Winter in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, feels nothing like the chilly winters you might picture elsewhere. Daytime highs usually hover around 29–31°C (84–87°F), while nights cool off to about 20°C (68°F), so it’s honestly one of the best times to get outside.
The air is much easier to handle than in summer, and the Red Sea really gives the city a pleasant, breezy vibe.
Rain sometimes happens, but it’s usually just a quick shower in December or January. These are rare and almost never mess up your plans.
Humidity drops compared to summer, so walking along the Corniche or wandering through the old districts actually feels nice.
You get steady sunshine, gentle winds, and the sea stays warm enough for swimming. That mix lets you enjoy both city life and water activities without worrying about the heat.
Winter just feels like the right time to soak up Jeddah’s culture, coastline, and desert climate.
Overview of Jeddah’s Winter Climate
Jeddah’s winters stay warm compared to a lot of places. Nights are mild, and rain barely shows up.
The Red Sea shapes the temperature, humidity, and wind, while the desert keeps things mostly dry and bright.
General Weather Patterns
In winter, Jeddah’s daily highs usually land between 83°F and 85°F (28°C–29°C). Nights drop to around 65°F–70°F (18°C–21°C).
It’s pretty rare for temperatures to dip below 59°F (15°C).
Rain almost never sticks around. The odds of a rainy day are just 1%, and when it does rain, it’s over fast.
Monthly rainfall totals sit near 0.1 inches, so you probably won’t need an umbrella.
Clouds don’t hang around much. The sky stays clear or mostly clear about 80% of the time, so sunshine is almost a guarantee.
You get about 11 hours of daylight, and the days slowly get longer from December to February.
Humidity starts out higher but drops as winter goes on. By late January, the air feels a lot drier and more pleasant.
Desert Climate Characteristics
Jeddah has a hot desert (BWh) climate. Winters are mild, but the desert keeps rain levels super low.
Annual rainfall is only 2–3 inches, most of it falling from November to February.
Even in winter, the sun stays strong. Daily solar energy rises from about 4.7 kWh/m² in December up to 6.1 kWh/m² in February.
Humidity shifts through the season. December can feel muggy half the time, but by February, only about a quarter of days feel that way.
Late winter is definitely more comfortable for being outside.
The Red Sea keeps nighttime temperatures from dropping too much. Unlike desert cities inland, Jeddah doesn’t get freezing nights.
Geographical Influences
Jeddah sits right on the Red Sea coast, just 69 feet above sea level. That coastal spot really shapes the weather.
The sea keeps temperatures steady, so highs and lows don’t swing much. Water temperatures start at 84°F in early winter and cool to about 78°F by late February.
This helps keep the air from getting too cold.
Winds matter too. In winter, winds usually come from the north at about 9–10 mph.
These breezes bring drier air, making it feel even more comfortable.
The area around the city is pretty flat, with mountains farther inland. You won’t notice big climate changes in town, but Jeddah’s coast does mean more humidity than the dry desert interior.
Average Winter Temperatures
Jeddah’s winter is warm compared to a lot of other places. Daytime highs feel almost like summer, and nights are mild.
Temperature changes are small, so you don’t get big surprises from month to month.
Typical Highs and Lows
You’ll usually see average daytime highs around 83–86°F (28–30°C) in winter.
These numbers come from long-term records at Jeddah King Abdul Aziz International Airport, so they’re pretty reliable.
At night, the air cools to 65–70°F (18–21°C). It’s cooler, but you probably won’t need anything heavier than a light sweater.
There’s a noticeable difference between day and night, but it never gets extreme.
Humidity stays moderate, which really helps make the warmth pleasant.
Jeddah’s Red Sea location keeps nights milder than inland desert cities, so you can move between indoor and outdoor plans without much fuss.
Monthly Temperature Variations
Winter runs from December through February. In December, highs average about 85°F (29°C), with lows near 68°F (20°C).
January is the coolest month, with highs near 83°F (28°C) and lows around 65°F (18°C).
