The climate of Yanbu
Yanbu,
Saudi Arabia, lies within the realms of a subtropical desert climate according to the Köppen climate classification, one of the most arid climate types available. This coastal city on the Red Sea coast experiences generally hot temperatures throughout the year, paired with low levels of annual rainfall.
Monthly temperatures invariably remain high. The annual low temperatures rarely dip below 14.2°C (57.6°F) in
January, while the highest temperatures reach an intense 40.4°C (104.7°F) in
August. No significant shift in relative humidity accompanies the high temperatures; values generally hover around the mid-50% mark, with only minor fluctuations between 47% and 58% throughout the year.
This city experiences an extremely dry period, where rainfall is essentially absent, from
June to August. On the other hand,
December records the highest level of rainfall with 12mm (0.47") falling over an average of 1.1 days. Daylight hours also exhibit a slight change during the year, ranging from a low of 10.7 hours in December to a high of 13.6 hours in June.
The best time to visit Yanbu
Given the classification of its climate and the recorded monthly averages, the most agreeable time to visit
Yanbu would arguably be between
November and
March. The temperatures during these cooler months typically range from 14.2°C (57.6°F) to 29.6°C (85.3°F). Minimal rainfall occurs during this time, adding to the comfort of the climate. The relatively lower temperatures and comfortable levels of humidity make this period ideal for exploring the sites and attractions in and around Yanbu.
The worst time to visit Yanbu
The peak summer months from
June to
August may not be the ideal period to visit
Yanbu, particularly for those not accustomed to extreme heat. The temperatures reach a scorching high of 40.4°C (104.7°F) in August, and monthly averages stay well above 38.2°C (100.8°F). Despite the coastal location, the intense heat can prove uncomfortable, even at night as temperatures do not drop below 25.1°C (77.2°F). Alongside the high temperatures, these months also carry the dubious honour of being the driest, recording virtually no rainfall.
Spring weather in Yanbu
Spring in
Yanbu is typically between
March and
May, when temperatures rise steadily from 31.2°C (88.2°F) to 38.2°C (100.8°F). These months register a very low average rainfall from 0mm (0") to 1mm (0.04"), contributing to the aridity. Relative humidity sinks to around 49% during this season, providing slightly drier conditions than other times of the year.
Summer weather in Yanbu
Summer hits
Yanbu between
June and
August. Temperatures reach their annual peak during these months, hitting the year’s highest of 40.4°C (104.7°F) in August. The period is extremely dry with no registered rainfall, further intensifying the heat. Daylight hours increase to a maximum of 13.6 hours in June, leaving long, hot days for locals and visitors to contend with.
Autumn weather in Yanbu
September to
November marks the autumn season in
Yanbu. This period witnesses a gradual reduction in temperature from 39.9°C (103.8°F) in September to 29.6°C (85.3°F) in November. Rainfall remains negligible until November, when it increases slightly to 7mm (0.28"). The relative humidity rises from 55% to 57%, marking a slight increase in moisture in the air.
Winter weather in Yanbu
December through
February marks winter in
Yanbu. The weather during this period is relatively cooler, with temperatures ranging from 27.7°C (81.9°F) to 14.2°C (57.6°F). Rainfall records its annual peak of 12mm (0.47") in December, although it is still quite minimal. Daylight hours reduce to their annual minimum of 10.7 hours by December, resulting in slightly shorter days.
Weather in January
Yanbu begins the year with cool winters where temperatures drop notably at night. During this period, it is common for the city to experience relatively high humidity averaging around 54%.
January weather in Yanbu also includes the rare and unique occurrence of rainfall amounting to 6mm (0.24"), which is notable when compared to the aridity of the coming months.
Weather in January » Weather in February
In
February,
Yanbu’s weather transitions gradually, subtly setting the stage for the hotter months ahead. February, while still winter, is slightly warmer than
January. However, despite the changing temperatures, Yanbu experiences minimal rainfall in February, recorded barely at 1mm (0.04"), marking the onset of an extended dry spell that the region is known for.
Weather in February »Weather in March
A definitive shift in temperatures is apparent in
March as the winter chill gives way to warmer weather. Humidity levels remain relatively consistent, underlining the steady climate of
Yanbu. A further decrease in Yanbu's rainfall to 1mm (0.04") sets up more arid conditions for this month showing the continuing trend of the extended dry season.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
By the time
April arrives, the weather in
Yanbu experiences a significant turn, with temperatures on an upward trend. Rainfall is nearly invisible, recorded at a mere 0mm (0"), showcasing Yanbu's characteristic dryness. The humidity levels, by and large, decrease, preparing for the more arid months ahead.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Moving into
May,
Yanbu weather turns indisputably hotter. The city records only 1mm (0.04") of rainfall making it evident that Yanbu is now right in the middle of its dry season. This month also records a gradual increase in the relative humidity levels.
Weather in May »Weather in June
June in
Yanbu is emblematic of
Saudi Arabia's scorching summer, with heat dominating the weather pattern. The highest temperature for the year rises to its peak averaging around 40.1°C (104.2°F) with no rainfall, reemphasizing Yanbu's central feature of aridity.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
In
July,
Yanbu continues with its trend of high temperatures, similar to the previous month. Aridity continues to be the theme of the month, painting a clear picture of the dry season at its core. Increased daylight hours accommodate the needs of the city despite the soaring temperatures.
Weather in July »Weather in August
Despite the heat,
Yanbu marks
August with the year's highest temperatures averaging at 40.4°C (104.7°F). The monthly rainfall count remains nil, highlighting the extreme aridity of Yanbu during August. Meanwhile, the lingering heat continues to be unrelenting, considering it is one of the hottest months of the year.
Weather in August »Weather in September
Even though
September signals the departure of the peak summer season, high temperatures persist in
Yanbu. The rainfall level scarcely changes, depicting a continuation of the dry spell at 0mm (0"). Nonetheless, September weather signals the hint of a decrease in temperatures.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
As
Yanbu moves into
October, residents welcome a subtle, yet noticeable change in the weather. A break in the dry spell occurs with October recording a rainfall of 4mm (0.16") as a prelude to this year's second rainfall period.
Weather in October »Weather in November
In
November,
Yanbu approaches the end of the year with autumn in full swing. A further decrease in temperature is felt, as the region moves away from its hot phase. Yanbu experiences a noticeable increase in rainfall during November, marking 7mm (0.28") in an otherwise typically arid region.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December signals the arrival of winter in
Yanbu. While still exhibiting a mild climate compared to many other parts of the world, Yanbu experiences a further drop in temperature. It greets the year-end with the highest rainfall in the year, marked at 12mm (0.47"), highlighting a significant increase in rainfall from the previous months.
Weather in December »