The month in detail
What to expect in January
Even in winter, Riyadh enjoys 68°F. A real asset for escaping the European cold. Rain is virtually absent (5% of days) — ideal for planning without a backup. A good balance between weather and crowds, even if November (9.3/10) remains theoretically better.
January ranks 5 out of 12 months in Riyadh. Compared to December: −4°F daytime.
This month's conditions
What it's like in January
UV index
5 · moderate
protect during midday hours
Feels like
dry air
1°
Daylight
10.6h of daylight
Air quality
poor
AQI 135
Compare
Is January the right month?
The best month in Riyadh is November (9.3/10), 1.2 pt higher than January.
Book
Plan your trip
Hotels at their lowest outside peak season, highest on comfortable months. Shoulder seasons offer a good price/climate compromise.
Stay
Hotels & rentals · Riyadh
Expedia →
Activities
Tours, tickets, experiences
See ↓
Flights
Multi-airline comparator
Kiwi →
🎟️ Activities & tours · Riyadh
GetYourGuide selection · free cancellation
Practical info
What you need to know before you go
Three angles: the country (language, currency, safety, budget), the year-round climate, and the specifics of a city break.
Country · Saudi Arabia
🗣️LanguageArabic
💶CurrencyRiyal saoudien (﷼)
🚗DrivingRight-hand
🛡️Safety ⓘAt risk · 4/5
💰Cost of living ⓘCheap · 2/5
🌡️ Climate
🌍Climate typeTemperate
📈Climate trend ⓘ+2.87°F/decade
🔥Hottest monthJuly · 111°F
❄️Coolest monthJanuary · 68°F
🌧️Rainiest month ⓘApril · 12%
🏛️ City break
📅Tourist peak seasonJune → August
☔Indoor sights ⓘYear-round
🚇Public transportGood
Explore
Other destinations in January
If January doesn't convince you for this destination, compare with others.
Location
Where is Riyadh ?
Global position + regional geographic context.
🌍 World
🔍 Geographic context
Saudi ArabiaTemperate climate with a 9.3 → 2.6 gap between best and worst month. 10 years of ERA5 data to choose by project.
24.71°N · 46.67°E
Questions
Frequently asked questions
What is the best time to visit Riyadh?
November is the best month with 82°F highs, 61°F lows, 9.0h of sunshine and 8.0% rainy days. The months of November & March offer comparable conditions.
How many hours of sunshine does Riyadh get in November?
Riyadh averages 9.0 sunshine hours per day in November. It is the sunniest month with a climate score of 9.0/10.
What is the rainiest month in Riyadh?
August is the most unfavourable month with August has the lowest climate score of the year and the lowest climate score of the year.
What are the temperatures at night in Riyadh in November?
In November, overnight lows reach 61°F, while afternoon highs average 82°F.
Is Riyadh good in winter?
In winter (December-February), Riyadh scores 7.9/10 on average — Acceptable conditions for cultural visits.. The best month overall remains November with a score of 9.0/10.
When should you avoid Riyadh?
August is the most difficult month to visit Riyadh, with August has the lowest climate score of the year. Climate conditions are at their lowest of the year during this period.
Do you need sun protection in Riyadh in January?
The average UV index reaches 5 in January in Riyadh (moderate), with about 10.6h of daylight. Protect during midday hours.