When you picture summer in Jeddah, get ready for long stretches of hot, sticky days with barely any rain. Average summer temperatures usually push past 98°F (37°C), and July really takes the crown as the hottest month.
Nights don’t cool much either, so the heat just kind of hangs around. You really notice how heavy the air feels during most of the season.
High humidity teams up with the heat, making afternoons feel even warmer than what the thermometer says. Rainfall basically disappears, so you’ll deal with dry skies while the warmth keeps coming.
If you’re planning to enjoy the Red Sea coast, wander around the city, or just want to stay comfortable during the hottest months, knowing these patterns can help. Let’s look at the key details of Jeddah’s summer weather—temperatures, humidity, wind, sun, and some tips for dealing with it all.
Overview of Jeddah’s Summer Climate
Jeddah sits right on the Red Sea and has a hot desert climate. Summers bring high heat, thick humidity, and lots of clear skies, while rain almost never shows up.
Temperatures stay high day and night, so if you want to spend time outdoors, you’ll need to prepare.
Climate Classification and Location
You’ll find Jeddah on the western coast of Saudi Arabia along the Red Sea. Its climate falls under the hot desert (BWh) classification in the Köppen system.
That means you can expect very high summer temperatures, almost no rain, and strong sun.
Unlike cities farther inland, like Riyadh, Jeddah’s coastal position brings higher humidity. The interior desert stays dry, but sea moisture makes Jeddah’s heat feel heavier and, honestly, more oppressive.
This mix of heat and humidity really shapes summer here.
The Red Sea also helps smooth out temperature swings. Nights stay warm, usually above 27°C (81°F), so you don’t get that cooling relief you might find in drier desert places.
This steady warmth makes Jeddah’s climate a bit different from much of Saudi Arabia.
Typical Summer Weather Patterns
From late May to late September, daily highs usually land between 37°C and 39°C (99°F to 102°F). July is usually the hottest, with average highs close to 39°C (102°F).
Overnight lows rarely drop below 27°C (81°F), so you’re pretty much always warm.
Humidity stands out as a big part of Jeddah’s summer. Dew points stay high, and most days feel muggy or oppressive, especially in August and September.
Outdoor activity feels tougher than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain? Forget about it. Monthly totals usually stay under 2 millimeters, and it’s normal to go weeks without a single drop.
Skies might be partly cloudy, but the sun still wins most days.
Winds from the north sometimes bring a little relief, but they also carry dry desert air that mixes with the coastal humidity.
Comparison to Other Seasons
If you compare summer with winter in Jeddah, the change is pretty obvious. In winter, average highs drop to around 28°C (82°F) in January, and nights cool to about 19°C (66°F).
The air feels drier, and humidity isn’t really a problem.
Spring and autumn act as transition times. In April and October, daytime highs hover in the mid-30s °C (mid-90s °F)—still hot, but not as punishing as peak summer.
Humidity backs off a bit, and evenings feel nicer for being outside.
Unlike summer, winter and the months in between bring a small chance of rain. November usually gets the most, though totals stay low compared to other places.
You’ll definitely notice the comfort difference depending on when you visit.
Average Summer Temperatures in Jeddah
Summer in Jeddah means weeks of very hot days and warm nights. You get steady heat with only small changes month to month, but July usually feels like the peak.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
Daytime highs during summer often hit 38–41°C (100–106°F). The heat feels intense, especially with the strong sun and not much shade out in the open.
Humidity near the coast can make it feel even warmer than the number says.
At night, the city barely cools off. Average lows run from 27–30°C (80–86°F).
Evenings stay hot, but sometimes coastal breezes help a bit. Most people turn to air conditioning, and outdoor activity usually happens early in the morning or late at night.
The difference between day and night isn’t as big as in desert cities farther inland. The Red Sea keeps things from dropping too much after sunset, so expect warm nights along with hot days.
Monthly Temperature Variations
From June through August, Jeddah’s weather stays hot, but there are some small shifts in the averages.
- June: Highs around 38°C (100°F), lows near 27°C (81°F).
- July: Hottest month, with highs near 40–41°C (104–106°F) and lows around 29–30°C (84–86°F).
- August: Temperatures stay high, averaging 39–40°C (102–104°F), and nighttime lows about 29°C (84°F).
These changes are gradual. You won’t see sudden jumps, but July definitely feels the most intense.
Sea surface temperatures also climb, often reaching 31°C (88°F), so swimming is possible but honestly, it’s not that refreshing.
