Best Time to Visit Riyadh

November to March: the sweet spot

This is when Riyadh is at its best. Days are warm and dry, and the sun is out for most of them. In December and January, highs sit in the low 20s and nights drop to around 8 or 9°C. That's properly chilly in the desert, so you'll want a jacket for evenings at the Edge of the World cliffs outside the city.

February and March are a little warmer, but still easy. Walking around the restored mud-brick district of Diriyah, a UNESCO site, is a pleasure in these months. So is an evening stroll at the Boulevard. Rain is rare. When it does come, it's a short shower, mostly in November or March.

This is also high season. Hotels fill up and prices rise. Riyadh Season, a big entertainment festival with concerts, shows and pop-up attractions, usually starts around October and runs into early the next year. If you like events, it's a good reason to come. If you hate crowds, aim for early February.

April and October: shoulder months

These months are hotter but still doable. Highs reach the mid-30s, so daytime sightseeing at the National Museum or Masmak Fort works best in the morning. Evenings are pleasant, and the dry air means it doesn't feel sticky.

October is the better pick. The heat is easing and the winter events are starting up. April works if you can't travel in winter, but the afternoons can feel harsh.

May to September: the heat

Be honest with yourself here. From June to August, highs reach 43 to 44°C, with July and August tied as the hottest months. It almost never rains. The sun is strong from morning until evening.

Most life moves indoors or to after dark. Malls, museums and cafés are cool, and locals tend to go out late at night. If you come now, plan one short outing in the early morning and spend the afternoon inside. September is still very hot, so don't expect much relief.

The upside is quieter streets in the daytime and often cheaper rooms. Travelling for work or a stopover? You can manage it. For a holiday focused on exploring, you'll enjoy it less.

Ramadan and Eid

Ramadan moves about eleven days earlier each year, so check the dates for your trip. During the fasting month, daytime opening hours change and many places eat-in only after sunset. Nights are lively, though, with family gatherings and late dinners. Eid al-Fitr, which ends Ramadan, brings holiday crowds and a festive mood.