The weather in Riyadh is at its most reasonable between December and February, and most of the events, shows and summits that have been part of the city’s offering since 2019 take place during these cooler months.
This is particularly the case for sports: January 2025, for example, has already seen a match in Riyadh between AC Milan and Juventus (better luck next time, Juventus…). Other festivals falling in winter this year include Founding Day, marking the establishment of the first Saudi State in 1727, and of course Ramadan, which will start towards the end of February and run for a month.
Winter is also the time of year when Riyadh transforms into a hub for outdoor sports and excursions into the surrounding deserts and canyons, from hiking and camping to cultural experiences. It is the most popular time to visit the city, so booking ahead for tours and to get the hotel you want is worthwhile, particularly on the Eid holidays, which will fall in March in 2025.
1. Explore the Edge of the World
Myriad tourism providers offer trips to Riyadh’s Edge of the World, known locally as Jebel Fihrayn, where the Tuwaiq Mountain provides epic views of the desert below. It is possible to reach the site on your own with a rented 4X4, but makes far more sense to go as part of a tour as it is not well signposted and sometimes closed to tourists.
If you plan to stay overnight or be there in the evening – some tours offer desert picnics – bring good shoes, snacks and plenty of water. The desert is chilly at night, so pack a jacket and admire the incredible stargazing opportunities above.
2. Go on a desert safari
Winter is the best time to go on a desert safari, and Riyadh is the best base from which to depart, with myriad operators linked to hotels or operating locally. The cooler temperatures are perfect for everything from dune bashing and sandboarding to camel riding, and many trips offer a traditional Bedouin camp experience including barbecue meats, Arabic coffee and millions and millions of stars twinkling in the clear desert skies.
As with the Edge of the World, bear in mind that it can get really cold at night in the desert – as low as 5°C and sometimes even freezing. Bring a jacket and closed shoes if you’re planning on spending any nocturnal time in the sands.
3. Visit Diriyah, the birthplace of Saudi Arabia
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Diriyah is an essential part of any Riyadh itinerary, and while the narrow alleys of the At-Turaif District were designed to beat the heat, winter is the best time to enjoy historic Riyadh and the neighbourhood that was home to Saudi Arabia’s founding fathers and their families. Increasingly, Diriyah hosts light shows and cultural events that bring tourists and locals to the narrow streets after dark. Keep an eye on the Saudi tourism website for the latest.
4. Enjoy a day at King Abdullah Park
If you’re kicking your heels in the hotel or have kids that need to burn off energy, King Abdullah Park is a popular winter destination, both during the mild days and the cooler nights. It is a relatively lush green space complete with walking trails, fountains and playgrounds, and with lots for kids to do, from play areas to amusement parks. The real show stopper is the park’s illuminated and music-accompanied fountain show, which has drawn ambitious comparisons to that of the Burj Khalifa in Dubai. You can also get a decent view of the fountains from the Ritz Carlton.
5. Experience exciting events during Riyadh Season
Running from October to March, Riyadh Season includes big-hitter performances from musicians like Hans Zimmer (January 24) as well as a slew of activities from Battle Karting and Wonder Garden amusement parks to Harry Potter themed rides. There is also a heavy UFC component, with fight nights featuring some of the sport’s biggest stars.
6. Hike the Tuwaiq Mountains
If you’re looking for outdoor adventure, winter is the perfect time to hike the Tuwaiq Mountains. Edge of the World is probably the best known destination but Tuwaiq is an incredible place to wander for a few days, following in the footsteps of generations of visitors that have been humbled by these mountains. Trails range from beginner to challenging, and you’ll need comfortable gear, layers and camping equipment if you’re looking at a multi-day trek.
7. Discover local culture at the National Museum
While most Riyadhis use the temperate weather to get out and about, a trip to Riyadh – in winter or summer – would not be complete without a visit to the National Museum, a fascinating place to explore Saudi Arabia’s history, culture and art. As in many cities, the benefit of going to the museum when the weather is nice outside is that you may have the place to yourself.
8. Shop and dine at Riyadh’s souqs
Take a stroll through Souq Al Zal or Souq Al Thumairi, browsing handcrafts, spices and souvenirs and haggling for trinkets with the stall-holders as travellers to Riyadh have done for hundreds of years.
Both souqs are home to a number of cheap and delicious local eateries, perfect places for a cold drink and some grilled meats, followed by Arabic coffee. Even in winter, the souqs really come alive in the evenings although they tend not to be open that late.
What’s the weather like during winter in Riyadh?
Winter in Riyadh offers temperate days and cooler nights, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C (50°F to 68°F). While the daytime weather is ideal for outdoor activities, evenings and nights can get quite chilly, especially in the desert where temperatures can drop to 5°C (41°F).