By February, things warm up a bit, with highs at 84–86°F (29–30°C) and lows at 67–69°F (19–21°C).
These shifts are minor, so you won’t feel huge changes.
Historical weather records show that this winter pattern stays pretty steady year after year.
You can plan outdoor activities easily—walking the Corniche, eating outside, or taking a day trip all work well.
Jeddah keeps things reliably warm all winter.
Record Lows and Extremes
Winters are mild, but records show that temperatures have dipped as low as the low 50s°F (10–12°C) at Jeddah King Abdul Aziz International Airport.
That’s rare, though.
You won’t have to worry about extreme heat in winter. Unlike summer, when highs can shoot past 100°F (38°C), winter extremes stay in a comfortable range.
If you’re out late or up early during a rare cool spell, you might want a light sweater.
Overall, Jeddah’s winter extremes are mild compared to other desert spots.
Rainfall and Humidity in Winter
In Jeddah’s winter, you’ll get quick bursts of rain mixed with long stretches of dry weather.
Humidity stays pretty high thanks to the Red Sea, even when it hardly rains.
Precipitation Levels
Winter is the main season for rain in Jeddah. Most of it falls from November to February.
November is usually the wettest month, with 25–30 mm on average.
December and January are lighter, generally 10–20 mm each. By February, rain drops to 5–10 mm.
These numbers are tiny compared to most places worldwide.
Jeddah’s yearly rainfall is just 80 mm, less than what many cities get in a single month.
So, winter rain matters for the region, but it’s still modest overall.
Rainy Days Frequency
Rain only falls on a handful of days, even in the wetter months.
You’ll usually see just 1–3 rainy days per month in winter.
November has the most, with about 2 days of measurable rain.
December and January get about 1 day each, and February might have none or just one brief shower.
Rain usually comes in short, sudden bursts, not long drizzles.
That’s typical for a desert climate—quick storms that can sometimes cause local flooding.
If you’re planning to be outside, you can count on most days being dry and sunny.
Humidity Patterns
Jeddah’s humidity stays high all year because of the coast.
In winter, relative humidity averages 55% to 65%.
Mornings can feel extra humid, sometimes above 70%, but afternoons dry out as the temperature rises.
The Red Sea keeps moisture levels up, even when rain is rare.
This humidity can make cool winter days feel warmer than you’d expect.
Evenings are usually more comfortable, with both humidity and temperature dropping a bit.
For locals, these months bring some of the best weather of the year, even if the air feels a little damp at times.
Wind, Sunshine, and Cloud Cover
In Jeddah’s winter, you’ll notice steady breezes, plenty of daylight, and mostly clear skies.
Dry conditions rule, with only brief periods of clouds and barely any rain.
Typical Wind Speeds
Winter wind speeds around Jeddah average 10–18 km/h (6–11 mph), according to airport records.
The Red Sea coast shapes these breezes, which usually blow in from the northwest.
Some days bring stronger gusts, especially near the shore, but you won’t often see sustained high winds.
That’s a relief compared to the hotter months, when stronger breezes and humidity make things feel stickier.
The wind helps keep the air from feeling stale. Even when highs reach the upper 20s °C (mid-80s °F), the breeze makes it easier to be outside.
Most travelers find the wind gentle enough that it doesn’t get in the way of sightseeing.
Sunshine Hours
Winter still brings 9–10 hours of sunshine per day in Jeddah, which is more than a lot of places get during the same season.
The subtropical desert climate keeps cloudy days rare.
The sun sits lower than in summer, so the light isn’t as harsh, but UV levels are still moderate to high.
If you’re out for a while, sunscreen is a good idea.
Clear skies make winter great for waterfront strolls and outdoor meals.
Unlike summer, when the heat can keep you inside, mild temperatures and all that sunlight let you enjoy being outdoors.
Cloud Cover Trends
Clouds don’t stick around much in Jeddah during winter.
Most days are clear to partly cloudy, with only brief spells of overcast skies.
December and January average less than 20–25% cloud cover, while February might have a bit more, but not much.
Rain is rare, but when clouds do show up, they might bring a quick shower before moving on.
For travelers, this means you can count on good visibility for flights in and out of Jeddah King Abdul Aziz International Airport.
The steady sky conditions make it easy to plan outdoor plans without worrying about sudden weather changes.
Sea Conditions During Winter
The Red Sea off Jeddah’s coast stays warm all winter, with only slight changes in temperature.
Swimming is possible, though how comfortable you feel depends on your cold tolerance.
Sea Surface Temperatures
In winter, sea temperatures in Jeddah go from about 28°C in December to 26°C in January and 25–26°C in February.
That’s warmer than a lot of famous beach spots at the same time of year.
The water cools a bit as winter moves on, but it never drops below 25°C.
You can expect mild to warm water, not the chilly seas you’d find elsewhere.
| Month | Avg. Sea Temp (°C) |
|---|---|
| December | 28.1 |
| January | 26.5 |
| February | 25.7 |
Since the Red Sea is semi-enclosed and shallow in places, it holds onto heat better than open oceans.
That keeps water temperatures steady and pleasant, even in the coolest months.
Swimming and Water Activities
You can swim comfortably in Jeddah during winter. The sea almost never feels cold, which surprises a lot of visitors.
Most people say the water’s at its best in January and February. Daytime air temperatures usually hit around 27–28°C, and humidity drops a bit.
Snorkeling and diving stay great in winter. Visibility is clear, and you’ll hardly ever get rained out. Rain only falls about 0–1 day per month, so you can usually count on your plans.
If you like warmer water, December might be your favorite time. February brings slightly cooler seas, but honestly, it’s still fine for long swims. Most travelers skip wetsuits, but if you’re diving a lot, a thin one could be nice.
Calm seas and steady warmth make winter a fantastic time to enjoy the Red Sea. You won’t have to deal with extreme heat or packed beaches.
Practical Tips for Visiting Jeddah in Winter
Mild daytime temperatures and cooler evenings make winter in Jeddah pretty comfortable for outdoor adventures. You can check out cultural sites, stroll by the sea, or join seasonal events without sweating through the day.
What to Pack
Winter highs usually stay between 20°C (68°F) and 30°C (86°F). Light, breathable clothes feel best for Corniche walks or exploring Al-Balad. Evenings sometimes get a bit chilly, so you’ll want to bring a light jacket or sweater.
Respecting local customs matters in Saudi Arabia. Men should wear long pants in public. Women are generally expected to wear an abaya almost everywhere. Neutral or darker colors tend to work better.
Pack comfortable walking shoes for wandering historic districts and markets. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat help a lot, since the sun stays strong even in winter. Planning to swim or hit the Red Sea? Bring modest swimwear that fits local expectations.
A small umbrella or light rain jacket won’t take much space. Rain is rare, but November and December sometimes bring a quick shower. A reusable water bottle is handy for staying hydrated during all your outdoor plans.
Best Activities and Events
Winter really feels like the most pleasant season for sightseeing in Jeddah. You can wander through Al-Balad, the UNESCO-listed old town, and the cooler air just makes those narrow alleys and old houses a lot more inviting.
The Jeddah Corniche works great for evening walks. People love cycling there or grabbing dinner by the sea.
During this season, cultural festivals pop up all over the city. You might stumble into art exhibits, live music, or heritage events that show off Saudi traditions.
It’s smart to book your hotel early, honestly, since winter draws in both locals and travelers from abroad.
The Red Sea never really gets cold—water temperatures stay around 26–29°C (79–84°F) all year. If you’re into snorkeling or diving, winter brings calm seas and clear views underwater.
Shopping’s pretty fun too, whether you’re wandering traditional souks or checking out shiny new malls. The cooler weather makes it way easier to hop between indoor and outdoor spots without melting.