Saudi Arabia Weather by Month
Saudi Arabia, located in the Arabian Peninsula, is the largest country in the Middle East and one of the most geographically diverse. It borders Jordan, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Yemen, with coastlines along the Red Sea to the west and the Arabian Gulf to the east. Most of the country is covered by desert, including the vast Rub’ al Khali (Empty Quarter), the largest continuous sand desert in the world.
The climate of Saudi Arabia is predominantly desert, characterized by extremely hot summers, mild winters, and minimal rainfall. However, there are significant variations across the country:
- Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia: This area, including Riyadh and Dammam, has a typical desert climate with scorching summers and cool winters.
- Western Saudi Arabia (Hejaz Region): Cities like Jeddah, Makkah, and Medina experience high humidity and heat due to their proximity to the Red Sea.
- Southern Saudi Arabia (Asir Region): The highlands near Abha and Al-Baha experience a more temperate climate, with cooler temperatures, particularly during summer.
- Northern Saudi Arabia: The region near Tabuk and Arar can experience colder winters and even occasional snowfall in some areas.
Overall, the climate of Saudi Arabia can be divided into two major seasons:
- Summer (April to October): Extremely hot temperatures, especially in the central desert regions.
- Winter (November to March): Cooler temperatures, with some regions experiencing cold spells and occasional rainfall.
Let’s take a detailed look at the weather in Saudi Arabia, month by month.
January
Weather Overview
January is the coldest month of the year in Saudi Arabia, with relatively cool temperatures across most regions, particularly in the north and highlands.
Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 8°C to 21°C (46°F to 70°F)
- Rainfall: 5-20 mm
- Weather: Cool and dry, with pleasant daytime temperatures in Riyadh and Dammam. Nights can be quite chilly, especially in desert areas.
Western Saudi Arabia (Hejaz Region)
- Temperature: 18°C to 29°C (64°F to 84°F)
- Rainfall: 10-30 mm
- Weather: Mild with occasional rainfall, particularly in Jeddah and Makkah. The Red Sea coast is pleasant for outdoor activities.
Southern Saudi Arabia (Asir Region)
- Temperature: 8°C to 20°C (46°F to 68°F)
- Rainfall: 10-40 mm
- Weather: Cool, especially in the highlands near Abha, where temperatures can drop below 10°C at night.
Northern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 10-25 mm
- Weather: Cold, particularly at night, with temperatures dropping close to freezing in cities like Tabuk and Arar. Occasional frost is possible in northern regions.
February
Weather Overview
February is still relatively cool across the country, with similar conditions to January, though temperatures begin to rise slightly toward the end of the month.
Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 10°C to 23°C (50°F to 73°F)
- Rainfall: 5-15 mm
- Weather: Mild and dry, with cool evenings in Riyadh and Dammam. Rainfall remains infrequent.
Western Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 10-25 mm
- Weather: Mild with occasional rain along the Red Sea coast. Makkah and Medina experience comfortable weather, making it an ideal time for outdoor activities and religious tourism.
Southern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F)
- Rainfall: 10-30 mm
- Weather: Cool, especially in the mountainous regions. Abha and Al-Baha experience chilly nights, while daytime temperatures remain pleasant.
Northern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 6°C to 20°C (43°F to 68°F)
- Rainfall: 5-20 mm
- Weather: Cold in the mornings and evenings, with frost possible in some areas. Daytime temperatures are more moderate in Tabuk and Al-Jawf.
March
Weather Overview
March marks the transition to spring in Saudi Arabia, with warmer temperatures and slightly more rainfall in some regions. The weather remains comfortable across most of the country.
Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 15°C to 27°C (59°F to 81°F)
- Rainfall: 5-20 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry, with daytime temperatures in Riyadh and Dammam rising steadily. Evenings are still cool.
Western Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 22°C to 32°C (72°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: 5-20 mm
- Weather: Warm and humid along the Red Sea coast. Jeddah and Makkah experience sunny days with a slight chance of rain.
Southern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 12°C to 25°C (54°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: 5-25 mm
- Weather: Pleasant temperatures in Abha and Al-Baha, with clear skies and cooler evenings.
