Short answer: November to March is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia: Riyadh, AlUla, Medina and the Eastern Province have sunny days of about 20–30 °C (68–86 °F), and it is the season of the Riyadh Season festival and AlUla’s winter events. The trade-off is cold desert nights and peak prices at AlUla. From May to September the lowlands average highs of 40–44 °C (104–111 °F), so summer visitors head to the cool mountains of Abha and Taif instead.
This page explains Saudi Arabia’s climate city by city, what each month is like, and how Ramadan, the Hajj and the big events affect your trip, as of October 2026. For visas, Umrah rules, transport and local laws, see our Saudi Arabia travel guide, and plan your days with our AI trip planner.
Best time to visit Saudi Arabia at a glance
| Goal | Best months | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Best weather for cities and sightseeing | November to March | Riyadh highs of about 21–28 °C (69–82 °F); Jeddah warm at 29–33 °C (84–91 °F) |
| AlUla and Hegra | November to March | Sunny days of about 20–29 °C (68–83 °F), cold nights for stargazing; the main tour season |
| Events and festivals | Late October to December | The Riyadh Season (from October 21, 2026), Khobar and Jeddah winter programs |
| Escaping the heat | June to September in Abha and Taif | Abha’s highs stay near 31 °C (88 °F) at about 2,200 m (7,200 ft) |
| Fewest crowds at the holy mosques | Outside Ramadan and the Hajj | Mecca and Medina are busiest in Ramadan and the weeks around the Hajj |
| Hiking in the Asir mountains | October to February | Dry, sunny days of 20–26 °C (68–80 °F) in Abha, with cold nights |
| Roses in Taif | March and April | The Damask rose harvest and distilling season |
Saudi Arabia weather month by month
Weather month by month
The climate table shows average daily highs and lows and rain for each month in Riyadh, from the 1991–2020 climate normals that Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology submitted to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) for King Khalid International Airport. Riyadh is typical of the interior: highs of about 21 °C (69 °F) in January rising to 44 °C (111 °F) in July, nights that drop to about 8 °C (46 °F) in midwinter, and only about 108 mm (4.2 in) of rain a year, nearly all of it from November to April, with April the wettest month at about 24 mm (0.9 in). The Red Sea coast around Jeddah is warmer in winter and more humid in summer; the Asir highlands around Abha are much cooler, with rain in spring and summer storms. Rain often comes in short, heavy storms that can flood roads and wadis.
Saudi Arabia month by month
January
The coolest month: Riyadh averages 21 °C (69 °F) by day and 8 °C (46 °F) at night, AlUla’s nights can fall to single digits, and Jeddah is pleasantly warm at about 29 °C (84 °F). It is peak season for AlUla and the desert, so book tours and hotels early. Pack a warm layer for evenings inland.
February
Sunny and mild, with Riyadh highs of about 24 °C (75 °F). Founding Day on February 22 is a public holiday with celebrations across the country. In 2027, Ramadan is expected to begin around February 8: days are quiet, many restaurants open only after sunset, and evenings are lively. Mecca and Medina become very busy.
March
Warm, with Riyadh highs near 28 °C (82 °F) and Medina about 31 °C (87 °F). Ramadan is expected to end around March 9, 2027, followed by Eid al-Fitr (around March 10), when government offices close for several days and domestic flights and hotels fill. Spring rains begin in the Asir mountains, and Taif’s rose season starts.
April
Getting hot, with Riyadh highs of about 34 °C (92 °F); April is also Riyadh’s wettest month, with about 24 mm (0.9 in), often in sudden thunderstorms. It is the peak of the rose harvest in Taif and the wettest month in Abha, with afternoon storms and occasional hail.
May
The heat arrives: Riyadh and Medina average about 40 °C (104 °F) and Mecca about 42 °C (108 °F). In 2027, the Hajj falls in mid-May, with Eid al-Adha expected around May 16. Around the pilgrimage, Mecca and the holy sites are open only to permit holders, and flights to Jeddah, Medina and Taif are restricted to Hajj pilgrims, so plan other trips for different dates.
