Saudi Arabia Weather

Saudi Arabia climate

Saudi Arabia's vast desert landscape creates one of the hottest and driest climates on Earth. The Rub' al Khali (Empty Quarter) in the south is the world's largest contiguous sand desert, where summer temperatures can exceed 50°C in the shade and rainfall may not occur for years. The country's interior experiences extreme temperature swings, with winter nights in the northern deserts occasionally dropping to freezing despite daytime warmth.

The Red Sea coast along the west enjoys a hot, humid climate moderated by sea breezes, while the Persian Gulf coast in the east experiences extreme humidity combined with severe heat, making summer outdoor conditions genuinely dangerous. The Asir Mountains in the southwest receive monsoon-influenced rainfall and are the wettest part of the country, with some areas receiving over 500mm annually. These mountains support terraced agriculture and green landscapes that contrast sharply with the surrounding desert.

Riyadh in the central plateau has extreme heat in summer exceeding 45°C with near-zero humidity, and cool winters that can see frost. Jeddah on the Red Sea is hot and humid year-round but slightly moderated by coastal breezes. Abha in the Asir highlands is the coolest city, with pleasant year-round temperatures around 20°C. Dust storms (haboobs) are a regular hazard across the country, particularly during transitional seasons when wind patterns shift.