If you’re planning a visit, don’t count on rain. Cloud cover ticks up a bit in late summer, but it rarely brings much relief.
Historical Temperature Extremes
Averages tell you most of what to expect, but extremes matter if you’re trying to prepare for the worst.
Records show that Jeddah has hit highs above 46°C (115°F) during really bad heat waves. These don’t happen every year, but July or August can surprise you.
Nights can also get rough. Sometimes lows stay above 32°C (90°F), especially when humidity spikes.
The lowest summer temperatures are still hot by most standards, rarely dropping below 25°C (77°F).
This steady heat sets Jeddah apart from inland Saudi cities, where nights might actually cool off.
You’re in for heat around the clock during summer.
Humidity Levels During Summer
In Jeddah, summer humidity teams up with high heat to create muggy, heavy conditions. It’s good to know how the numbers change through the season, how this impacts comfort, and what trends you can expect from June through September.
Average Humidity Percentages
Jeddah’s summer humidity levels usually stay between 55% and 65% on average, but they can climb higher near the coast.
The Red Sea keeps the air moist, even when rain is almost nonexistent.
Mornings usually have higher humidity, often over 70%, while afternoons might dip closer to 50% as the heat rises.
So, you’ll notice sticky air early in the day, then maybe a little less as the afternoon goes on.
Here’s a quick look at monthly averages:
| Month | Avg. Humidity (%) |
|---|---|
| June | 58–62 |
| July | 60–65 |
| August | 61–66 |
| September | 55–60 |
Midsummer, especially July and August, tends to feel the stickiest.
Impact of Humidity on Comfort
High humidity makes Jeddah’s summer heat feel even hotter than the numbers say. When the air’s loaded with moisture, your body sweats but can’t cool itself as well.
This leads to discomfort, especially if you’re outside or walking along the Corniche.
At night, humidity often stays high, which can make sleeping without air conditioning pretty tough.
Most people rely on air conditioning, dehumidifiers, or indoor spaces to stay comfortable.
If you want to be outside, try for early morning or late evening. Even then, 30–35°C temperatures with 60% humidity can feel rough.
Drinking plenty of water and wearing light clothes helps a bit.
Humidity Trends Throughout Summer
Humidity in Jeddah shifts as summer moves along. In June, levels start to rise, peaking in July and August when both temperature and moisture hit their highest points.
By September, humidity drops a little, but you’ll still notice it. The change is slow, and the city stays muggy compared to cooler months.
The Red Sea’s influence is strongest in midsummer, when sea breezes push moist air inland.
That’s why July and August often feel heavier than June or September, even if the temperatures aren’t much different.
Evenings usually bring the stickiest air, as things cool just enough to trap more moisture close to the ground.
This pattern repeats year after year, giving Jeddah its reputation for humid summers.
Precipitation and Rainfall in Jeddah’s Summer
Jeddah’s summer is extremely dry, with almost no measurable rainfall. The season is all about heat and humidity, not rain, so long dry spells are just part of life here.
Rainfall Averages and Frequency
From June through September, Jeddah basically gets no rain. Most years, precipitation totals sit at 0 mm for June, July, and August.
September might see a tiny bit, but it’s rare.
You can expect 0 rainy days per month during these months. Even if showers pop up, they’re short and very localized.
Summer is one of the driest times of the year here.
With no rain to worry about, you can leave the umbrella at home. Instead, get ready for strong sun, high humidity, and long stretches without any clouds to break things up.
Drought and Dry Spells
Long dry spells are normal in Jeddah’s summer. With months of no real rain, the land stays arid, and plants need irrigation to survive.
The city mostly relies on desalination for water, not rainfall.
The lack of summer rain also means you won’t see seasonal rivers or streams here.
Unlike places that get summer monsoons, Jeddah’s climate stays dry, with only the occasional burst of humidity from the Red Sea.
This constant dryness can make outdoor activities more challenging. If you’re heading outside, focus on staying cool and hydrated—rain gear isn’t necessary.
Comparison to Other Times of Year
If you look at other seasons, the difference in rainfall really stands out.
The wettest month is November, with about 26–28 mm of rainfall over 1–2 days.
Winter might see a little rain too, but totals are still low compared to most places.
In contrast, summer months like June and July get 0 mm of precipitation. Rainfall in Jeddah comes in short, cooler bursts instead of being spread out across the year.
So if you’re hoping for rain to cool things down in summer, you’ll be disappointed. Cooler weather and showers only show up in late autumn and early winter.
