Riyadh — Climate Guide
Monthly temperatures, rainfall, humidity and best time to visit Riyadh.
Riyadh climate at a glance
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21°C | 9°C | 12mm | 45% |
| Feb | 23°C | 10°C | 13mm | 40% |
| Mar | 28°C | 14°C | 16mm | 36% |
| Apr | 33°C | 19°C | 9mm | 29% |
| May | 37°C | 24°C | 5mm | 22% |
| Jun | 41°C | 27°C | 1mm | 14% |
| Jul | 43°C | 28°C | 0mm | 12% |
| Aug | 43°C | 28°C | 0mm | 13% |
| Sep | 39°C | 25°C | 0mm | 17% |
| Oct | 33°C | 19°C | 2mm | 25% |
| Nov | 27°C | 14°C | 7mm | 38% |
| Dec | 22°C | 9°C | 10mm | 46% |
Climate overview
Riyadh lies on the Najd plateau in the centre of the Arabian Peninsula, roughly 600 metres above sea level and hundreds of kilometres from either coast. That inland location gives it one of the hottest and driest climates of any major capital: summer highs average 43°C, and humidity in July often falls to around 12%.
Riyadh is classed as BWh, a hot desert climate. Unlike Dubai, it is far from the sea, so summer heat is dry rather than muggy, and the gap between day and night temperatures is large. Winters are short and mild, with cool nights that can surprise first-time visitors.
Köppen classification: BWh — hot desert
Riyadh through the seasons
Winter
December – FebruaryDaytime highs of 21–23°C and lows of 9–10°C make winter the most comfortable time of year. Nights in the desert outside the city can drop close to freezing on rare occasions. Most of Riyadh's limited rain arrives between late autumn and spring, often in brief thunderstorms.
Spring
March – AprilMarch averages 28°C and April 33°C. This is the wettest part of the year in relative terms, with occasional thunderstorms, and it is also dust season: strong winds can raise sandstorms that turn the sky orange and reduce visibility to a few hundred metres.
Summer
May – SeptemberSummer is long, very hot and extremely dry. June to August average 41–43°C, with peaks that regularly exceed 45°C, and nights stay around 27–28°C. Rain is virtually absent. Low humidity means sweat evaporates quickly, so dehydration can set in before you feel it.
Autumn
October – NovemberHeat eases steadily: October averages 33°C and November 27°C. Skies are clear and dust storms are less frequent, making late autumn one of the best windows for outdoor events and trips to nearby escarpments such as the Edge of the World.
What makes Riyadh's weather distinctive
Riyadh's defining features are dryness and dust. With annual rainfall of around 100 mm and summer humidity often below 15%, the air can dry out skin, eyes and sinuses. Dust and sand storms, most common in spring and early summer, can arrive quickly with a wall of brown air and may affect flights and air quality.
Because the city sits on a plateau with clear skies, it also cools significantly after sunset. In winter a 12–13°C swing between afternoon and night is normal — pleasant for evening walks, but worth planning for.
Best time to visit Riyadh
The most comfortable time to visit Riyadh is November to March, when afternoons are warm and sunny at 21–28°C and evenings are cool. This is also the main season for outdoor festivals and desert trips. From May to September, plan around early mornings, evenings and indoor venues.
What to pack
- Loose, long, breathable clothing that covers shoulders and knees
- A warm layer for winter nights and desert excursions
- Sunglasses, sunscreen and a hat
- Moisturiser, lip balm and saline eye drops for the very dry air
- A light scarf or mask for dusty days
Frequently asked questions
What is the hottest month in Riyadh?
July and August are the hottest, both averaging 43°C by day. Temperatures above 45°C are common during heatwaves, and nights rarely fall below 27°C.
Does Riyadh get sandstorms?
Yes. Dust and sand storms are most common from March to June when strong northwesterly winds blow across the peninsula. They usually last hours rather than days but can sharply reduce visibility and air quality.
Is Riyadh humid?
No. Riyadh is one of the driest major cities in the world. Summer humidity is typically 12–17%, which makes the heat feel more bearable than in coastal Gulf cities, but increases dehydration risk.
Related reading
About this data: Monthly figures are rounded long-term averages consistent with published climate normals from national weather services and the World Meteorological Organization. Individual years can differ noticeably, and recent summers in many cities have run warmer than these averages. For current conditions and the next few days, use the live dashboard (data from WeatherAPI.com). Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.
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