June
Extreme heat in the lowlands, with Riyadh averaging 43 °C (109 °F). It is the start of the summer season in the mountains: Abha’s highs are about 31 °C (88 °F), and the Aseer summer program of concerts and family events usually begins in late June. Jeddah is humid, around 38 °C (101 °F).
July
The hottest month in most cities: Riyadh and Dhahran average 44 °C (111 °F), with recorded extremes above 50 °C (122 °F). Sightseeing works only early in the morning and after dark; museums and malls fill the middle of the day. Abha and Taif are at their busiest with Saudi families, and summer storms bring rain and fog to the Asir.
August
Still extremely hot inland, with Medina averaging about 44 °C (111 °F), and humid on both coasts. The mountain summer season continues until the end of the month. Lowland hotel rates are often at their lowest.
September
Very hot, with Riyadh highs of about 41 °C (106 °F), easing slightly late in the month. National Day on September 23 is a public holiday with fireworks, flag-lit buildings and events in every city.
October
Hot but improving: Riyadh averages about 36 °C (96 °F), and evenings become pleasant. AlUla’s season starts, and the Riyadh Season opens on October 21, 2026, running about ten weeks with concerts, sports events and the Boulevard World zone in Riyadh. Khobar’s winter program usually starts late in the month.
November
One of the best months: Riyadh averages about 27 °C (81 °F) by day and 14 °C (56 °F) at night, and the main sightseeing season begins everywhere. It is Jeddah’s wettest month, with about 27 mm (1.1 in), usually in one or two heavy storms. On November 15, 2026, AlUla hosts Leonid meteor shower viewing at Jabal Ikmah.
December
Mild and sunny, with Riyadh highs of about 22 °C (72 °F) and cold nights inland. The Riyadh Season is in full swing, AlUla is at its busiest, and the Eastern Province around Khobar is comfortable at about 24 °C (75 °F). Book AlUla well ahead for the winter holidays.
Best time to visit by region
Riyadh
November to March, with sunny days of about 21–28 °C (69–82 °F), cool nights and the Riyadh Season; Diriyah’s At-Turaif is at its best on winter afternoons and evenings. From May to September plan outdoor visits for early morning and evening. See our Riyadh guide.
Jeddah
November to March, when highs of about 29–33 °C (84–91 °F) make Historic Jeddah’s lanes and the corniche pleasant. Summer is hot and humid, around 38–39 °C (100–103 °F). Avoid the weeks around the Hajj, when the airport is extremely busy. See our Jeddah guide.
AlUla
November to March, with days of about 20–29 °C (68–83 °F) and nights often below 10 °C (50 °F) from December to February. October and April are warm to hot, and from May to September tours run only early and late. See our AlUla guide.
Mecca and Medina
For pilgrims, November to March brings the most comfortable weather, with Medina highs of about 24–31 °C (76–87 °F); Mecca stays warm even in winter. Both cities are busiest in Ramadan and around the Hajj, when hotel prices near the holy mosques are at their highest. Mecca’s sacred area is open to Muslims only. See our Mecca and Medina guides.
Abha and the Asir
June to September is high season, with highs of about 29–31 °C (84–88 °F), fog and green slopes. October to February is dry, sunny and quiet, with cold nights around 8 °C (46 °F); March to May is the wettest period, with afternoon thunderstorms. See our Abha guide.
Taif
March and April for the rose harvest and highs of about 28–31 °C (82–87 °F); June to September as a summer resort several degrees cooler than Mecca and the coast. See our Taif guide.
Khobar and the Eastern Province
November to March, with highs of about 22–30 °C (71–85 °F) on the Gulf coast and the winter programs at Ithra and along the corniche. Summer is very hot and humid, with highs of about 44 °C (111 °F) in July. See our Khobar guide.
Best time for desert trips, hiking, diving and events in Saudi Arabia
Desert trips and stargazing
November to March, for the Edge of the World near Riyadh, AlUla’s canyons and desert camps. Nights are cold and skies clear. Travel in the desert in convoy and with a local guide.
