Climate and monthly weather forecastRiyadh, Saudi Arabia

The climate of Riyadh

Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, located in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, features a unique BWh Köppen climate classification, denoting a subtropical desert environment. This city enjoys an overwhelmingly dry climate with high temperatures, minimal rainfall, and abundant sunshine throughout the year. Intense heat and intense drought dominate Riyadh's weather but there is a distinct seasonal pattern.

An examination of the city's monthly weather averages reveals dramatic temperature and rainfall fluctuations throughout the year. Temperatures hit their peak between May and August, with averages soaring from 39.4°C (102.9°F) to a zenith of 43.6°C (110.5°F), while the coolest months occur between December and February, with temperatures falling between 20.2°C (68.4°F) and 9°C (48.2°F). However, it is not just its temperature range that distinguishes Riyadh's weather conditions - demands attention, the city's rainfall pattern also sets it apart. Most months, around 9 out of 12, are virtually rain-free with meager or no rainfall at all. The contrast can be seen during December, January, and February, these months see a slightly higher precipitation, ranging from 12mm (0.47") in December to 15mm (0.59") in January.

The best time to visit Riyadh

Given the ultra-hot summers and the mild, relatively cooler winters, the best period to visit Riyadh is between November and March. Despite the daytime temperatures still being relatively high, they range from a maximum of 27.8°C (82°F) in November to 20.2°C (68.4°F) in January. Evenings tend to provide more relief as temperatures decrease to between 15.2°C (59.4°F) in November down to 9°C (48.2°F) in January. This period also corresponds with the city's modest rainfall, creating a somewhat softer ambiance.

The worst time to visit Riyadh

Visitors looking to avoid the extreme heat might want to steer clear of Riyadh from May to August. The peak summer temperatures in Riyadh are formidable, often crossing the threshold of 40°C (104°F) and reaching highs of 43.5°C (110.3°F) to 43.6°C (110.5°F) in July and August. Along with temperature, the UV index can be particularly high during these months, reaching its maximum level of 12. Despite the long daylight hours, conditions during these months are less than ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities.

Spring weather in Riyadh

Spring in Riyadh falls between March and May and it quickly transitions from mild temperatures to peak heat. March begins with a high temperature average of 27.7°C (81.9°F), but by May, the thermometer frequently reads above 39.4°C (102.9°F). While the rainfall remains low in the springtime, the relative humidity decreases considerably from 32% in March to a mere 17% by May. Though the temperatures increase rapidly, the days are full of sunshine, with an average duration of daylight from 12.7 hours in March to 13.3 hours in May.

Summer weather in Riyadh

In Riyadh, the summer season is synonymous with scorching heat. From June to August, the city experiences a surge in high extreme temperatures that top at 43.6°C (110.5°F). In tandem with the high temperatures, rainfall is practically non-existent during these searing summer months. Remarkably, despite the high temperatures, the climate remains dry, with relative humidity averaging only from 11 to 12%. There is plenty of sunshine, with daylight hours being the longest of the year, from about 13.5 to 13.7 hours.

Autumn weather in Riyadh

The Autumn period, from September to November, represents a gradual transition from the extreme summer heat towards milder winter temperatures. Reductions in temperature throughout autumn in Riyadh are gradual, starting with September's high averaging 40.4°C (104.7°F), but by November the highs average 27.8°C (82°F). Rainfall remains sparse during this period and daylight hours begin to lessen with November averaging 11 hours.

Winter weather in Riyadh

Winters in Riyadh represent a period of milder temperatures in contrast to the heatwaved summers. The coldest months, from December to February, feature daily highs between 22.2°C (72°F) and 20.2°C (68.4°F) to lows that can fall to 9°C (48.2°F) in January. This season also ushers in the most abundant rainfall of the year, peaking at 15mm (0.59") in January. The amount of sunshine hours decreases as well, with the shortest daylight duration of the year occurring in December and January, featuring 10.6 hours of light.

Weather in January

With moderate temperatures ranging from 9°C (48.2°F) to 20.2°C (68.4°F), January offers mild weather amid the arid desert landscape of Riyadh. As the year begins, the city witnesses decreased daylight hours of 10.8, curtailing outdoor activities. Weather in January »

Weather in February

Temperatures in February ascend slightly from January, providing gentle warmth with lows at 11.2°C (52.2°F) and highs peaking at 23.4°C (74.1°F). Riyadh's sunshine duration increases, inviting more opportunities for outdoor enjoyment. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March ushers in hotter conditions with temperatures reaching up to 27.7°C (81.9°F), further enhancing the dryness. The city bathes in an average of 12 hours of daylight, revealing more of the day under the clear, sunny sky. The days become visibly longer, allowing plenty of time in the sun. Weather in March »

Weather in April

In April, the city's temperature climbs to a high of 33.4°C (92.1°F), propelling Riyadh deeper into its characteristic aridity. The increasingly potent sunshine, with the UV index reaching 12, heralds the approaching summer. The landscape shines vibrantly under the blend of longer daylight hours and enhanced sun exposure. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May is the doorway to summer with a sharp rise in temperatures reaching a scorching 39.4°C (102.9°F). The city starts to endure the true heat of Saudi Arabia's unforgiving sun. The extended hours of sunshine blend with the amplified UV index of 12, intensifying the overall heat. Weather in May »

Weather in June

The fiery Saudi summer takes full effect in June, with temperatures soaring to a peak of 42.5°C (108.5°F). The mildly game of numbers in the past months now turns into a fervid battle with the thermometer. Coupled with the stark sun, amplified by a maximum UV index of 12, the searing heat persists. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in Riyadh is marked by relentless heat, with the average temperature reaching an annual high of 43.5°C (110.3°F). The city continues to bathe under the intense sunlight, a paradigm of the arid desert environment of Saudi Arabia. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August perpetuates the intense heatwave with temperatures peaking at a blistering 43.6°C (110.5°F). The city continues to simmer under Saudi Arabia's white-hot sun, maintaining the searing summer weather pattern. Prolonged sunshine and a steadfast UV index of 12 augment the sweltering conditions. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September brings relief to Riyadh with the decrease in temperature to a high of 40.4°C (104.7°F), signifying the beginning of a gradual transition to autumn. The city experiences a slight cool down, transforming the overly hot summer landscape into milder surroundings. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Riyadh showcases highs reducing further to a more comfortable 35.3°C (95.5°F). The receding heat signifies the city's farewell to the blistering summer spell, inviting softer autumn breezes. The UV index continues to dip to 9, signaling the slow retreat of the arid conditions. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November further parts with the extreme heat, with temperatures decreasing to a manageable high of 27.8°C (82°F). Riyadh gradually reverts to its mild and comfortable climate, providing a conducive environment for outdoor pursuits. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December exhibits the traditional winter weather of Riyadh, with temperatures hovering between 10.6°C (51.1°F) and 22.2°C (72°F). Diminishing daylight hours and a low UV index of 5 characterize the city's transition into its coldest period. Weather in December »