Which is the hottest month in Saudi Arabia?

The hottest time of year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is normally July. Expect maximum daytime temperatures to reach 43°C with extreme heat and humidity.

Does it ever rain in Saudi Arabia?

It never rains much in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia but March usually has the most rain with an average of 31mm. There are normally 6 days in March with some rain.

Best time to visit Saudi Arabia

Q: When is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) is May, June, July, August, September and October based on the following average weather conditions. Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more.

Q: When is it sunniest in Saudi Arabia?

The sunniest time of year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is normally October with bright sunshine on average for 86% of daylight hours; that's 10 hours of sunshine per day.

Find the best time to visit Saudi Arabia and plan your perfect trip in 2025/2026. Get holiday inspiration, weather guides, travel advice and find great deals.

Saudi Arabia by month

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

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Top Saudi Arabia destinations

Below are the temperatures expected today at popular countries, regions and places in Saudi Arabia. Select a destination to compare today's forecast with average weather conditions.

All Saudi Arabia destinations

When is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) is May, June, July, August, September and October based on the following average weather conditions.

Daily hours of sunshine = 10 hours or more [remove]

Change the criteria to reflect your weather preferences.

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Jan
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Mar
4.5
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5
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Jun
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Jul
5
Aug
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Sep
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Oct
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Nov
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Dec

Change criteria

Hours of Sunshine (daily)

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Jan
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Mar
9
Apr
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May
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Best time to visit

Destination

Daytime temperature

Sunshine hours

Sea temperature

Monthly rainfall

Days with some rain

Heat & humidity

The weather guide for Saudi Arabia (Riyadh) shows long term weather averages processed from data supplied by CRU (University of East Anglia) & today's weather forecast provided by meteoblue. Find out more about our data sources.

Metric (°C / mm) | Imperial (°F / inches)

Saudi Arabia weather overview

You are unlikely to need an umbrella in Saudi Arabia: it is one of the driest countries in the world with vast tracts of desert which attract less than 200mm (8in) of rainfall a year. What rainfall there is comes between November and May, except in the mountains of the southwest where light rainfall is possible at any time of year.

The mountains are the best place to be in the height of summer when inland areas can bake in temperatures as high as 48°C (118°F).

The heat is exacerbated on the Persian Gulf and Red Sea coasts by high humidity which keep nights hot and sticky: there is some danger of heat exhaustion or even heat stroke in the hottest areas. Inland, lower humidity levels bring a sharp drop in temperatures at night and can cause frosts in winter.

What to pack for Saudi Arabia weather

Light, loose clothing is ideal for a visit to Saudi at any time of year but you should take warmer clothing to cope with air-conditioning and tor chilly nights when venturing into the desert.

More about Saudi Arabia

Explore our complete guide to Saudi Arabia with the latest travel advice for travellers and holidaymakers including official updates and local travel tips for Saudi Arabia.

Essential travel guide
Travel guidance
Travel health
Travel features
Top travel deals
FAQs

Saudi Arabia travel guide - essential info

Below is a beginner's guide to Saudi Arabia with essential travel facts such as dominant language spoken, typical flight time from the UK and the local currency. You can also check whether visas are required and what plug adapter you need to pack.

Saudi Arabia - quick facts
Time difference	UK +3 hours
Language(s)	Arabic
Currency	Saudi Riyal
Electricity	G plug (220V)
Driving side	Right
Visa^✝	Yes

Why visit Saudi Arabia?

Considering a holiday to the Saudi Arabia? Here are some of the very good reasons it makes such a wonderful holiday destination be it for culture or nature to ensure you get the most out of your 2025/2026 escape.

Culture
Nature

Saudi Arabia tourist information

Saudi Tourism Authority

✝ = requirements for UK travellers.

Travelling to Saudi Arabia?
Hotels Flights eSIMs

Saudi Arabia travel guidance

Check the latest travel guidance and advice on visiting Saudi Arabia from official government sources (in english) from around the world including entry requirements and travel restrictions.

UK traveller advice for Saudi Arabia - UK FCDO
Irish traveller advice for Saudi Arabia - Department of Foreign Affairs, Ireland
Canadian travel advice for Saudi Arabia - Government of Canada
US travel advisories for Saudi Arabia - US Department of State
Safe travel advisories for Saudi Arabia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand
Smarter traveller advice for Saudi Arabia - Department of Foreign Affairs, Australia

Learn more about the current safety and security risks from terrorism, natural disasters and more. Read about the local laws and customs to consider when travelling around Saudi Arabia.

Note: UK FCDO - UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office

Saudi Arabia travel health

Find out more about staying safe when travelling to Saudi Arabia with the latest guidance on required vaccinations and recommended medication to take with you.

Vaccines & medicines for Saudi Arabia - CDC
Health & vaccinations for Saudi Arabia - TravelHealthPro, NaTHNac
How to stay safe & healthy in Saudi Arabia - Fit for Travel, Public Health Scotland

Check out the general travel tips for staying safe and healthy in Saudi Arabia, risks of preventable diseases and what to pack.

Note: CDC - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Saudi Arabia travel features

Do you want to learn more about Saudi Arabia? Read our latest features covering travel tips and insider destination guides on where to go and what to do in Saudi Arabia.

We don't currently have any travel features on Saudi Arabia. Discover more about holiday destinations around the world with this selection of general travel articles.

Saudi Arabia FAQs

Read our frequently asked questions about travelling to Saudi Arabia including the current entry restrictions, driving side, electrical plugs used and much more.

Which month has the most rain in Saudi Arabia?

In terms of rainfall, January is usually the wettest month in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia with 0mm on average. There are normally no days in January with some rain.

When is it sunniest in Saudi Arabia?

The sunniest time of year in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia is normally January with bright sunshine on average for 0% of daylight hours; that's 0 hours of sunshine per day.

When is the sea warmest in Saudi Arabia?

The sea is usually at its warmest in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia in January when the water temperature reaches 0°C.

What is the time difference between Saudi Arabia and the UK?

The time difference between Saudi Arabia and the UK is UK time+3 hours.

What is the main language spoken in Saudi Arabia?

The main language spoken in Saudi Arabia is Arabic.

Learn a language for Saudi Arabia with Rosetta Stone^*, Busuu^* and Mondly^*.

What is the currency in Saudi Arabia?

The currency in Saudi Arabia is the Saudi Riyal (SAR).

Which plugs are used in Saudi Arabia?

Saudi Arabia uses electrical plug type G (220 Volts).

Which side of the road do they drive on in Saudi Arabia?

They drive on the right side of the road in Saudi Arabia.

Find out more about driving in Saudi Arabia with International Drivers Association^*.

Do you need a visa for Saudi Arabia?

Yes, UK passport holders do need a visa to enter Saudi Arabia.

Check Saudi Arabia visa requirements for all passport holders with VisaHQ^*.

Saudi Arabia travel deals

Holidays to Saudi Arabia

Check out the latest deals, discount codes and special offers on holidays to Saudi Arabia in 2025/2026. Pay low deposits and save with last minute holiday availability and free kids places.