Hiking
October to February in the Asir mountains around Abha, and November to March in AlUla and around Riyadh. In summer, hike only at altitude and start early. See our hiking guide.
Diving and snorkeling in the Red Sea
The Red Sea off Jeddah can be dived all year; spring and autumn combine warm water with bearable air temperatures, while summer surface water is very warm and the air hot and humid. See our diving and snorkeling guides.
Events and festivals
The Riyadh Season from October 21, 2026, AlUla’s winter calendar from about October to March, Founding Day (February 22), National Day (September 23) and the Aseer summer season (late June to August). Event dates are announced each year, so check the organizers’ sites.
Seasons to plan around
Summer heat, May to September: average highs of 40–44 °C (104–111 °F) in Riyadh, Mecca, Medina and Dhahran. Sightseeing works early and late; carry water, cover your head and plan indoor visits for midday.
Ramadan (expected around February 8 to March 9, 2027): sights stay open, often with shorter or evening hours, and eating and drinking in public during daylight should be avoided. Eid al-Fitr follows, with several days of closures and busy travel. Islamic dates follow the moon and are confirmed shortly before.
The Hajj (mid-May 2027): Mecca and the holy sites are reserved for pilgrims with Hajj permits, and visitors not performing the Hajj are stopped from flying to Jeddah, Medina and Taif around the pilgrimage. Umrah visas are not activated during the Hajj season.
Winter storms and flash floods, November to April: rain is rare but can fall in short, heavy bursts that flood roads and wadis, especially from November to February. Follow alerts from the Civil Defense and never drive into a flooded wadi.
How long to stay
A week covers Riyadh and AlUla; ten days to two weeks adds Jeddah, Taif or Abha, using flights for the long distances and the Haramain high-speed train between Jeddah, Mecca and Medina. Our Saudi Arabia travel guide has sample itineraries.
Best time to visit Saudi Arabia: FAQ
What is the best month to visit Saudi Arabia?
November or February for most trips: mild, sunny days in Riyadh and AlUla, warm weather in Jeddah, and plenty of events. December and January are equally pleasant but busier at AlUla.
What is the hottest month in Saudi Arabia?
July and August, with average highs of about 44 °C (111 °F) in Riyadh, Medina and Dhahran on the WMO 1991–2020 normals. Abha, in the mountains, averages about 31 °C (88 °F).
When is the best time to visit AlUla?
November to March, with days of about 20–29 °C (68–83 °F) and cold, clear nights. It is the busiest season, so book Hegra tours and hotels early.
Is it a good idea to visit Saudi Arabia during Ramadan?
It can be: sights stay open, evenings are festive, and you see a special side of daily life. Daytime meals are harder to find, hours are shorter, and Mecca and Medina are at their busiest.
Does it rain in Saudi Arabia?
Rarely. Riyadh gets about 108 mm (4.2 in) a year and Jeddah about 60 mm (2.3 in), mostly from November to April in short, heavy storms. Abha, in the mountains, gets about 200 mm (7.9 in), with spring and summer storms.
When is the Riyadh Season?
The 2026 Riyadh Season opens on October 21 and runs for about ten weeks, with concerts, sports events and entertainment zones such as Boulevard World.
Sources · last reviewed 9 Oct 2026
Researched and last reviewed by TravelerCenter on 8 October 2026. Monthly temperatures and rain come from the WMO 1991–2020 climate normals submitted by Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology for Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Abha, Taif and Dhahran, archived by NOAA NCEI (AlUla’s station has only one year of records, so its figures are a rough guide). The Riyadh Season dates come from the Saudi Press Agency; AlUla’s Leonid viewing from the Royal Commission for AlUla; Hajj-season flight restrictions, flash floods and desert travel from GOV.UK’s Saudi Arabia travel information; Umrah visa rules from the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Ramadan, Eid and Hajj dates for 2027 are astronomical estimates and may move by a day or two. Seasonal patterns for Abha, Taif and the Red Sea come from our destination guides and general sources and are flagged for checking.
Also: NCM normals 1991–2020, Riyadh (King Khalid International Airport) (climate)
Data: Wikidata (CC0)