Riyadh Climate

A trip to the desert lands of Middle East would be a perfect trip full of adventure and thrill amidst people with varied and colorful customs. Riyadh, the capital and largest city of Saudi Arabia, offers the ideal getaway from the busy humdrum of city life. But for an uneventful trip to this center of Arabian Peninsula, you have to get an idea of Riyadh climate. The climate of Riyadh is closely related to Riyadh geography. Saudi Arabia is the largest country in the Middle East, with Persian Gulf to its west and Arabian Gulf to its east. Most of the country's terrain is barren sand deserts. Some mountainous green areas exist in the southwest however. A scarcity of lakes and rivers is noticed due to the low rainfall experienced by the country. Riyadh is located inland in the central region.

Riyadh climate is characterized by harsh, dry and arid conditions. The Arabian Peninsula experiences extreme heat and minimal rainfall all the year round. It averages less than 5 inches rainfall per annum. In Riyadh, the bulk of rainfall occurs in the months from January to May, averaging 4 inches per year. The climate at Riyadh also goes through a remarkably hot summer caused by the inland winds. During this time temperatures can run as high as 50°C, with 45°C being the common temperature. Night temperatures during summer are pleasant though. In the winter months, day time temperature averages around 14°C. Nights on the Arabian Peninsula are chilling, and winter temperatures in Riyadh at night can plunge some points below freezing. The best time to visit Riyadh is from the months of October to May. During this time day temperatures are tolerable and nights are cooler and friendlier. Riyadh climate is characterized by average day temperatures of 8°C to 21°C in January, and 26°C to 42°C in July.