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Nabawi Mosque illuminated at sunset with minarets

Saudi Arabia travel guide

Desert cities, ancient sites and new megaprojects in a country still opening up to tourists

Best: Jan, Feb, Nov, Dec

Photo: Konevi / Pixabay

Capital
Riyadh
Language
Arabic
Currency
Saudi riyal
Time zone
UTC+03:00
Plugs
Type G · 230 V / 220 V
Driving
On the right
Emergency
112 / 911 / 999

Why visit Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia suits travellers who want desert landscapes, historic sites like Al-Ula, and cities such as Jeddah, Medina and Riyadh's neighbour Diriyah without crowds of other tourists. Go between November and February, when daytime heat eases across the country. The honest limitation: Saudi Arabia's tourist infrastructure is new, so independent travel takes more planning than in longer-established destinations.

Is Saudi Arabia right for you?

Great for

  • Travellers who can visit Nov-Feb, when highs run 20-27°C and sun hours stay near 9.5-10.4 a day
  • History and heritage trips, with sites like Diriyah and Al-Ula to explore outside the summer heat
  • City breaks in coastal Jeddah or Dammam when winter temperatures are milder
  • Dry-weather travel, since most months see under 3 rain days and under 20mm of rain

Less ideal for

  • Travellers sensitive to extreme heat, as June-September highs run 39-42°C with lows above 24°C
  • Anyone wanting rain or lush green scenery, since June-September get 0-0.1 rain days and 0mm of rain
  • Beach trips expecting varied coastal towns, as only Jeddah and Dammam in the list are coastal

Saudi Arabia right now: November

8.9/10
Avg high
27°C
Avg low
15°C
Rain days
4

Averages for Saudi Arabia.

Weather by month

The climate data for Saudi Arabia (2015–2024) shows November to February as the best time, with daytime highs of 21–27°C, cool nights of 8–15°C and about 10 hours of sun a day. From May to September the heat is extreme, with highs of 38–42°C, nights that stay at 24–28°C and almost no rain, so midday sightseeing outdoors is hard.

Average highs and lows in Saudi Arabia by month January: high 21°C, low 8°C , 3 rain days . February: high 23°C, low 10°C , 2 rain days . March: high 28°C, low 14°C , 3 rain days . April: high 32°C, low 18°C , 3 rain days . May: high 38°C, low 24°C , 1 rain days . June: high 41°C, low 27°C , 0 rain days . July: high 42°C, low 28°C , 0 rain days . August: high 41°C, low 28°C , 0 rain days . September: high 39°C, low 25°C , 0 rain days . October: high 34°C, low 20°C , 0 rain days . November: high 27°C, low 15°C , 4 rain days . December: high 22°C, low 10°C , 2 rain days . 21°C 8°C JAN 3d 23°C 10°C FEB 2d 28°C 14°C MAR 3d 32°C 18°C APR 3d 38°C 24°C MAY 1d 41°C 27°C JUN 0d 42°C 28°C JUL 0d 41°C 28°C AUG 0d 39°C 25°C SEP 0d 34°C 20°C OCT 0d 27°C 15°C NOV 4d 22°C 10°C DEC 2d
Best months Other months (low–high) Nd = rain days

Saudi Arabia (country average) · averages 2015–2024

Best time to visit Saudi Arabia: month-by-month weather →

Sample itineraries

7 days

Riyadh to Al-Ula: History and Desert

  1. Day 1–2

    Diriyah

    Start in Diriyah, a historic town near Riyadh with a population of 43,269. Walk through the mud-brick ruins of At-Turaif and learn about the origins of the Saudi state.

  2. Day 3–4

    Al-Ula

    Travel to Al-Ula, home to 32,413 people. Explore the rock-cut tombs of Hegra and the sandstone canyons that make this one of the country's most striking landscapes.

  3. Day 5–6

    Medina

    Head to Medina, a non-coastal city of 1,411,599 residents. Visit the historic quarter and see the city's religious architecture and markets.

  4. Day 7

    Jeddah

    Finish in Jeddah, a coastal city of 4,697,000 people. Walk through Al-Balad's old coral-stone houses and enjoy the Red Sea corniche before departure.

