Climate Insights for Riyadh
Riyadh governorate, Riyadh Region, Saudi Arabia
Climate Overview
The climate in Riyadh is hot. The average annual temperature is 27°C and approximately 55 mm of precipitation falls per year. April is the wettest month, receiving around 10 mm of rainfall. Riyadh is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are January, February, December, when temperatures can drop to 9°C.The climate in Riyadh is hot. The average annual temperature is 81°F and approximately 2.2 in of precipitation falls per year. April is the wettest month, receiving around 0.4 in of rainfall. Riyadh is in the Northern Hemisphere. Summer begins at the end of June and lasts through September. The summer months are: July, August, June. The coldest months are January, February, December, when temperatures can drop to 49°F.
Temperature
Temperatures in Riyadh vary considerably across the year, with a 35°C difference between the coldest and warmest months. July is the hottest month, with daytime highs reaching 44°C and an average of 38°C. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 9°C and an average of 15°C. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 13°C between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 6°C shift in average temperatures.Temperatures in Riyadh vary considerably across the year, with a 62°F difference between the coldest and warmest months. July is the hottest month, with daytime highs reaching 111°F and an average of 100°F. January is the coolest month, with minimum temperatures around 49°F and an average of 59°F. On average, daily temperatures fluctuate by about 23°F between overnight lows and afternoon highs. The sharpest temperature change occurs between October and November, with a 12°F shift in average temperatures.
Precipitation
Riyadh is a quite dry location, receiving approximately 55 mm of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 5 mm per month. The wettest month is April, averaging 10 mm of rainfall. February and January also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is September, with just 0 mm. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.Riyadh is a quite dry location, receiving approximately 2.2 in of precipitation annually, which averages out to around 0.2 in per month. The wettest month is April, averaging 0.4 in of rainfall. February and January also tend to see above-average precipitation. The driest month is September, with just 0 in. Rainfall is heavily concentrated in certain months, creating a distinct wet and dry season. Visitors should plan around these patterns, as the difference between peak and low months is dramatic.
Wind
Riyadh is mildly breezy, with an average annual wind speed of 13km/h. For context, sustained winds below 12km/h are generally light, while anything above 25km/h is considered strong. The windiest month is March, averaging 16km/h, though still comfortable for most outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in October, with average winds dropping to 11km/h, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 5km/h gap between the calmest and windiest months.Riyadh is moderately windy, with an average annual wind speed of 8mph. For context, sustained winds below 7mph are generally light, while anything above 16mph is considered strong. The windiest month is March, averaging 10mph, noticeable enough to affect lighter outdoor activities. The calmest conditions occur in October, with average winds dropping to 7mph, making it an ideal period for wind-sensitive activities. There is moderate seasonal variation in wind speed, with a 3mph gap between the calmest and windiest months.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Riyadh is during January, February, March, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 19°C with modest rainfall averaging 8 mm per month. By contrast, July can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 44°C. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.The best time to visit Riyadh is during January, February, March, November and December, when the weather is most comfortable for travellers. During these months, average temperatures hover around 66°F with modest rainfall averaging 0.3 in per month. By contrast, July can be uncomfortably hot with temperatures reaching 111°F. With minimal rainfall expected, you can pack light and plan outdoor activities with confidence.
Monthly Climate Data
The table below shows monthly climate averages for Riyadh based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Celsius (°C). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in kilometres per hour (km/h). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.The table below shows monthly climate averages for Riyadh based on historical weather data. Min and max temperatures represent typical overnight lows and afternoon highs for each month, shown in degrees Fahrenheit (°F). Precipitation is measured in millimetres (mm) and indicates the average total rainfall per month. Wind speed is the average sustained speed in miles per hour (mph). All values are based on averages from over 10 years of historical weather data. The current month is highlighted for quick reference.