When you picture summer in Riyadh, one thing stands out above all else: heat. Average daytime highs soar well above 40°C (104°F), and nights barely cool off, often lingering near 30°C (86°F).
This kind of extreme desert climate really shapes daily life and even the best times to step outside. If you’re planning travel, you’ll need to keep the relentless heat in mind.
You won’t see much rain during these months, and humidity stays very low. The heat feels dry, not sticky.
Long daylight hours mean the sun dominates, and winds from the north sometimes sweep dust and sand across the city. These conditions create a unique summer environment, so you’ll want to plan ahead to stay comfortable.
Overview of Riyadh’s Summer Climate
Riyadh gets long, intensely hot summers with almost no rainfall. The air stays dry, and skies are usually clear.
High temperatures and desert conditions rule daily life. Geography and elevation both play a role in how heat and wind feel across the city.
Compared to other parts of Saudi Arabia, the capital really stands out for its dryness and steady heat.
Desert Climate Characteristics
Riyadh has a subtropical desert climate (BWh), so summers are extremely hot and dry. Daytime highs often hit 108°F (42°C), and late July can push things to 110°F (43°C).
At night, it barely cools down, with lows averaging 85°F (29°C).
Rainfall barely registers in summer. Annual precipitation is just 66 mm (2.6 inches), and summer adds almost nothing to that.
The air stays dry, with dew points rarely above 55°F (13°C), so you don’t get that sticky humidity.
Cloud cover might increase a touch in July, but skies stay mostly clear. Sunshine is intense, especially in June and July.
UV levels skyrocket, so if you’re outdoors, sun protection isn’t optional.
Geographic Influences on Weather
Riyadh sits on the Najd Plateau at about 2,000 feet (610 m) above sea level. This elevation helps nights cool off a bit more than in lower deserts.
Still, the heat remains relentless because there’s little vegetation or moisture.
The city is surrounded by rocky desert terrain with almost no water to cool things down. Winds blow often, averaging 8–10 mph, mostly from the north.
These winds can bring dust and sand, sometimes cutting visibility.
Since Riyadh is inland and far from the Red Sea and Arabian Gulf, it misses out on coastal breezes. That isolation leads to sharp temperature swings between day and night.
Comparison to Other Saudi Arabian Cities
If you compare Riyadh to Jeddah or Dammam, the differences jump out. Coastal cities deal with higher humidity and slightly lower highs, but the humidity can feel pretty uncomfortable.
Jeddah, on the Red Sea, averages highs around 100°F (38°C), but nights are muggy. Dammam, near the Arabian Gulf, is similar.
Riyadh’s heat is drier and more direct—some people actually prefer it.
Compared to Medina or Mecca, Riyadh gets hotter during the day but stays less humid. This makes the capital one of the driest and sunniest major cities in Saudi Arabia in summer.
Average Summer Temperatures
Riyadh’s desert climate brings long, hot summers with scorching daytime temperatures and warm nights.
You can expect steady heat through June, July, and August. Humidity and rain rarely offer any relief.
Monthly Temperature Ranges
Summer temperatures in Riyadh stick to a narrow, extreme range. June usually brings daily highs near 106°F (41°C) and lows around 82°F (28°C).
July is the hottest, with highs averaging about 110°F (43°C) and lows near 87°F (31°C).
By August, things ease just slightly, with highs closer to 107°F (42°C) and lows around 84°F (29°C).
Here’s a quick look at the averages:
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 106 (41) | 82 (28) |
| July | 110 (43) | 87 (31) |
| August | 107 (42) | 84 (29) |
Daytime and Nighttime Variations
The difference between day and night in Riyadh isn’t as dramatic as in some deserts. Daytime highs often go above 105°F (40°C), while nights usually hover in the mid-80s°F (around 29–31°C).
Nights don’t cool off much, so you don’t get much natural relief. Air conditioning is a must, especially in July when lows can stick around 87°F (31°C).
Unlike the coastal cities, Riyadh has very low humidity. The dry air makes the heat feel a bit less stifling, but you’ll need to stay hydrated.
Even at night, the warmth can feel relentless compared to more temperate places.
Record Highs and Lows
Riyadh’s summer temperatures rarely dip below 78°F (26°C) at night or climb past 114°F (46°C) during the day.
The hottest stretch usually lands in late July, when highs average around 110°F (43°C).
On the most extreme days, you might see temperatures hit the upper end, but records above 114°F (46°C) aren’t common.
Even the coolest summer nights usually stay above 78°F (26°C). This lack of nighttime cooling is a defining trait of Riyadh’s summer.
Humidity and Precipitation Patterns
Riyadh’s desert climate keeps the air very dry for most of the year, with just a brief season of higher humidity.
Rain is rare and unpredictable, so you’ll probably go for long stretches without any measurable precipitation.
Typical Humidity Levels
Humidity in Riyadh shifts a lot between winter and summer. In the cooler months, levels can hit about 50% in January, making mornings feel just a little damp.
In summer, though, humidity drops off a cliff, with June averaging around 14%.
This dry air makes the heat feel less sticky than in coastal cities. But the lack of moisture means you’re at higher risk for dehydration, so keep water handy.
During July and August, humidity usually stays under 20%. The air stays clear, and clouds are rare.
Outdoor conditions get harsh, as the sun’s intensity combines with very dry winds.
In months like March and November, humidity climbs to between 25% and 35%. These periods feel a bit more comfortable, but the air is still much drier than the global norm.
