The best time to visit Saudi Arabia
The best time to visit Saudi Arabia for warm, sunny weather is December to March, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 96/100 with daytime highs around 25°C / 77°F. November and April are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. Midsummer peaks in July at about 40°C / 104°F — hot for sightseeing, ideal for the coast. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) year-round, warmest in June at 33°C.
Saudi Arabia by month, averaged across 13 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 92 | 22° / 72°F | 5 mm | 28° | Excellent |
| February | 98 | 25° / 77°F | 2 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| March | 99 | 28° / 82°F | 2 mm | 28° | Excellent |
| April | 86 | 32° / 90°F | 7 mm | 30° | Excellent |
| May | 51 | 37° / 99°F | 3 mm | 32° | Good |
| June | 28 | 39° / 102°F | 1 mm | 33° | Mixed |
| July | 23 | 40° / 104°F | 4 mm | 33° | Poor |
| August | 24 | 40° / 104°F | 5 mm | 33° | Poor |
| September | 40 | 38° / 100°F | 1 mm | 33° | Good |
| October | 80 | 33° / 91°F | 1 mm | 32° | Excellent |
| November | 96 | 28° / 82°F | 6 mm | 31° | Excellent |
| December | 96 | 24° / 75°F | 5 mm | 29° | Excellent |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: December to March — Saudi Arabia's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 96/100, ~25°C / 77°F days). Shoulder season: November and April — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: July, ~40°C / 104°F. Rain stays light most of the year (~42 mm total).
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Tabuk (4,052 h/yr), Hail (3,883 h/yr), Najran (3,871 h/yr). See every Saudi Arabia destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.