If you spend Christmas in Riyadh, you won’t see snow or need to brace for freezing nights. Instead, you get mild desert winter weather.
In late December, daytime temperatures usually sit between 20°C and 22°C (68°F to 72°F). Nights can drop close to 10°C (50°F).
The air feels dry, and the skies stay mostly clear. Mornings come crisp, afternoons feel comfortable, and there’s rarely a cloud in sight.
Daylight hours shrink a bit compared to other times of year, but the sun still shines bright enough to keep things cheerful. Sometimes a little rain falls, but these showers are brief and light, not enough to ruin any plans for exploring.
This mix of cooler temps, clear skies, and gentle breezes makes Christmas a surprisingly pleasant time to be in Riyadh. If you’re thinking of wandering outdoor markets, checking out cultural sites, or just enjoying quieter streets, you’ll find the weather far kinder than in the city’s long, brutal summers.
Typical Weather Conditions at Christmas
In late December, Riyadh brings mild daytime warmth, cooler nights, and a small chance of light rain. The air mostly stays dry, though humidity can creep up a bit compared to earlier months.
Daytime and Nighttime Temperatures
During Christmas, you’ll usually see daytime highs between 20°C and 22°C (68°F–72°F). That’s perfect for being outside, especially after sweating through the summer’s extremes.
Sunshine is common, but the sun doesn’t feel as harsh as it does earlier in the year.
When night falls, the city cools off fast. Lows often hit 10°C–12°C (50°F–54°F), and some years, temperatures can get down to 9°C (48°F).
You’ll probably want a light jacket or sweater if you’re out after dark.
The temperature swings a lot from day to night, which is classic for desert climates. Without many clouds, heat escapes quickly once the sun sets.
Rainfall and Precipitation
December is one of the few times Riyadh gets measurable rainfall. The totals are still pretty low—about 10–12 mm (0.4–0.5 in)—but that’s wetter than most months here.
Rain shows up in short, scattered showers, not long storms. These quick bursts freshen the air and sometimes leave the streets a little damp.
Flooding rarely happens, but a sudden downpour can slow down traffic for a bit.
Most days, you won’t see rain at all. Clear skies dominate, and when showers do hit, they usually come late in the afternoon or evening.
Relative Humidity Levels
Humidity in Riyadh during December is higher than in summer, but it’s still not much compared to coastal cities. You’ll see average values from 40% to 50%.
Mornings might feel a tad more humid because of cooler air.
The desert air stays dry enough that you won’t feel sticky or weighed down. That slight bump in humidity, mixed with cooler temps, actually makes things more comfortable than the hot, bone-dry months.
Even with the rise, the air rarely feels muggy. You’ll notice crisp mornings and mild afternoons, which is honestly pretty nice for being outside.
Daily Sunshine Hours in December
Daylight is shorter than in summer, but Riyadh still gets a good dose of sun. The skies usually stay clear, and even though the sun sets earlier, it’s bright for most of the day.
Average Hours of Sunlight
In December, you get about 6.9 to 7.2 hours of direct sunshine per day. That’s less than in summer, and about the same as January.
The shortest days last around 10 hours and 35 minutes. The longest in December stretch to about 10 hours and 41 minutes.
So, there’s steady daylight, even if the strong sun doesn’t last as long as in July.
Across the month, the city racks up roughly 217 hours of sunshine in December. For comparison, July brings over 11 hours of sun daily, so December definitely feels shorter.
Still, Riyadh is brighter than a lot of places at this time of year.
That much sun is usually enough for sightseeing, especially in the afternoons when it’s mild and skies are at their clearest.
Cloud Cover and Visibility
December skies in Riyadh are mostly clear. On average, the sky is partly cloudy or less for about 74% of the day.
That means nearly 18 hours of clear conditions in a 24-hour period, even if direct sunlight doesn’t last that long.
Clouds stay light and rain is rare, so visibility remains high. You can travel, drive, or hang out outside without much worry about weather interruptions.
Because Riyadh sits in a desert climate, haze and dust sometimes show up, but you’ll see less of that in winter than in summer.
Most days, you get bright, open skies—December is pretty reliable for outdoor plans.
Wind Speed and Breezes During the Holiday Season
December brings cooler air and lighter humidity than the summer months. Winds stay steady but rarely get wild, creating a breeze that shapes how the cooler temps actually feel.
Average Wind Speed in December
Expect average wind speeds around 18 km/h in December. That’s moderate, so you’ll often feel a steady breeze, but it won’t knock you over.
Winds usually blow in from the north or northwest, bringing cooler, drier air to the city.
These breezes help balance out daytime highs around 22 °C and cooler nights near 11 °C.
Sometimes things calm down, but most days, at least a light breeze moves the air. That makes being outside more comfortable than when it’s still and dry.
Air movement also helps visibility, which typically sits around 10 km this month.
You’ll get reliable breezes that freshen up the season, not strong gusts that get annoying.
Wind Chill Effects
December temperatures in Riyadh aren’t extreme, but that steady wind can make it feel colder than the numbers suggest.
For instance, when the evening drops to 11 °C, an 18 km/h breeze can make it feel a few degrees cooler.
You’ll notice this most after sunset or early in the morning. A light jacket or sweater often feels necessary, even if the official temperature looks mild.
During the day, the sun takes the edge off, but shaded spots can still feel chilly if the wind picks up.
