Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Riyadh
Weather in Riyadh is shaped by its hot desert climate - expect intense summer heat, mild winters and very little rain. July afternoons typically reach 110°F (44°C), while January highs hover near 70°F (21°C). Annual precipitation averages 3.0 inches (77 mm) over about 15 rainy days.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 110°F (44°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 70°F (21°C)
- Record high: 118°F (48°C) · Record low: 31°F (-1°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: January (2 rainy days) · Sunniest: June (12.0 h sun/day)
- Climate type: hot desert - intense summer heat, mild winters and very little rain
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 110°F (44°C) and overnight lows stay near 86°F (30°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 70°F (21°C) and lows around 48°F (9°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 118°F (48°C) and dropped as low as 31°F (-1°C).
Rain, sun and snow
January is usually the wettest month. It brings about 0.6 inches (15 mm) of rain over 2 days, while June is the driest. June brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.0 hours of sun a day.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 70° | 48° | 2 | 0.6 in | 9.4 h/day | 45% |
| February | 74° | 52° | 2 | 0.5 in | 9.8 h/day | 36% |
| March | 83° | 60° | 3 | 0.4 in | 10.4 h/day | 31% |
| April | 91° | 68° | 3 | 0.5 in | 10.6 h/day | 27% |
| May | 102° | 77° | 1 | 0.1 in | 11.4 h/day | 17% |
| June | 108° | 83° | 0 | 0.0 in | 12.0 h/day | 11% |
| July | 110° | 86° | 0 | 0.0 in | 11.7 h/day | 12% |
| August | 109° | 85° | 0 | 0.0 in | 11.6 h/day | 13% |
| September | 104° | 79° | 0 | 0.0 in | 11.4 h/day | 15% |
| October | 94° | 70° | 0 | 0.0 in | 10.9 h/day | 22% |
| November | 81° | 61° | 2 | 0.5 in | 9.8 h/day | 42% |
| December | 72° | 51° | 2 | 0.4 in | 9.6 h/day | 46% |
Riyadh month by month
Riyadh weather in January
January brings highs around 70°F (21°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), about 2 wet days - typically the coldest month and the wettest month of the year in Riyadh.
Riyadh weather in February
February brings highs around 74°F (24°C), lows near 52°F (11°C), about 2 wet days.
Riyadh weather in March
March brings highs around 83°F (28°C), lows near 60°F (16°C), about 3 wet days.
Riyadh weather in April
April brings highs around 91°F (33°C), lows near 68°F (20°C), about 3 wet days.
Riyadh weather in May
May brings highs around 102°F (39°C), lows near 77°F (25°C), about 1 wet days.
Riyadh weather in June
June brings highs around 108°F (42°C), lows near 83°F (28°C), about 0 wet days - typically the driest month and the sunniest month of the year in Riyadh.
Riyadh weather in July
July brings highs around 110°F (44°C), lows near 86°F (30°C), about 0 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Riyadh.
Riyadh weather in August
August brings highs around 109°F (43°C), lows near 85°F (29°C), about 0 wet days.
Riyadh weather in September
September brings highs around 104°F (40°C), lows near 79°F (26°C), about 0 wet days.
Riyadh weather in October
October brings highs around 94°F (35°C), lows near 70°F (21°C), about 0 wet days.
Riyadh weather in November
November brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 2 wet days.
Riyadh weather in December
December brings highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 51°F (11°C), about 2 wet days.
Seasons in Riyadh
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Riyadh is intensely hot, with daytime highs averaging 92°F (33°C) and nights around 68°F (20°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Riyadh turns very hot, with daytime highs averaging 109°F (43°C) and nights around 84°F (29°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Riyadh turns very hot, with daytime highs averaging 93°F (34°C) and nights around 70°F (21°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Riyadh is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 72°F (22°C) and nights around 50°F (10°C); precipitation is infrequent.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Riyadh?
Is Riyadh hot in summer?
Is Riyadh cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Riyadh get in a year?
Best time to visit Riyadh
The best time to visit Riyadh is generally November to March, when temperatures are at their most comfortable before or after the peak heat. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 76°F (25°C).
Pack for Riyadh with lightweight, breathable clothing and strong sun protection for the hot months. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 86°F (30°C).
Riyadh temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.