Rainfall and Drought Conditions
Riyadh gets very little rain, averaging about 60–70 mm (2–3 inches) a year.
Most rain falls between March and May, usually in short, heavy bursts. June through September are almost bone dry.
Rainfall events are rare and unpredictable. When storms do hit, they can dump water quickly, causing localized flooding since the ground doesn’t absorb water well.
You might go an entire summer without seeing a single drop of rain. This long dry stretch defines Riyadh’s climate and explains why the city relies on groundwater and desalination.
High temperatures, low humidity, and minimal rainfall create extended droughts. These conditions shape daily routines and travel plans, especially for anyone hoping to spend time outdoors.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Riyadh gets powerful sunlight during summer, with long days and high levels of direct exposure.
Both the sheer amount of sunshine and the length of the day will shape your outdoor plans and daily rhythm.
Average Daily Sunshine
During summer, Riyadh racks up some of the highest sunshine totals of the year.
June, July, and August each average close to 12 hours of sunshine per day. That’s a lot of sun.
In winter, say January, you’ll see closer to 7 hours of sunshine daily. The difference is huge.
This steady brightness in summer means you’ll need to plan for extended exposure to UV rays.
On average, Riyadh gets around 3,200+ hours of sunshine a year. That’s much more than many major cities.
For comparison, Lisbon gets about 2,800 hours, and Manchester only around 1,400. Riyadh really is a sunshine powerhouse.
Seasonal Changes in Daylight
Daylight hours in Riyadh shift with the seasons.
The longest day comes in late June, with about 13 hours and 30 minutes of daylight.
The shortest day in late December gives you about 10 hours and 30 minutes.
That’s a three-hour swing—not huge, but noticeable. It does affect how much time you have for outdoor activities.
In summer, the sun sits high in the sky, reaching angles above 65° at midday. That cranks up both brightness and heat.
Even in winter, Riyadh still gets more daylight than many northern cities. Summer, though, clearly brings the longest and brightest days.
Wind and Sandstorm Activity
Riyadh’s desert climate brings strong seasonal winds, especially in summer. These winds affect air quality, visibility, and how comfortable it feels outside.
They also help trigger sandstorms.
Prevailing Winds in Summer
In summer, you’ll notice steady winds, usually from the north and northwest. Locals call them Shamal winds, and they’re a regular feature across central Saudi Arabia.
They often blow at moderate to strong speeds, especially in June and July.
Wind speeds typically range between 15–25 km/h. On some days, gusts get even stronger, kicking up more dust.
The dry desert around Riyadh makes it easy for sand to blow around when the winds pick up.
The Shamal winds are most active during the day when the sun heats things up. Nights are usually calmer, but breezes still linger.
These winds can take a bit of the edge off the heat by moving air around, but they also raise dust levels and cut visibility.
If you’re planning to be outside, expect the strongest winds in the afternoon. Light clothing and sunglasses can help with the dust.
Frequency of Sandstorms
Sandstorms hit most often in summer when hot, dry winds sweep over the desert.
Riyadh usually gets a few each year, with June and July being the peak months.
These storms can drop visibility to less than 1 kilometer at their worst.
Sandstorms can be mild and short, or they can last hours. The strength depends on wind speed, dryness, and how much loose sand is around.
You’ll probably notice storms start suddenly, with the sky turning hazy or reddish as dust fills the air.
Fine particles can make breathing tough and coat everything. Most people try to stay indoors until things settle down.
After long dry spells, sandstorms become more likely. Staying inside, sealing windows, and using air filters are common ways to cope.
Tips for Coping with Riyadh’s Summer Weather
Summer heat in Riyadh is intense, with daily highs often above 40°C (104°F).
Handling it means keeping your body cool, protecting your skin, and shifting your routine to avoid the worst heat.
Staying Hydrated and Safe
Try to sip water regularly, not just when thirst hits. Riyadh’s dry air can leave you dehydrated faster than you’d expect, especially if you’re outdoors.
Keep a reusable bottle with you and top it up whenever you get the chance.
Skip drinks loaded with caffeine or sugar, since those just make you lose more fluids. Tossing in some electrolyte packets or grabbing a lightly salted snack can help you get back the minerals you sweat out.
Try not to head outside during the hottest stretch of the day, which usually runs from midday to late afternoon. If you really have to be out, duck into shade or air conditioning whenever you can.
Slather on sunscreen with a high SPF, because the sun here is no joke and even a little time outside can leave you with skin damage.
Quick safety reminders:
- Drink small amounts of water often
- Use sunscreen generously
- Rest in cool areas when possible
Recommended Clothing and Activities
Pick out light-colored, loose-fitting clothes made from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. These fabrics let air move around and help you stay cooler. In Saudi Arabia, you’ll want to stick with modest styles, so long sleeves and loose trousers or skirts make sense.
Grab some accessories like a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, or even an umbrella. They’ll give you a bit more protection from the sun. For your feet, comfortable sandals or shoes that let them breathe are a good call.
Try to schedule outdoor activities in the early morning or later in the evening when it’s not as hot. When it’s the middle of the day, you might want to check out indoor spots—think museums, shopping centers, or anywhere with air conditioning.
Eating lighter meals with fruits, veggies, or soups can make a big difference. They’re easier to digest and help you avoid feeling tired in the heat.
Practical clothing checklist:
- Light fabrics
- Loose fit
- Sun hat or umbrella
- Sunglasses with UV protection