When to go · Riyadh
Riyadh in January
Good month. Cool days 15–22°C, cold nights near 8°C; the best month.Good month. Cool days 59–72°F, cold nights near 46°F; the best month.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Good
- Temperature
- 21°C70°F / 8°C46°F
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 2
- Crowds
- High
- Saudi Arabia overall
- Prices
- High
- Saudi Arabia overall
Verdict
Cool days 15–22°C, cold nights near 8°C; the best month.Cool days 59–72°F, cold nights near 46°F; the best month.
Weather in January
- RiyadhHighs around 21 °C, lows around 8 °C, rain on about 2 daysHighs around 70 °F, lows around 46 °F, rain on about 2 days
- Najd (centre), Saudi Arabia · Riyadh, Diriyah, Qassim, Edge of the Worldcool
Dry desert: 45 °C+ June–August, cold nights (5–10 °C) in January; dust storms March–May.Dry desert: 113 °F+ June–August, cold nights (41–50 °F) in January; dust storms March–May.
Cool season season
Warm days and cold nights: the season for outdoor sights and Riyadh Season.
Watch: Busy hotels; bring a layer for evening.
Festivals and holidays
Dates as our data lists them. Moving holidays (lunar and Islamic calendars, Easter) shift every year: check the date for your year before you build a trip on it.
Riyadh Season check
Autumn to spring, dates vary · Citywide
Concerts, parks and shows; hotels book up.
Riyadh Season and other winter seasons
Oct–Mar (dates vary) · Saudi Arabia
Concerts, boxing and events; hotel prices rise around big nights. AlUla, Diriyah and Jeddah run their own seasons.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Saudi Arabia overall
- High
- Prices · Saudi Arabia overall
- High
Saudi Arabia overall: Cool days, cold desert nights; AlUla and Riyadh Season at their peak — book ahead.
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
- A warm layer for the evenings
- Layers: a fleece or light jacket