When to go · Riyadh
Riyadh in May
Avoid month. 40°C+; sandstorms.Avoid month. 104°F+; sandstorms.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Avoid
- Temperature
- 39°C102°F / 24°C75°F
- average high / low
- Rain days
- 1
- Crowds
- Medium
- Saudi Arabia overall
- Prices
- High
- Saudi Arabia overall
Verdict
40°C+; sandstorms.104°F+; sandstorms.
Weather in May
- RiyadhHighs around 39 °C, lows around 24 °C, rain on about 1 dayHighs around 102 °F, lows around 75 °F, rain on about 1 day
- Najd (centre), Saudi Arabia · Riyadh, Diriyah, Qassim, Edge of the Worldhot
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.
Warming season
Hot, with dust storms.
Watch: 35 °C or more by afternoon.
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.
Eid al-Adha check
Islamic calendar, moves yearly · Citywide
Multi-day holiday; travel is heavy.
Hajj and Eid al-Adha big impact
About 14–19 May 2027 (lunar — check) · Saudi Arabia
Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah under pilgrim restrictions; Umrah permits paused; domestic travel and hotels booked out; several days of closures nationwide.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Saudi Arabia overall
- Medium
- Prices · Saudi Arabia overall
- High
Saudi Arabia overall: 40 °C+ in the centre; Hajj (about 14–19 May 2027) fills the west (check).
High-price month: see what to book ahead.
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen