As most of Saudi Arabia is a desert-like plateau, the weather usually remain stable throughout the Kingdom. Climatic differences can only be felt between coastal and inland areas. There are four major seasons in Saudi Arabia: Summer, Autumn, Winter and Spring. The summer in the country is hot and dry, with very little to no rainfall. On the other hand, winters are mild with the expectations of rain and snowfall in some regions. In the cities like Riyadh, summers are outrageous, with the most extreme temperatures reaching 47 degrees Celsius. Whereas, during winters, warm days can turn into cold evenings and frigid nights. Mountains in the north can experience moderate snowfall during winters. Regions around the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf have a humid climate with pleasant weather conditions. Here’s a guide on what to expect in each of the four seasons of Saudi Arabia; can be really handy if visiting KSA for the first time.
Seasons In Saudi Arabia
I. Summer in Saudi Arabia
The Kingdom has long and harsh summers. The heat in the desert can be unbearable; hence, adequate protection is needed during summer. The land becomes dry with no trace of rainfall in many regions. In May, Saudi summer temperature ranges around 30 degrees Celsius, reaching 45 degrees Celsius in August. The holy city of Makkah is the hottest place in Saudi Arabia during summers. Abha, the summer capital of Saudi Arabia remains the coolest city in Saudi Arabia in summer.
What to wear in summer in Saudi Arabia
To tackle heat during summer in Saudi Arabia, the trick is to keep the body cool. The country has a conservative dress code, so it is always best to follow the local’s advice. This applies to both men and women. Light clothing made from natural fibers is highly recommended. Women may find it more comfortable to wear a lightweight abaya, with only the face and hands exposed. A headscarf is not technically necessary, but going without it can lead to negative gaze and disapproval. However, people can wear open-toe style shoes.
Popular summer activities in Saudi Arabia
Despite the unpleasant heat, tourism remains operational in the summers. The city of Riyadh is popular among ski and sledding enthusiasts. Visitors can explore various malls, summer markets and hill stations during summer. Additionally, summer is the peak of the holiday season, so one has plenty of activities to enjoy. The summers are way too arid and dry, so the locals and tourists prefer heading to the colder places like the Asir region, Abha and other hill stations. The historical significance and moderate climates of these places make them experience swamps of tourists every year.
II. Autumn in Saudi Arabia
Autumn in Saudi Arabia is comparatively shorter than summer. It usually lasts only till September and October. The season experiences significantly less rainfall which helps mitigate the heat. The weather starts to cool down in mid-September, but the intense desert heat does not disappear until October, when the daily average temperature drops to around 26 degrees Celsius.
What to wear in autumn
It is recommended to keep the clothes simple and prefer transitional outfits for autumn. The popular clothing includes loose, lightweight shirts and flowing trousers made of cotton and linen. For women, a lightweight abaya is the most suggested outfit.
Popular autumn activities
Autumn is the time of celebration in KSA. The country hosts several annual events during this time, including the Hala Jeddah Festival. In addition, to commemorate the country’s foundation in 1932, Kingdom Reunification Day is celebrated on September 23 every year. Due to increased public gatherings over the past few years, the day is celebrated like a festival in the Kingdom. Camping and trekking are the most preferred tourist activities in Saudi during autumn. The month of September has great significance for the people of KSA. On Saudi National Day, the country is decorated in green and white. Tourists can experience the festivities of National Day spread all over major cities of Saudi Arabia. Further, autumn presents an excellent opportunity to visit various archeological and historical sites in the Kingdom.
III. Winter in Saudi Arabia
Winter season in Saudi Arabia is at its peak from December to January, and the coldest month is January. Through the season, the average winter temperature in Saudi Arabia is 20 degrees Celsius, it can drop to near-zero at night in some areas. Winter experiences considerable rainfall and is also considered as rainy season in Saudi Arabia. The rainfall can vary in different parts of the Kingdom. The most rainfall occurs in the central highlands, including the capital Riyadh. Snow is rare, but light snowfall may be seen in some regions, such as the Jiraz, Tabuk, or Jebel al-Lawz mountain. Turaif, located on the northern border, is the coldest place in Saudi Arabia with minimum temperature recorded as -12°C.
What to wear in winter in Saudi Arabia
During winters, wearing a layer of warm clothes is always a good idea. Down jackets, scarves, and boots help deal with cold conditions in the far north and west mountains. In some regions, T-shirts serve the purpose during the day, but one may need a light jacket or sweater at night.
Popular winter activities in Saudi Arabia
Tourist season in the country begins in October, experiences a surge between November and February, and shuts down in March. By December, temperatures go down to an average daily high of 22°C. The winter is pleasant, making it ideal for outdoor activities. Many locals prefer winters for horseback riding, sandboarding, or hiking at Al Nafood or Rub al Khali. Horse racing at King Abdulaziz Horses Center is a famous weekend activity for those living in Riyadh. Winter is always enjoyable on weekends as there are no public holidays during the season.
IV. Spring in Saudi Arabia
One of the most beautiful seasons in Saudi Arabia, spring is rather a short one. On the Red Sea coast, temperatures reach 33°C through mid-March. As a result, the already insignificant amount of precipitation is further reduced. The temperature continues to rise in April. Daytime temperatures do not drop below 32°C and at night are around 25°C. The exceptions are mountainous areas and deserts (about 8°C; colder nights with a temperature of 46°F) and the shores of the Red Sea with hotter days.
What to wear in spring
Spring is the perfect time to pack summer essentials in one’s wardrobe. The best wear during spring is light shirts and loose trousers. Most of the clothes are made up of cotton and linen. The style gets more relaxed during spring.
Popular spring activities
Despite its short duration, spring the festival season in the Kingdom. One can enjoy plenty of activities, such as the Yanbu Flower Festival (the country’s response to the London Chelsea Flower Show), the Riyadh International Book Fair, and several regional golf tournaments. It’s also a great time to head out into the desert to visit seasonal lakes like Harrara and hike to the Edge of the World. In addition, it is the best time to explore the flora (especially the roses) and fauna of the Taif, Madinah, and Jeddah hills. One can find the famous Saudi Black Truffle in this season. As the spring season arrives, tourists should not miss out on exploring the major cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah, Makkah, Dammam and Al Qassim. Tourists can enjoy the Al-Jenadriyah, a fourteen-day cultural festival near Riyadh that lasts for two weeks and showcases an extravaganza of local cuisines.
Suggested Read: 10 Dishes To Try In Saudi Arabia: The Best Of Arabian Food
Owing to its desert-plateau topography, KSA features slight variation in the climate. Leaving summers, the country remains relatively more soothing to travel throughout the year. Tourists flock to the Kingdom throughout the year during different seasons in Saudi Arabia to know more about this mystical land in Arabian Peninsula.
Seasons In Saudi Arabia FAQs
What are the main seasons of Saudi Arabia?
The main seasons of Saudi Arabia are summers, winters, autumn, and spring.
What kind of weather prevails in Riyadh?
The weather in the coastal regions of the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf is warm and humid year-round. Warm days transform into chilly nights; summers are peak, with temperatures reaching 47 degrees Celsius. The capital of the Kingdom of Riyadh has a bright winter.
How are the winters in Saudi Arabia?
Winter in Saudi Arabia reaches its peak in December and January. The average temperature during winter remains 20 degrees Celsius. The coldest month is January.
How are summers in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia has dry, long and harsh summers. The temperature goes from 30 to 45 degrees Celsius.
What are the autumn months in Saudi Arabia?
Autumn in Saudi Arabia starts from September and ends in October.
