Best time to visit · Riyadh · Saudi Arabia
The best time to visit Riyadh
Weather, crowds, prices and events for every month, so you can pick the trip that suits you.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Francisco Anzola, CC BY 2.0
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Quick answer
The best time to visit Riyadh is November to March, when days are sunny and mild, evenings are cool enough for outdoor dining and Riyadh Season events are running. From May to September daytime temperatures commonly exceed 40°C, so sightseeing shifts to museums, malls and the evenings. Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year; daytime life slows, while evenings become busy and social.
Key facts
- Best months
- November–March
- Shoulder season
- April and October
- Warmest month
- July (avg high 44°C (111°F))
- Coldest month
- January (avg high 20°C (68°F))
- Rainiest month
- April (~5 rainy days)
- Lowest hotel prices
- July–August
Seasons
Riyadh has a hot desert climate: very hot, dry summers regularly above 43°C, and mild, sunny winters with cool nights. Rain is rare and falls mainly in short showers between November and April.
December–February
Winter
Mild, sunny days and cool to cold nights; peak season for events, desert camping and outdoor dining.
March–May
Spring
Warming fast from pleasant March to very hot May, with occasional showers and dust storms.
June–September
Summer
Extreme heat with highs above 40°C; indoor sights and late evenings only, but the lowest hotel prices.
October–November
Autumn
Temperatures fall from hot to comfortable, and Riyadh Season and other events begin.
Month by month
Long-term averages (rounded). Crowds and prices are relative, 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest). Daylight is sunrise to sunset on the 15th.
| Month | High | Low | Rainy days | Daylight | Crowds | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 20°C | 9°C | 3 | 10.8 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| February | 23°C | 11°C | 2 | 11.3 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| March | 27°C | 15°C | 4 | 11.9 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| April | 33°C | 20°C | 5 | 12.7 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| May | 39°C | 26°C | 2 | 13.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| June | 43°C | 28°C | 0 | 13.7 h | 1/5 | 2/5 |
| July | 44°C | 30°C | 0 | 13.5 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| August | 44°C | 29°C | 0 | 13 h | 1/5 | 1/5 |
| September | 41°C | 26°C | 0 | 12.3 h | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| October | 35°C | 21°C | 1 | 11.5 h | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| November | 27°C | 15°C | 2 | 10.9 h | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| December | 22°C | 10°C | 2 | 10.6 h | 5/5 | 5/5 |
Yearly events
Recurring dates shift from year to year; confirm with the organiser before you book.
| Month | Events |
|---|---|
| January | Riyadh Season — concerts, shows and entertainment zones (usually continues through winter) |
| February | Founding Day — national holiday with heritage events (22 February) |
| September | Saudi National Day — fireworks, flags and celebrations (23 September) |
| October | Riyadh Season — seasonal entertainment programme (usually begins in autumn); Riyadh International Book Fair (usually autumn) |
| December | MDLBEAST Soundstorm — large electronic music festival (usually December) |
Cheapest and quietest times
Hotel prices are usually lowest in July–August, and the sights are quietest in June–August. Many visitors avoid June–August.
What to pack
| Season | Pack |
|---|---|
| Winter | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Spring | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Summer | Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen; Comfortable walking shoes |
| Autumn | Light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; Comfortable walking shoes |
Questions travellers ask
+What is the best month to visit Riyadh?
The best time to visit Riyadh is November to March, when days are sunny and mild, evenings are cool enough for outdoor dining and Riyadh Season events are running. From May to September daytime temperatures commonly exceed 40°C, so sightseeing shifts to museums, malls and the evenings. Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each year; daytime life slows, while evenings become busy and social.
+When are hotel prices lowest in Riyadh?
Usually in July–August. The hottest time of year, with strong sun and hot nights; many residents travel abroad.
+What is the rainiest month in Riyadh?
April, with about 5 days of rain on average.
+How hot does Riyadh get?
The warmest month, July, averages highs of 44°C (111°F) and lows of 30°C (86°F).