Northern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 10°C to 24°C (50°F to 75°F)
- Rainfall: 5-15 mm
- Weather: Warmer, with moderate daytime temperatures. Nights remain cool, particularly in Tabuk and Arar.
April
Weather Overview
April is the beginning of the hot season in Saudi Arabia. Temperatures rise significantly, especially in the central and eastern regions, while the northern and mountainous regions remain relatively cooler.
Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 20°C to 33°C (68°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 10-25 mm
- Weather: Warm to hot, with rising daytime temperatures in Riyadh and Dammam. Rainfall is infrequent, but brief thunderstorms can occur.
Western Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 24°C to 35°C (75°F to 95°F)
- Rainfall: 5-10 mm
- Weather: Hot, with high humidity along the coast. Makkah and Jeddah see fewer rainy days, and temperatures rise into the high 30s (°C) during the afternoons.
Southern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 5-15 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry, with pleasant conditions in Abha and Al-Baha. The highlands remain cooler compared to the rest of the country.
Northern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 15°C to 28°C (59°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 5-10 mm
- Weather: Warmer, with moderate temperatures during the day and cool nights in Tabuk and Arar.
May
Weather Overview
May brings the full onset of summer heat in Saudi Arabia. Temperatures soar across most regions, particularly in the central desert and coastal areas.
Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 25°C to 40°C (77°F to 104°F)
- Rainfall: 5-15 mm
- Weather: Hot and dry, with daytime temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C in Riyadh and Dammam. The heat intensifies, and rain is rare.
Western Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 28°C to 38°C (82°F to 100°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Hot and humid along the Red Sea coast. Makkah and Medina experience intense heat during the day, with little to no rainfall.
Southern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 18°C to 30°C (64°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 5-15 mm
- Weather: Warm and comfortable in the highlands. Abha and Al-Baha remain cooler than other parts of the country.
Northern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 20°C to 35°C (68°F to 95°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Hot during the day, with cooler nights in Tabuk and Arar. The northern regions experience dry conditions with little rainfall.
June
Weather Overview
June is the start of the extreme summer heat in Saudi Arabia. Daytime temperatures are particularly high, especially in the central and eastern parts of the country.
Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 30°C to 45°C (86°F to 113°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Extremely hot and dry, with Riyadh and Dammam experiencing soaring temperatures during the day. Evenings remain warm, with little respite from the heat.
Western Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Hot and humid, particularly in Jeddah and Makkah. The Red Sea coast experiences high humidity levels, making the heat feel more intense.
Southern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 20°C to 32°C (68°F to 90°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Warm but more bearable in the highlands. Abha and Al-Baha remain cool compared to the rest of the country.
Northern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 25°C to 40°C (77°F to 104°F)
- Rainfall: 0 mm
- Weather: Hot and dry, with Tabuk and Arar experiencing high daytime temperatures and cooler nights.
July
Weather Overview
July is one of the hottest months in Saudi Arabia, particularly in the central and eastern desert regions. Daytime temperatures regularly exceed 45°C.
Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 32°C to 47°C (90°F to 117°F)
- Rainfall: 0 mm
- Weather: Extremely hot and dry, with little to no rainfall. Daytime temperatures in Riyadh and Dammam can exceed 45°C, and even nighttime temperatures remain high.
Western Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 32°C to 43°C (90°F to 109°F)
- Rainfall: 0 mm
- Weather: Hot and humid, especially along the Red Sea coast. Jeddah and Makkah experience intense heat and humidity.
Southern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 22°C to 33°C (72°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 0-10 mm
- Weather: Warm but bearable in the highlands. Abha and Al-Baha remain cooler, thanks to their elevation.
Northern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 27°C to 42°C (81°F to 108°F)
- Rainfall: 0 mm
- Weather: Extremely hot, with high temperatures during the day and warm nights in Tabuk and Arar.
August
Weather Overview
August is still extremely hot in Saudi Arabia, with minimal relief from the heat. Temperatures remain high across the country, with the southern highlands offering the coolest weather.
Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 32°C to 46°C (90°F to 115°F)
- Rainfall: 0 mm
- Weather: Scorching hot, with no rainfall. Riyadh and Dammam experience sweltering temperatures throughout the day and night.
