When to go · Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, month by month
The best months for Saudi Arabia: Feb, Nov. Months to avoid: May, Jun, Jul, Aug.
Month by month
- JanuaryGoodCool days, cold desert nights; AlUla and Riyadh Season at their peak — book ahead.Najd (centre): cool · Red Sea coast: best weather · North-west highlands and desert: coolCrowds: High · 2 festivals or holidays
- FebruaryGreatWarm and dry; Founding Day (22 Feb). In 2027 Ramadan starts about 8 Feb (check).Najd (centre): best weather · Red Sea coast: best weather · North-west highlands and desert: best weatherCrowds: High · 4 festivals or holidays
- MarchMixedPleasant, but Ramadan runs to about 9 Mar 2027 and Eid al-Fitr follows (check); dust possible.Najd (centre): best weather · Red Sea coast: best weather · North-west highlands and desert: best weatherCrowds: Medium · 4 festivals or holidays
- AprilMixed35 °C+ afternoons in Riyadh; sandstorms; still fine on the Red Sea early in the month.Najd (centre): fine · Red Sea coast: fine · North-west highlands and desert: fineCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- MayAvoid40 °C+ in the centre; Hajj (about 14–19 May 2027) fills the west (check).Najd (centre): hot · Red Sea coast: hot · North-west highlands and desert: hotCrowds: Medium · 2 festivals or holidays
- JuneAvoidExtreme heat except Asir; Abha's summer season begins.Najd (centre): hot · Red Sea coast: hot · North-west highlands and desert: hotCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- JulyAvoid45 °C+ inland, humid coasts; Asir highlands and indoor attractions only.Najd (centre): hot · Red Sea coast: hot · North-west highlands and desert: hotCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- AugustAvoidThe hottest month; only for Asir, diving or business trips.Najd (centre): hot · Red Sea coast: hot · North-west highlands and desert: hotCrowds: Low · 1 festival or holiday
- SeptemberMixedStill hot; National Day (23 Sep) brings events and road closures.Najd (centre): hot · Red Sea coast: hot · North-west highlands and desert: fineCrowds: Low · 2 festivals or holidays
- OctoberGoodHeat easing late in the month; Riyadh Season and AlUla events begin.Najd (centre): fine · Red Sea coast: hot · North-west highlands and desert: best weatherCrowds: Medium · 2 festivals or holidays
- NovemberGreatComfortable everywhere except Asir nights; busy with festivals and conferences.Najd (centre): best weather · Red Sea coast: fine · North-west highlands and desert: best weatherCrowds: High · 2 festivals or holidays
- DecemberGoodCool; peak for AlUla, Hegra and desert camping. Bring a layer.Najd (centre): cool · Red Sea coast: best weather · North-west highlands and desert: coolCrowds: High · 2 festivals or holidays
Weather by region
How each climate zone rates each month.
| Region | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Najd (centre)Riyadh, Diriyah, Qassim, Edge of the World | Cool | Best | Best | OK | Hot | Hot | Hot | Hot | Hot | OK | Best | Cool |
| Red Sea coastJeddah, Yanbu, the Red Sea resorts | Best | Best | Best | OK | Hot | Hot | Hot | Hot | Hot | Hot | OK | Best |
| North-west highlands and desertAlUla, Hegra, Tabuk, Hail | Cool | Best | Best | OK | Hot | Hot | Hot | Hot | OK | Best | Best | Cool |
| Asir mountainsAbha, Rijal Almaa, Al-Baha, Taif | Cool | Cool | OK | OK | Best | Best | Best | Best | OK | OK | Cool | Cool |
| Gulf coastDammam, Khobar, Al-Ahsa | Best | Best | OK | Hot | Hot | Hot | Hot | Hot | Hot | OK | Best | Best |