Spring in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, really kicks off with a dramatic shift from mild to scorching hot. Daytime highs climb from the upper 70s Fahrenheit in early spring to well over 100°F by late May, while nights warm from the mid-50s to the low 80s.
This fast rise shapes how folks plan outdoor activities and daily routines.
Rainfall hardly shows up, but you might catch a brief shower in March before things dry out for good. Skies clear up more as spring moves on, so you get more sunshine and longer daylight hours.
By late spring, days stretch close to 14 hours, giving you plenty of time to explore or get things done outside.
Humidity stays low, keeping the air dry. Winds slowly change direction throughout the season.
These patterns—clear skies, rising heat, and dry air—really define Riyadh’s desert spring. If you know what’s coming, you can prep for both comfort and safety when you’re outside.
Spring Temperature Trends in Riyadh
Spring in Riyadh always brings a warming trend. Days start out mild in early March and end up very hot by late May.
You’ll notice steady increases in both daytime and nighttime temps, plus those longer daylight hours that make the heat feel even stronger.
Average High and Low Temperatures
In spring, average highs rise from about 78°F (26°C) in early March to around 106°F (41°C) by late May. Lows go up too, moving from about 56°F (13°C) to near 83°F (28°C).
Your mornings and evenings, which feel cool in March, warm up a lot by late May. Nights rarely dip below 48°F (9°C), and daytime highs almost never top 110°F (43°C).
The shift from winter is pretty sharp. By April, you already feel summer-like heat in the afternoons.
The difference between day and night stays wide, but the warming trend just keeps going.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low |
|---|---|---|
| March | ~78°F / 26°C | ~56°F / 13°C |
| April | ~92°F / 33°C | ~70°F / 21°C |
| May | ~106°F / 41°C | ~83°F / 28°C |
Temperature Changes from March to May
Between March and May, you get a 28°F jump in average highs and a 26°F increase in lows. This rapid rise all happens in just three months, making spring one of Riyadh’s fastest-warming seasons.
March feels comfortable for outdoor plans, especially in the evenings. By April, afternoons get hot, and you’ll want shade or AC.
May, honestly, is already as hot as midsummer in lots of places. Heat dominates most of the day.
If you visit in early spring, you can expect mild weather. By late spring, you really need to prepare for extreme heat, especially around midday.
Hourly and Daily Temperature Patterns
Temperatures in Riyadh jump quickly during the day. Mornings start off cool in March but heat up fast after sunrise.
By midday, you’ll often see high 80s°F (30s°C) in early spring and over 100°F (38°C) by May.
Evenings cool down, but as spring moves on, that relief fades. In March, nights can drop into the 50s°F (10s°C), while in May they stick in the low 80s°F (upper 20s°C).
The hottest stretch of the day usually lands between 2 PM and 5 PM. You’ll notice the biggest difference between day and night in March, but by May, high temps last from late morning past sunset.
Early mornings are easily the best time for outdoor activity, while afternoons call for taking it easy or staying inside.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Spring brings Riyadh’s highest rainfall, but don’t expect much—it’s still pretty dry compared to most places. Showers pop up here and there, with April as the wettest month.
You might get light rain on a few days, but most weeks stay bone dry.
Average Spring Rainfall
Riyadh only gets about 70–100 mm of rain a year, and most of that falls in spring. From March through May, you might see about 10–16 mm per month, with April leading the way.
Rain comes in quick bursts, not long soakers. These showers might cool things off for a bit, but the ground dries up fast in the desert.
Compared to Saudi Arabia’s coastal cities, Riyadh’s rainfall is minimal. The city’s location keeps moisture away, so even the wettest season doesn’t bring much.
Monthly Precipitation Variation
Rainfall jumps around during spring. March usually brings the first real showers, averaging about 10 mm over a few days.
April is the wettest, with about 16 mm and up to 7 rainy days. That’s your best shot at catching a downpour.
By May, rain drops off again—totals are closer to 5–8 mm and rainy days are rare. Spring really peaks in April before the long, dry summer settles in.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| March | ~10 mm | 3–4 days |
| April | ~16 mm | 6–7 days |
| May | ~5–8 mm | 2–3 days |
Chance of Wet Days
Your odds of a wet day in Riyadh during spring are still low compared to most cities. In March, you’ve got about a 10–12% chance on any given day.
April bumps that up to about 20–25%, which is as high as it gets all year. Still, three out of four days are dry.
By May, the chance drops back under 10%. Rain is often spotty, so it might pour in one part of the city while another stays dry.
You can usually count on clear skies, with just the occasional quick shower.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Riyadh’s spring brings long, bright days filled with sunshine and mostly clear skies. You’ll notice more daylight as spring goes on, with sunrise and sunset times shifting gradually.
Average Daily Sunshine
During spring, you get more sunshine than in winter. March averages about 8 to 9 hours of sun each day, while April and May push that up to 10 to 11 hours.
Clouds thin out as spring moves forward. Early spring can bring a few hazy or partly cloudy days, but by late spring, skies usually look clear.