A lot of travelers don’t expect this, since “desert” usually means “hot.” But planning for wind chill keeps you comfortable, whether you’re walking, dining outside, or checking out holiday events.
Comfort and Outdoor Activities
Late December in Riyadh is cooler and way more comfortable than the blazing summer. Mild daytime warmth and chilly evenings let you enjoy being outside, as long as you plan a bit.
Weather Suitability for Tourism
Around Christmas, daytime highs usually stick between 20°C and 22°C (68°F–72°F). Nights drop to about 10°C (50°F).
Rain might happen, but it’s limited—10–15 mm for the whole month.
These temps make sightseeing much easier than in summer, when highs soar above 40°C (104°F).
You can comfortably visit places like Al Masmak Fortress, Diriyah, or King Abdullah Park without worrying about melting in the sun.
Daylight averages about 10.5 to 11 hours, so you’ve got plenty of time for tours and open-air markets.
Sunshine is moderate—about 7 hours per day—so it’s bright but not overwhelming.
The air stays pretty dry, with humidity at 40–50%, which helps when you’re walking or spending time outside.
Wind speeds are light to moderate, and dust storms are less of a problem than in spring.
Recommended Clothing and Gear
Dress in layers so you can handle cool mornings and evenings. A light jacket or sweater is handy after sunset, while a long-sleeve shirt or breathable top works for daytime.
Wear comfortable shoes if you’re planning to tour heritage sites or big parks. A scarf or shawl adds warmth at night and is useful for modesty at cultural spots.
Even though it’s mild, UV levels aren’t nothing. Bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat for daytime.
Rain is rare, but a small umbrella could come in handy for a quick shower.
For outdoor dinners or evening events, a heavier jacket might be smart, since temps can nearly hit single digits Celsius.
That way, you stay comfortable if you’re out for a while.
Comparing Christmas Weather to Other Months
December weather in Riyadh, especially around Christmas, stands out for its cooler temperatures and a slightly higher chance of rain than most of the year.
The difference from the summer heat is pretty dramatic, and seasonal shifts in humidity change how the air feels, too.
Temperature Trends Across the Year
During Christmas, daytime highs usually sit between 20°C and 23°C (68°F–73°F). Nights can drop to 8°C–11°C (46°F–52°F).
December is one of the cooler months, so you get mild conditions instead of the summer’s relentless heat.
In July and August, highs hit 43°C–44°C (109°F–111°F), and nights barely cool off—around 28°C (82°F).
That’s a difference of more than 20°C between December and July, which is pretty wild for visitors.
Spring and autumn months ease into and out of the heat. March averages highs near 28°C (82°F), while November still sees highs about 27°C (81°F).
Here’s how December fits into Riyadh’s temperature cycle:
| Month | Avg High °C (°F) | Avg Low °C (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 20 (68) | 9 (48) |
| April | 33 (92) | 18 (64) |
| July | 43 (110) | 28 (82) |
| December | 22 (72) | 10 (50) |
Rainfall and Humidity Variations
Rain is rare in Riyadh, but December is one of the wetter months. Around Christmas, you might see 10–12 mm (0.4–0.5 in) of rain, which is still not much, but it’s more than the near-zero totals in summer.
Humidity also changes with the seasons. In December, it’s often 40% to 50%, so the air feels cooler, especially at night.
In May or June, humidity can drop below 15%, making things feel extra dry even when it’s hot.
The short rainy season runs from December to February, with January getting the most—about 15 mm (0.6 in).
After March, rain drops off fast, and the rest of the year is mostly dry with clear skies.
So, Christmas weather feels cooler and a bit fresher than Riyadh’s long, parched summer.
Regional Influences on Riyadh’s Christmas Climate
Riyadh’s December weather reflects both its desert setting and its spot in central Saudi Arabia.
Low rainfall, cooler seasonal air, and the city’s inland position all shape the mild but dry conditions you’ll find at Christmas.
Desert Climate Characteristics
Riyadh sits right in the Arabian Desert, which gives it a BWh desert climate.
During Christmas, you’ll deal with dry air, almost no rain, and clear skies.
December’s average precipitation is just 10–12 mm, so rain isn’t likely to mess with your plans.
Daytime temperatures often hit 20–22°C (68–72°F), and nights can drop to around 10°C (50°F).
That sharp drop from day to night is classic desert stuff.
Humidity averages below 40%, which makes the cooler evenings feel even crisper.
You’ll still get plenty of sunlight, though the days are shorter than in summer.
Expect about 10.5 hours of daylight and roughly 7 hours of sunshine daily.
The UV index drops compared to summer—usually around 5—so outdoor activities feel easier and less intense.
Impact of Saudi Arabia’s Geography
Riyadh sits far inland, away from any coastal breeze, and that shapes its Christmas climate in a big way. Unlike Jeddah or Dammam, which hug the Red Sea or Arabian Gulf, Riyadh misses out on the marine air that tends to soften temperatures.
You’ll notice nights cool down more sharply here, and the air feels much drier.
The city stands on a plateau, about 600 meters (2,000 feet) above sea level. That extra height means winter nights dip a bit lower than in the flatter desert regions.
Dry desert plains stretch out around Riyadh, so there’s not much moisture in the air, which keeps December rainfall almost nonexistent.
Since Riyadh sits right in the middle of Saudi Arabia, it skips the humidity that clings to the coasts.
Christmas here usually feels cooler and clearer, with weather that rarely surprises you.