Winter in Riyadh feels nothing like the city’s famous scorching summers. You’ll get mild days, with average highs sitting in the low 70s °F (about 22 °C), and nights that often cool off into the low 50s °F (around 11 °C). That’s honestly one of the best times to get outside and explore Saudi Arabia’s capital, since you won’t be fighting off the punishing summer sun.
Rain rarely interrupts your plans, and humidity stays pretty low, so the air feels dry and clear most of the time. Sunshine sticks around, though December and January bring slightly shorter days, with about 10 to 11 hours of daylight.
By late winter, you’ll notice the days stretching out again, giving you more time to enjoy being outside.
These weather patterns create a calm, pleasant season that’s easy to plan around. If you’re in the mood for exploring historic sites, open-air dining, or just strolling the city, winter in Riyadh hits a sweet spot between warmth and comfort that really stands out in the desert.
Overview of Riyadh’s Winter Climate
Riyadh’s winters bring cooler temperatures, clearer skies, and limited rainfall compared to the rest of the year.
The season is short but definitely noticeable, marked by mild days, cool nights, and dry desert air that really shapes how you feel outdoors.
Desert Climate Characteristics
Riyadh sits in a hot desert climate (BWh), so winters stay dry with almost no humidity. Rain barely makes an appearance, averaging about 0.2 inches per month in winter.
You won’t see snow here, and muggy days just don’t happen. Daytime highs generally land between 68°F and 72°F, while nighttime lows drop to around 49°F to 52°F.
The air feels crisp and dry, which makes it pretty comfortable to be outside, especially compared to the heavy summer heat.
Sunshine holds steady, with about 6–7 hours of sun per day in December and January. That’s less than in summer, but it still gives you bright days.
The desert climate also means once the sun sets, temperatures fall quickly, so evenings can feel much cooler than the afternoons.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
During winter, temperatures don’t swing much from month to month. January usually brings the coldest stretch, with average lows near 49°F.
By late February, you’ll notice days getting longer and a bit warmer, with highs reaching the mid-70s.
Cloud cover fades as winter goes on. Early December might bring partly cloudy skies about 29% of the time, but by February, clear skies take over about 80% of the time.
Rain barely shows up and stays light. If showers happen, they’re brief and scattered.
Wind speeds tick up a little through the season, averaging 8–9 mph, mostly blowing from the south. These winds rarely kick up dust storms in winter, but you might feel a bit of a chill in the evenings.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter in Riyadh is a completely different experience than the long, blazing summer. In July, daytime highs often soar past 105°F, while winter averages around 70°F.
Nights in winter can actually feel cold, while summer nights rarely dip below 85°F.
Humidity really sets the seasons apart too. Winter air feels dry and crisp, but summer sometimes feels stuffy, even when humidity is low.
Rain comes more often in spring, not winter, so you’ll get fewer wet days than in March or April.
Day length changes too. December brings about 10.5 hours of daylight, and by February you’ll see almost 11.5 hours. That gradual increase is a sign that spring and warmer weather are on the way.
Typical Winter Temperatures in Riyadh
Winter cools Riyadh down, with noticeably colder nights compared to its endless hot summers. You’ll get mild afternoons, chilly evenings, and some big swings between day and night temps.
Average Daytime Highs
During winter, daytime highs in Riyadh usually stay between 20°C and 22°C (68°F–72°F). On the chilliest January days, highs can dip closer to 20°C (68°F), while milder days sometimes reach 25°C (77°F).
That makes afternoons great for being outside. Unlike summer, when highs regularly shoot past 40°C (104°F), winter days feel pretty pleasant and manageable.
The sun still shines for hours, so even if the air is cool, it can feel warm in direct sunlight. Mid-morning to late afternoon is usually the best time to head outdoors.
Nighttime Lows
At night, temperatures drop off fast. Typical lows range from 9°C to 12°C (48°F–54°F), and January is usually the coldest month.
Sometimes, it can get as low as 5°C (41°F), but that’s not common.
Because of Riyadh’s desert climate, heat escapes quickly after sunset, thanks to the dry air.
Evenings and early mornings can feel much cooler than you’d expect, especially if you’re used to more humid places.