Western Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 32°C to 42°C (90°F to 108°F)
- Rainfall: 0 mm
- Weather: Hot and humid along the Red Sea coast, particularly in Jeddah and Makkah.
Southern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 22°C to 33°C (72°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Warm but bearable in Abha and Al-Baha, making them popular destinations for those seeking relief from the summer heat.
Northern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 28°C to 43°C (82°F to 109°F)
- Rainfall: 0 mm
- Weather: Extremely hot and dry, with little variation in temperature between day and night in Tabuk and Arar.
September
Weather Overview
September signals the beginning of the end of summer, with temperatures starting to drop slightly across the country. The desert regions remain hot, but there’s a noticeable decrease in humidity.
Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 30°C to 42°C (86°F to 108°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Hot and dry, but temperatures in Riyadh and Dammam start to drop slightly as summer wanes.
Western Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 30°C to 40°C (86°F to 104°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Still hot and humid along the Red Sea coast, but the intensity of the heat begins to decrease.
Southern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F)
- Rainfall: 5-10 mm
- Weather: Pleasant in the highlands, with Abha and Al-Baha offering cool, comfortable weather.
Northern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 25°C to 40°C (77°F to 104°F)
- Rainfall: 0-5 mm
- Weather: Hot during the day but with cooler nights in Tabuk and Arar.
October
Weather Overview
October marks the onset of autumn in Saudi Arabia, with cooler temperatures, particularly in the northern and central regions. The desert heat begins to subside significantly.
Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F)
- Rainfall: 5-10 mm
- Weather: Warm and dry, with temperatures in Riyadh and Dammam becoming more comfortable. Evenings are cooler, making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Western Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 27°C to 38°C (81°F to 100°F)
- Rainfall: 5-10 mm
- Weather: Warm and humid along the coast, but the heat is less intense compared to the peak summer months. Makkah and Jeddah experience fewer extremely hot days.
Southern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 5-15 mm
- Weather: Cool and pleasant in Abha and Al-Baha, with increasing chances of rain.
Northern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 20°C to 33°C (68°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 5-15 mm
- Weather: Cool in the mornings and evenings, with mild daytime temperatures in Tabuk and Arar. Rainfall increases slightly.
November
Weather Overview
November brings much cooler weather across Saudi Arabia. The northern regions and highlands begin to experience cold nights, while the central and coastal areas remain mild.
Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 18°C to 28°C (64°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 10-20 mm
- Weather: Mild and dry, with comfortable daytime temperatures in Riyadh and Dammam. Evenings are cool, and occasional showers may occur.
Western Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 22°C to 33°C (72°F to 91°F)
- Rainfall: 5-15 mm
- Weather: Warm and slightly humid along the coast, with Makkah and Jeddah experiencing fewer hot days.
Southern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: 5-20 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet in the highlands. Abha and Al-Baha see more rain and lower temperatures, making it feel quite autumnal.
Northern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F)
- Rainfall: 5-15 mm
- Weather: Cold at night, with cooler days in Tabuk and Arar. Frost is possible in some areas.
December
Weather Overview
December is the start of winter in Saudi Arabia, with cool to cold temperatures, especially in the northern and mountainous regions. Rainfall increases slightly in the central and coastal areas.
Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 10°C to 22°C (50°F to 72°F)
- Rainfall: 10-25 mm
- Weather: Cool and dry, with pleasant daytime temperatures in Riyadh and Dammam. Nights are colder, and light rain is possible.
Western Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 17°C to 28°C (63°F to 82°F)
- Rainfall: 5-20 mm
- Weather: Mild, with occasional showers along the coast. Jeddah and Makkah experience cooler days, making it a good time for religious tourism.
Southern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F)
- Rainfall: 5-25 mm
- Weather: Cool and wet in the highlands, with rain showers common in Abha and Al-Baha. Nights can be cold, especially in the mountainous regions.
Northern Saudi Arabia
- Temperature: 5°C to 18°C (41°F to 64°F)
- Rainfall: 5-15 mm
- Weather: Cold, particularly at night. Some areas, like Tabuk, may experience frost or even light snow.