Other Summer Weather Factors in Jeddah
Besides the heat and humidity, Jeddah’s summer brings changes in daylight, sea conditions, and sun strength.
These things affect how you plan outdoor activities, time by the coast, and what you’ll need to stay comfortable.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
During summer, Jeddah gets long, sunny days. Daylight hours slowly shrink from mid-June to late August, dropping by about 48 minutes over the season.
On the longest day in June, you get roughly 13 hours and 27 minutes of daylight.
By late August, that’s down to about 12 hours and 34 minutes.
Sunrise can be as early as 5:39 AM in June and shifts later to about 6:06 AM by the end of August.
Sunset goes from 7:09 PM in early July to 6:40 PM in late August.
With so much bright, extended daylight, you’ve got plenty of time for outdoor plans. Just keep in mind—the midday sun can be brutal.
Most people find early mornings or late evenings a lot more comfortable for being outside.
Sea Temperatures
The Red Sea along Jeddah’s coast stays warm all summer. Surface water temperatures start near 83°F (28°C) in early June.
By August, they peak close to 87–88°F (31°C).
These warm waters make swimming, snorkeling, and diving enjoyable almost every day. Even at night, the sea rarely feels cool, which is great if you like evening swims.
High humidity in the air can make the water feel even warmer than the thermometer says. If you spend lots of time in the sea, remember to stay hydrated—the heat can still wear you out, even while you’re swimming.
UV Index and Sun Protection
Jeddah’s summer sun is intense, and the UV index often hits very high to extreme levels around midday. Unprotected skin can burn fast, sometimes in just 15–20 minutes.
You’ll want to use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), wear lightweight long sleeves, and grab sunglasses with UV protection. A wide-brimmed hat can help reduce how much sun you get on your face and neck.
If you’re planning to be out for a while, try to avoid direct sun between 10 AM and 4 PM, when UV rays are strongest. Shade can be hard to find in open spaces, so carrying an umbrella or sticking to covered areas really makes a difference.
Tips for Coping With Jeddah’s Summer Weather
High heat, strong sun, and sticky humidity shape daily life in Jeddah during summer. With a little planning and a few adjustments, you can stay safe, stay comfortable, and actually enjoy your time in the city.
Staying Hydrated and Cool
Daytime temperatures in Jeddah often shoot above 40 °C (104 °F), and humidity from the Red Sea makes it feel even hotter. Drink water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty.
Carry a reusable bottle and refill it whenever you can.
Skip drinks that dry you out, like coffee or soda. Try electrolyte packets or eat fruit with lots of water, like watermelon or oranges, to help replace what you lose through sweat.
Clothes matter, too. Pick lightweight, loose, and breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. Light colors reflect the sun better than dark ones.
Air conditioning is everywhere in malls, hotels, and restaurants. Use these places for breaks from the heat. If your place doesn’t cool down much, a portable fan or a damp towel can help you cool off.
Best Times of Day for Outdoor Activities
Jeddah gets hottest in the middle of the day, with the sun peaking between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Try not to do anything strenuous during these hours. Even locals avoid staying outside too long then.
Early mornings and evenings feel a lot better. Around sunrise (5–6 a.m.) and after sunset (7–8 p.m.), temperatures drop a bit and the humidity is less intense. These times are great for walking the Corniche, checking out markets, or sightseeing.
If you have to be outside during the day, look for shaded areas and wear a wide-brimmed hat or carry an umbrella for extra protection. Don’t forget to apply sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply if you’re sweating a lot.
Plan indoor activities like visiting museums or shopping centers for the hottest part of the day. That way, you can see the city without dealing with the worst of the heat.
Travel Advice for Visitors
If you’re heading to Jeddah in the summer, try to tweak your plans to fit the climate. Book a place with reliable air conditioning, because honestly, you’ll need it for comfort and just to stay sane.
Getting around is another thing to think about. The heat can zap your energy fast, so maybe skip those long walks and grab a taxi or use a ride-hailing app instead. Most cars here have strong AC, which feels amazing when you’re hopping between spots.
Bring light but modest clothing. Saudi Arabia expects a certain dress code, so it’s better to come prepared. Guys usually do well with thin, long-sleeved shirts and trousers—comfortable and respectful at the same time.
Women can find lightweight abayas made from breathable fabric pretty much everywhere. That makes it a bit easier to stay cool and fit in.
Oh, and don’t forget a small bag with water, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Those little things can save you from a rough day out in the sun. Planning just a bit ahead really lets you relax and enjoy your trip.