You’ll probably want a light jacket or sweater at night, even if the afternoon felt warm. That day-to-night contrast is one of the signature features of Riyadh’s winter weather.
Monthly Temperature Variations
The coldest spell usually lands in early to mid-January, with average highs near 20°C (68°F) and lows around 9°C (48°F).
December and February warm up a little, with highs close to 22°C (72°F) and lows around 11°C (52°F).
Temperatures gradually rise from December through February. By late February, highs might reach 24°C (75°F), hinting at spring’s return.
You’ll notice cooler weather at the start of winter and more comfortable warmth by the end. The change isn’t dramatic, but it’s enough to influence your outdoor plans.
Rainfall and Humidity During Winter
Winter in Riyadh cools things off, but doesn’t bring much extra rain or humidity. You might get quick, scattered showers and slightly higher moisture, but the season mostly stays dry.
Precipitation Levels
Riyadh’s desert climate means you shouldn’t expect much rain in winter. Average yearly precipitation sits around 66 mm (2.6 inches), with only a slice of that falling between December and February.
Rain usually comes as short bursts, not steady showers. Storms can be intense but rarely last more than an hour.
Some winters pass with barely any measurable rain at all.
You’ll only see 1–3 rainy days per month in winter, so you can plan outdoor activities without worrying much about rain.
Still, when storms do hit, they can cause brief flooding since some areas don’t drain well.
Humidity Trends
Humidity in Riyadh during winter is higher than in the peak of summer, but still feels dry compared to coastal cities. Average relative humidity usually sits between 40% and 60%.
Mornings can feel a bit more humid, especially in January, when the cooler air holds onto moisture. By afternoon, humidity drops as the temperature rises.
Moderate humidity makes the cooler air feel more comfortable for walking around or sightseeing.
Unlike summer, when humidity and heat team up, winter air feels lighter and easier to breathe.
If you have sensitive skin, you might still want to keep moisturizer handy, since the air stays drier than in more temperate climates.
Rainiest Winter Months
Of the winter months, January usually brings the highest chance of rainfall in Riyadh.
Rainfall amounts remain small, but January averages a few more rainy days than December or February.
December often brings the first light showers of the season. February can be almost dry some years, but sometimes you’ll get short, heavy downpours.
Here’s a quick look at average rainy days in winter:
| Month | Average Rainy Days | Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 1–2 | 10–15 mm |
| January | 2–3 | 15–20 mm |
| February | 1–2 | 10–15 mm |
So, if you want to see rain in Riyadh, January is your best bet.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Winter in Riyadh cools things down, but you’ll still get plenty of sunshine. The city offers long stretches of clear weather, with steady daylight and lots of sun compared to most other places this time of year.
Average Daily Sunshine
In winter, Riyadh gets about 7 to 7.5 hours of direct sunshine per day. December and January see the least sunshine all year, but honestly, the city is still sunnier than most places in Europe or North America during winter.
Skies usually stay clear, so you rarely lose a whole day to clouds.
That makes it easy to plan outdoor activities, sightseeing, or just your daily routine without worrying too much about gloomy weather.
Here’s a quick table of typical daily sunshine:
| Month | Average Daily Sunshine (hours) |
|---|---|
| December | ~6.9–7.0 |
| January | ~7.2 |
| February | ~8.0 |
These averages show how reliably bright Riyadh’s winter climate is.
You’ll notice shorter days than in summer, but there’s still plenty of sun for most of the day.
Daylight Duration in Winter
Daylight in Riyadh doesn’t shift much during winter. December brings the shortest days, with about 10.5 hours of daylight, and by February, you’ll get almost 11.5 hours.
Sunrise usually happens around 6:30–7:00 a.m., and sunset falls between 5:15–5:45 p.m.
That’s enough time to enjoy being outside without the super long nights you’d get in higher latitudes.
Since Riyadh sits closer to the equator than Europe or North America, the difference in daylight from season to season isn’t dramatic.
You won’t get those super short winter days, which makes the city feel brighter and more open, even during the coolest months.
Wind, Air Quality, and Visibility
Winter in Riyadh brings cooler winds, drier air, and clearer skies than summer. While you get a break from extreme heat, it’s still worth paying attention to wind, dust levels, and how far you can see across the city.