All this sunshine helps push daytime temperatures into the 30s°C in April and into the 40s by May. If you’re outdoors, expect strong sunlight and plan on sun protection.
Length of Daylight
Daylight in Riyadh stretches out as spring goes on. In March, the sun’s up for about 12 hours a day. By May, you get nearly 13.5 hours.
This gives you more time for sightseeing, business, or just being out and about. Spring days feel way longer than winter, so you can fit in more activities.
The change is gradual—each week adds a few minutes. There aren’t any abrupt shifts, so planning your schedule is pretty straightforward.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
Sunrise and sunset times shift as spring moves on. Early March brings sunrise around 6:15 AM and sunset near 6:00 PM.
By May, sunrise is closer to 5:15 AM, and sunset slides past 6:40 PM.
So, mornings start earlier, giving you cooler hours before the heat sets in. Evening light sticks around longer, making late-day outings nicer.
The changes are slow, but if you’re an early riser, you’ll notice brighter mornings by late spring. This is great for scheduling desert tours or city walks before it gets too hot.
Humidity and Air Quality
Humidity in Riyadh stays low most of the year, especially when it’s warm. The air feels drier than in Saudi Arabia’s coastal areas, and this can impact both comfort and air quality during spring.
Average Spring Humidity
Spring humidity in Riyadh usually sits between 20% and 35%. March is a bit higher, while May is often the driest.
Because of this dryness, you won’t feel sticky, even when it’s hot. But low humidity can dry out your skin, eyes, or throat if you’re not careful.
Dry air and frequent winds mean more dust. This can make air quality a bigger issue than moisture, especially for folks with asthma or allergies.
Seasonal Humidity Changes
Humidity in Riyadh follows a clear cycle. The highest levels hit January at around 50%, and the lowest show up in June at about 14%.
Spring falls in between, with humidity dropping as summer approaches.
March feels more comfortable for breathing and outdoor stuff than May, when the air is very dry. The change also impacts how the heat feels, since low humidity lets sweat evaporate fast.
Dust storms pop up more in late spring, when humidity is lowest and winds pick up. These storms cut visibility and hurt air quality, so they might affect your plans.
Carrying water and wearing protective eyewear helps you deal with these dry, dusty days.
Cloud Cover and Visibility
In Riyadh, spring skies clear up more and more as the season goes on. You’ll see fewer cloudy days and better visibility, which makes it easier to be outside or travel this time of year.
Spring Cloudiness Trends
Cloud cover drops steadily through spring. Early March brings overcast or mostly cloudy skies about 25% of the time.
By late May, that drops to around 14%, so you get a lot more clear skies.
Mid-April shows a brief peak in cloudiness, but it fades quickly. You might catch scattered clouds then, but conditions improve fast.
Compared to summer, spring still shows a bit more cloud variety, but overall, clear skies win out. Spring is a solid season for planning outdoor events or sightseeing in Riyadh.
Clear and Overcast Days
If you love clear skies, late spring is your best bet. By late May, skies are clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy about 86% of the time.
The cloudiest day usually lands in mid-April, when overcast conditions hit about 31%. Even then, most days give you at least some sunshine.
The dry desert air keeps visibility sharp. Fog or haze rarely show up in spring, so you get great long-distance views across the city and desert.
Spring’s clear air makes it a great time for photography, travel, and outdoor exploring.
Wind and Other Weather Factors
Spring in Riyadh brings steady winds and occasional dust events. You can expect breezes that sometimes feel nice but can also kick up dust and reduce visibility when things get gusty.
Average Wind Speeds
In Riyadh, spring winds usually blow at 10–20 km/h (6–12 mph). These breezes come mostly from the north or northwest, moving the dry desert air around.
March brings a refreshing breeze when the days are still mild. By May, though, the same wind can feel noticeably warmer as the temperatures head toward summer.
Open desert areas get stronger winds than the city’s built-up neighborhoods. You’ll probably notice gusts in the afternoon since the heat stirs up the air.
At night, winds calm down, and it’s easier to enjoy being outside.
If you’re planning to spend time outdoors, keep in mind that wind direction and strength can change pretty fast. This happens a lot in April, when shifting weather patterns make things a bit unpredictable.
Dust and Sandstorms
Dust and sandstorms hit Riyadh pretty often in the spring. It’s those shamal winds from the north—they whip up fine desert dust and send it drifting for miles.
When a storm rolls in, you might only see a few hundred meters ahead. Traveling gets tricky fast. The air fills with particles, and honestly, breathing feels tougher, especially if you already deal with respiratory issues.
If that’s you, it’s just smarter to stay inside until things calm down. Most dust storms show up out of nowhere and stick around for hours.
April and May bring more of these storms, thanks to stronger winds and dry ground. If you’re out and about, try wearing protective eyewear and a light mask.
That way, you’ll keep the dust out of your eyes and lungs. When visibility drops suddenly, staying indoors really is your best bet.