10 days

Saudi Arabia: Coast, Capital Heritage and Mountains

  1. Day 1–2

    Jeddah

    Begin in Jeddah, a coastal city with 4,697,000 residents. Explore the old town of Al-Balad and stroll along the Red Sea waterfront.

  2. Day 3–4

    Ta'if

    Move to Ta'if, a non-coastal city of 579,970 people, known for its cooler climate and rose fields outside the city.

  3. Day 5

    Abha

    Continue to Abha, a mountain city with 236,157 residents. Take in the cooler highland air and views over the surrounding valleys.

  4. Day 6–7

    Al-Ahsa Oasis

    Travel to Al-Ahsa Oasis, one of the largest oasis areas in the region. Walk among the palm groves and visit the old market town.

  5. Day 8–10

    Dammam

    End in Dammam, a coastal city of 903,312 people. Relax along the Gulf coast and visit the local waterfront before your trip concludes.

Food to try in Saudi Arabia

Kabsa

This is Saudi Arabia's national dish: spiced rice cooked with chicken, lamb, or camel meat. It is served at family gatherings, weddings, and everyday meals across the country.

Mandi

A Yemeni-influenced dish of rice and meat slow-cooked in an underground pit called a tandoor or zamzamiya. It is popular in the south and west, often shared from one large tray.

Jareesh

A porridge made from cracked wheat cooked with meat, onions, and spices. It is a traditional dish from the Najd region, often eaten during cooler months and family meals.

Saleeg

A creamy rice dish cooked in milk and served with chicken, popular in the Hejaz region, especially in Jeddah and Mecca. It is often eaten during Ramadan and festive occasions.

Arabic coffee (qahwa)

A lightly roasted coffee flavoured with cardamom, served in small cups as part of Saudi hospitality. It is offered to guests throughout the day, often alongside dates.

Dates

Saudi Arabia grows many varieties of dates, and they are eaten year-round as snacks or desserts. They are especially important during Ramadan, when fasts are traditionally broken with a date.

Know before you go

  • Currency: The currency is the Saudi riyal. Carry some cash for small purchases, especially outside big cities.
  • Language: Arabic is the official language. In major cities and tourist areas, English is often understood, but learning a few Arabic phrases helps.
  • Plugs and voltage: Saudi Arabia uses plug type G, the same as the UK. Voltage is 230 V / 220 V, so check if your devices need a converter.
  • Driving side: Cars drive on the right side of the road in Saudi Arabia, same as in the US and most of Europe.
  • Emergency numbers: You can reach emergency services by dialing 112, 911, or 999, depending on the region.
  • Timezone: Saudi Arabia is in a single time zone, UTC+03:00, with no daylight saving changes.
  • Calling code: The international calling code for Saudi Arabia is +966. Useful to know when setting up a local SIM or calling home.

Saudi Arabia: frequently asked questions

Is Saudi Arabia good to visit in August?

No, August is one of the toughest months. Average highs hit 41.4°C with lows of 27.6°C, and there's almost no rain. The scoring data rates it 3.5 out of 10, a low point shared by May through September, so daytime heat makes sightseeing hard.

What is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?

December through March scores highest, with February topping the list at 9.6 out of 10. Highs sit between 20.5°C and 27.7°C in these months, with cooler nights around 8–14°C. This range makes outdoor exploring, desert trips, and city walks far more comfortable than in summer.

How hot does it get in Saudi Arabia in summer?

Very hot. July is the peak month, with average highs of 41.8°C and lows of 28°C. June and August are nearly as extreme, at 40.8°C and 41.4°C respectively. Rain is essentially absent in these months, so the heat comes with constant strong sun, up to 11.9 sun hours a day in June.

When does it rain in Saudi Arabia?

Rain is light and mostly falls from November to April. November averages 18mm over 3.9 rain days, and April has the most rain days of the year at 3.2. From May to September, rainfall drops to near zero, with June recording 0mm and 0 rain days.

Is October a good time to visit Saudi Arabia?

October is a transition month, scored 4.5 out of 10 as 'ok'. Highs still average 33.8°C, down from September's 39.1°C, so it's cooling but not yet comfortable. Rain stays minimal at just 1mm, meaning dry conditions continue even as temperatures ease toward the cooler winter months.

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