When to go · Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia in April
Mixed month. 35 °C+ afternoons in Riyadh; sandstorms; still fine on the Red Sea early in the month.
Key facts
- Verdict
- Mixed
- Crowds
- Low
- Saudi Arabia
- Prices
- Medium
- Saudi Arabia
Verdict
35 °C+ afternoons in Riyadh; sandstorms; still fine on the Red Sea early in the month.
Weather in April
- Najd (centre) · Riyadh, Diriyah, Qassim, Edge of the Worldfine
Dry desert: 45 °C+ June–August, cold nights (5–10 °C) in January; dust storms March–May.
- Red Sea coast · Jeddah, Yanbu, the Red Sea resortsfine
Humid all year; summer feels like 45–50 °C with the humidity. Winter is the only comfortable walking season.
- North-west highlands and desert · AlUla, Hegra, Tabuk, Hailfine
Near-freezing desert nights in December–January (snow some years on Jabal al-Lawz near Tabuk); hot but dry summers.
- Asir mountains · Abha, Rijal Almaa, Al-Baha, Taiffine
2,000 m+: the summer escape, 20–30 °C with afternoon storms and fog; cold in winter.
- Gulf coast · Dammam, Khobar, Al-Ahsahot
Very humid summers; shamal winds bring dust in early summer.
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.
Friday prayer
Every Friday
Most shops closed until after midday prayer (about 13:00); malls open in the afternoon.
Crowds and prices
- Crowds · Saudi Arabia
- Low
- Prices · Saudi Arabia
- Medium
What to pack
- Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and sunscreen