Typical Wind Speeds
Riyadh’s winter winds usually stay light to moderate, often ranging from 8 to 15 km/h. Sometimes, stronger gusts blow in when cold fronts move through.
These winds mostly come from the north and northwest, carrying cooler air into the city.
Unlike summer, when winds can feel hot and dry, winter breezes are cooler and more comfortable.
Still, even in winter, winds sometimes stir up dust and sand, especially in the open desert around Riyadh.
If you’re outside, you might notice dust events are less common than in spring, but they can still pop up.
If you have respiratory sensitivities, plan for the occasional windy, dusty day.
Air Quality During Winter
Air quality in Riyadh generally improves in winter compared to the hotter months. Cooler temperatures and lower humidity cut down on ground-level ozone, which is more common in summer.
Still, dust and fine particles remain the main concern for air quality during winter.
When strong winds kick up sand, the air can get hazy, and air quality drops for a bit. On calm days, though, you’ll enjoy clearer, cleaner air.
That makes winter a better time for outdoor activities like walking, sightseeing, or dining outside.
If you have asthma or allergies, it’s smart to check daily air quality reports. Keeping a mask or scarf handy can help if a dust event catches you by surprise.
Visibility Conditions
Visibility in Riyadh during winter is usually excellent, often exceeding 10 kilometers on clear days.
The dry air and stable weather make the skies brighter and sharper than in summer, so you can see city landmarks and desert landscapes more clearly.
Of course, visibility can drop quickly during dust storms. Even a short event might cut visibility to just a few kilometers.
These conditions happen less in winter than in spring, but they’re not impossible.
For travelers, most days give you great conditions for driving, sightseeing, and photography.
Just stay alert during windy spells, since reduced visibility can affect road safety and outdoor plans.
Travel Tips for Winter in Riyadh
Winter in Riyadh feels pretty refreshing. You’ll get mild daytime warmth, cooler nights, and low rainfall.
You can really enjoy the outdoor attractions, but keep in mind that temperatures change a lot between day and night. Packing smart and thinking about seasonal events makes your trip much easier.
Best Time to Visit
Most people agree that December through February are the most comfortable months in Riyadh. Daytime highs usually reach 20–23°C (68–73°F), while nights might drop to 5–10°C (41–50°F).
Winter days are shorter than summer, but honestly, they’re much nicer for sightseeing.
Rain hardly ever happens, and when it does, it’s usually light and only lasts a few days. You’ll see mostly clear skies, and on average, you get about 6–8 hours of sunshine per day.
With mild temperatures and low humidity, winter really draws in travelers.
If you’d rather skip the crowds, try coming in late November or early March. The weather still feels good, but you’ll notice fewer tourists around.
These shoulder weeks can also make it easier to find better hotel rates or last-minute rooms.
What to Pack for Winter
You’ll want clothes that work for both sunny afternoons and chilly nights. Grab some light layers like cotton shirts for daytime, and pack a sweater or light jacket for the evenings.
A scarf or shawl comes in handy if the temperature drops suddenly.
Rain doesn’t happen often, but you might want a compact umbrella or water-resistant jacket just in case.
Definitely bring comfortable walking shoes, especially if you’re planning to check out outdoor markets or old historical spots.
Saudi Arabia expects modest dress, so long trousers or skirts and tops that cover your shoulders are a good idea.
Women should carry an abaya, since it’s pretty much standard in public places.
Outdoor Activities and Events
Winter finally gives you a chance to enjoy Riyadh’s outdoor spaces without sweating through the extreme summer heat. You might take a walk along Wadi Hanifa or wander through Diriyah’s historic district.
Parks like King Abdullah Park become way more inviting. You can just relax or maybe have a picnic and watch people go by.
This season brings major cultural festivals to the city. Riyadh Season comes alive in the cooler months, bringing concerts, food events, and exhibitions that really draw a crowd.
Outdoor markets pop up everywhere, and desert excursions suddenly seem appealing, since the weather lets you spend hours outside without feeling miserable.
Evenings are perfect for dining outdoors, and you’ll notice restaurants and cafés setting up terraces all over town.
If you’re up for it, you can join a guided desert trip for stargazing or even a camel ride. These activities just don’t make sense in the scorching heat.