Month guide · Riyadh · Saudi Arabia
Riyadh in January
What January is really like in Riyadh: weather, crowds, prices, events and what to pack.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
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Quick answer
January is one of the best months to visit Riyadh. Expect average highs of 20°C (68°F), lows of 9°C (48°F), about 3 rainy days and roughly 10.8 hours of daylight. Mild, sunny days and cool nights that call for a jacket; one of the most comfortable months for Diriyah and desert trips.
Key facts
- Average high / low
- 20°C (68°F) / 9°C (48°F)
- Rainy days
- About 3
- Daylight
- About 10.8 hours
- Crowds
- Busy
- Hotel prices
- High
Weather in January
January is the coolest month in Riyadh: days average 20°C (68°F) against a yearly average high of 33°C (91°F), and nights fall to about 9°C (48°F). Rain falls on roughly 3 of its 31 days. Compared with December (22°C (72°F)), January is cooler; by February highs climb to around 23°C (73°F).
- Sunrise (15 January)
- About 06:39
- Sunset (15 January)
- About 17:25
- Daylight
- About 10.8 hours
Autumn (October–November). Temperatures fall from hot to comfortable, and Riyadh Season and other events begin.
Crowds and prices
On a 1–5 scale, January rates 4 for crowds (the peak is December at 5) and 4 for hotel prices (highest in December). Book accommodation early: January is one of the pricier months.
Events in January
- Riyadh Season — concerts, shows and entertainment zones (usually continues through winter)
Dates move from year to year. Check the organiser’s site before booking travel around an event.
What to do in January
Mild, settled days suit walking, viewpoints and time outdoors.
Experience · Ad Diriyah
Bujairi Terrace
Reserve a terrace table facing At-Turaif for sunset, especially on Thursday and Friday evenings.
- Time needed
- 2 hours
- Cost
- Expensive
- Food
- Couples
- After dark
- Views
Viewpoint · Al Olaya
Kingdom Centre Sky Bridge
The 302-metre Kingdom Centre, completed in 2002, is crowned by a parabolic opening spanned by a glass-sided bridge about 300 metres up.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Iconic
- Views
- After dark
- Kids
Architecture · Al Olaya
Al Faisaliah Tower
See it lit from King Fahd Road after dark, when the globe glows above the street.
- Time needed
- 1 hour
- Cost
- Mid-priced
- Architecture
- Views
- After dark
Park · Ad Diriyah
Wadi Hanifa
This long valley runs along the western side of the city past Diriyah.
- Time needed
- 1–2 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Free
- Outdoors
- Nature
- Kids
What to pack
For highs near 20°C, lows near 9°C and 3 wet days: light layers for the day and a light jacket for the evening; comfortable walking shoes.
Is January a good time to visit Riyadh?
One of the best months to visit Riyadh, with a notable event on the calendar. The other best months are February–March and November–December. Compare every month.
Riyadh in other months
Questions travellers ask
+Is January a good time to visit Riyadh?
It is one of the best months to visit Riyadh. Mild, sunny days and cool nights that call for a jacket; one of the most comfortable months for Diriyah and desert trips.
+How warm is Riyadh in January?
Average highs are around 20°C (68°F) and lows around 9°C (48°F).
+Does it rain a lot in Riyadh in January?
Expect rain on about 3 days of the month, so it is usually dry.