dhahran presents a climate recognized under the Köppen climate classification as BWh. This translates into a subtropical desert environment. With temperatures that rise well above the average and poor rainfall, it is safe to say the city is hot and dry throughout the entire year.
Temperatures typically range from 10.2°C (50.4°F) to 43.3°C (109.9°F), a clear reflection of the city's dominant warm climate.
January is the coldest month but even then, low temperatures measure at 10.2°C (50.4°F). The hottest period is between
June and
August, with temperatures soaring up to 43.3°C (109.9°F). The high temperatures drop slightly to 40.3°C (104.5°F) in
September, and continue to decline gradually as the year continues.
Dhahran has low levels of relative humidity that range from 34% to 73%. The lowest humidity can be experienced in June while
December marks the highest. Rainfall in Dhahran is quite sparse. The most wet month is
March with 35mm (1.38") of rain, thereafter, rainfall almost completely disappears between
May and September.
Days in Dhahran are long, with daylight hours fluctuating from 10.5 to 13.8 hours. The longest days are observed in June while December experiences the shortest.
The best time to visit Dhahran
Considering the information derived from the climatic data, the optimal time to visit
Dhahran would be between
November and
March. This period encounters milder temperatures varying from 23.2°C (73.8°F) to 28.9°C (84°F). The weather is quite pleasant compared to other months, making it an ideal timeframe for tourists looking to explore the city comfortably.
Furthermore, this period marks increased rainfall. Visitors to Dhahran will be able to experience the uniqueness of rainfall in a desert climate, however, they should be mindful of traveling plans as increased rainfall can sometimes lead to disruptions.
The worst time to visit Dhahran
The worst time to visit
Dhahran, judging by the prevailing weather conditions, would be during summer months, from
June to
August. This period of the year is characterized by extreme heat, with temperatures hitting the highest at 43.3°C (109.9°F). Combined with a relative humidity as low as 34%, this time period can be uncomfortably hot and dry for visitors.
Spring weather in Dhahran
Spring in
Dhahran, ranging from
March to
May, presents a momentary relief from the typical high-temperature conditions. The weather during this time sees temperatures between 25.6°C (78.1°F) and 38.7°C (101.7°F). Relative humidity at this time hovers around 55% to 60%, providing a touch of moisture in the air. Spring period marks a transition as rainfall begins to dwindle from an average of 35mm (1.38") in March to a negligible 1mm (0.04") by May.
Summer weather in Dhahran
The summer months from
June to
August in
Dhahran are associated with extremely high temperatures, ranging from 41.7°C (107.1°F) to 43.3°C (109.9°F). Humidity levels are at their lowest during this period, fluctuating between 34% to 36%, enhancing the dryness of the desert climate. Rainfall is virtually nonexistent during summer, enhancing the dry and sizzling atmosphere.
Autumn weather in Dhahran
The Autumn season, extending from
September to
November, witnesses a gradual decrease in temperatures that range from 40.3°C (104.5°F) to 28.9°C (84°F). The relative humidity also begins to rise once more, offering some relief from the hot summer. Rainfall remains fairly absent until November, when it registers a significant increase to 19mm (0.75").
Winter weather in Dhahran
For the Winter months of
December to
February,
Dhahran's temperatures further decrease, registering from 23.2°C (73.8°F) to 20.8°C (69.4°F). Relative humidity also sees a rise reaching up to 73%, the highest throughout the year. Rainfall continues to be relatively significant, providing an interesting attraction for those fascinated by the occurrence of rainfall in desert climates.
Weather in January
The arrival of the New Year in
Dhahran,
Saudi Arabia brings a climate that is relatively cool and tolerable for outdoor activities. This is due to a significant decrease in temperature from the preceding scorching desert summers.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
Dhahran, the weather in
February continues to provide comparatively mild temperatures, similar to
January. The considerable increase in daylight, paired with infrequent showers, makes outdoor activities increasingly popular in this month.
Weather in February »Weather in March
As spring makes its way to
Dhahran, the weather in
March sees a notable change. A dynamic increase in temperature can be observed, indicating the transition from winter to spring. This month's weather brings the heaviest amount of rainfall for the year, with 35mm (1.38") spread over 16.2 days, giving the arid landscape a pleasant change.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
When
April arrives in
Dhahran, the city witnesses a stark contrast in weather patterns from the preceding months. The few showers of
March make way for more arid conditions, which are more typical of the region. Temperatures in Dhahran rise substantially in April, heralding the onset of an intense summer season.
Weather in April »Weather in May
In
May,
Dhahran starts to feel the full force of summer, with temperatures rising rapidly and the humidity dropping. The hike in temperature compared to the earlier months marks the beginning of the demanding summer season. Dhahran prepares to face the fierce heat of the desert, where average high temperatures soar up to 38.7°C (101.7°F).
Weather in May »Weather in June
The sweltering heat and relentless sun redefine
Dhahran's weather in
June. The increased temperature and humidity from
May continue into this month, creating challenging weather conditions. June is the time of year when the city experiences its highest temperatures, reaching a scorching 41.7°C (107.1°F).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July in
Dhahran continues the trend of high temperatures with marginally cooler nights. The relentless sun dominates the sky, leading to long daylight hours and heightened temperatures. This month sees the highest average low temperature of 28.9°C (84°F), making the nights marginally cooler than the blistering days.
Weather in July » Weather in August
As
August rolls in,
Dhahran experiences some relief from the intense heat of the preceding months. Although the temperature remains high, it is relatively less severe than in the peak summer months. The weather changes are subtle but significant, offering a slight decrease in both day and night temperatures.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the commencement of the transitional period from the scorching summer to the cooler season in
Dhahran. While the temperature remains high, it displays a notable dip compared to
August, signalling the end of the summer heat.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October welcomes relatively cooler and comfortable weather conditions to
Dhahran. The drop in daytime temperatures signals the onset of the city’s cooling period. A significant decrease in temperature creates a much more agreeable climate compared to the harsh summer months.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November,
Dhahran experiences a marked drop in temperature, making the conditions increasingly bearable. The transition from
October brings about shorter daylight hours, slightly cooler temperatures, and an pleasant change in humidity.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings moderate temperatures and comfortable weather to
Dhahran,
Saudi Arabia. The temperatures continue to decline, serving as a buffer against the intense desert heat experienced in previous months. The shorter daylight hours and lowering temperatures signify the advent of winter.
Weather in December » [Resources]