The best time to visit Saudi Arabia
The best time to visit Saudi Arabia for warm, sunny weather is November to February, when its destinations average a Sunshine Score of 94/100 with daytime highs around 23°C / 73°F. October and March are quieter shoulder-season alternatives with still-reliable sun. Midsummer peaks in July at about 39°C / 102°F — hot for sightseeing, ideal for the coast. The sea is swimmable (21°C+) year-round, warmest in June at 33°C.
Saudi Arabia by month, averaged across 13 destinations from long-term climate normals — the best stretch is highlighted.
| Month | Sunshine Score | Avg day high | Rain | Sea | For a trip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 89 | 21° / 70°F | 5 mm | 28° | Excellent |
| February | 97 | 24° / 75°F | 2 mm | 27° | Excellent |
| March | 98 | 28° / 82°F | 2 mm | 28° | Excellent |
| April | 91 | 31° / 88°F | 7 mm | 30° | Excellent |
| May | 61 | 35° / 95°F | 3 mm | 32° | Very good |
| June | 36 | 38° / 100°F | 1 mm | 33° | Mixed |
| July | 30 | 39° / 102°F | 4 mm | 33° | Mixed |
| August | 31 | 39° / 102°F | 5 mm | 33° | Mixed |
| September | 47 | 37° / 99°F | 1 mm | 33° | Good |
| October | 86 | 32° / 90°F | 1 mm | 32° | Excellent |
| November | 98 | 26° / 79°F | 6 mm | 31° | Excellent |
| December | 93 | 22° / 72°F | 5 mm | 29° | Excellent |
When to go — and when to think twice
Best overall: November to February — Saudi Arabia's warmest, most reliable stretch (Sunshine Score 94/100, ~23°C / 73°F days). Shoulder season: October and March — quieter, still sunny. Hottest: July, ~39°C / 102°F. Rain stays light most of the year (~42 mm total).
Where to base yourself for sunshine: Al-Jawf (3,679 h/yr), Tabuk (3,679 h/yr), Medina (3,592 h/yr). See every Saudi Arabia destination with a full climate card, or where it's sunny worldwide, month by month.