Once a very private and exclusive city, Riyadh has finally opened its doors to the world and a lot of tourists are excited to explore the capital of Saudi Arabia.
Offering everything from a UNESCO World Heritage Site to one of the tallest skyscrapers in the world, Riyadh definitely deserves a spot on your travel bucket list.
But when exactly is the best time of the year to visit Riyadh?
The seasons in Saudi Arabia
Being located on a desert plateau, Riyadh experiences fair or hot weather for most of the year. But it actually has four seasons that you need to learn about if you’re planning a trip to the city soon.
Saudi Arabia is known for its long and very hot summers with temperatures reaching up to 45 degrees Celsius. Summer in the country runs from May until August and you can expect very hot, dry, and humid weather with no trace of rainfall except for a few mountainous regions around the country.
Riyadh experiences the same hot weather during this time, so it’s best to avoid visiting during these months because of the sweltering heat.
Tourists who are not used to very hot weather are not advised to be in Riyadh in the summer to avoid possible health risks. But those who still choose to visit during this time of the year will have to enjoy indoor activities or plan their itineraries in the late afternoons to evenings to stay away from the heat of the sun.
Autumn in the country only lasts from September to October, which is a lot shorter than summer. During this time, Riyadh and the rest of the country get a break from the heat with some rainfall. In October, you can expect temperatures to drop to 26 degrees Celsius, which makes it the perfect time to explore the city.
After autumn comes the winter season in Saudi Arabia, which runs from November to January with the latter being the coldest month. During this time, temperatures can drop to 20 degrees Celsius in the city while those towns in mountainous areas may experience near-zero temperatures at night.
Winter is the best time to visit Riyadh because temperatures are ideal for going around the city and its neighboring towns without worrying about the heat. It rains frequently during this time of year, so you need to be prepared for it.
Spring
Although it’s the most beautiful season in Saudi Arabia, spring only runs from March to April. During the day, temperatures can get warm reaching up to 32 degrees Celsius while nighttime temperatures can drop down to 25 degrees Celsius.
Spring is also a great time to visit, especially if you don’t like the rain since there’s a lesser chance of rainfall in Riyadh during this time but you’re still getting the warmer temperatures that you’d like when going around the city.
Are you ready to make Riyadh your next travel destination? Plan your trip by following this guide.