Riyadh
About Riyadh
Riyadh, the pulse of Saudi Arabia, is a city of dramatic contrasts where ultra-modern skyscrapers meet the ancient mud-brick alleyways of Diriyah. As a desert metropolis, the timing of your visit is everything. While the summer months bring intense, dry heat that often reaches 45°C (113°F), the winter transforms the city into a global entertainment hub during the massive 'Riyadh Season.' Whether you are here for world-class sporting events, shopping in Al Olaya, or exploring the 'Edge of the World,' understanding the transition from the scorching desert sun to the cool, crisp winter evenings is key. For those looking to combine their trip with a coastal escape, many travelers also pair Riyadh with a visit to the Red Sea port of Jeddah, which offers a more humid, maritime climate compared to the capital’s arid environment.
Fly from Halifax, or anywhere in Atlantic Canada, and discover Riyadh at its best. We'll show you when to go, what to see, and where to eat, so you can simply enjoy the journey.
December, January, February
Winter (December–February)
March, April, May
Spring (March–May)
June, July, August
Summer (June–August)
September, October, November
Autumn (September–November)
What's Included
Seasonal Guide
Complete 12-month breakdown with weather, crowds & pricing
Flights from Halifax
Routes: Halifax — Riyadh, or via major hubs from Atlantic Canada
Neighborhoods
5 curated areas to stay, from budget to luxury
Budget Guide
Saudi Riyal (SAR) daily budgets: $45–$70/day to $400+/day
At a Glance: When to Visit Riyadh
Best Overall
November–February
Cheapest
June–August
Busiest
October–March
Best Weather
November and February
For Events
October–January (Riyadh Season)
For Families
December–February
For Couples
November or March
Budget Travel
May or September
From Atlantic Canada
Halifax to Riyadh.
Month by month.
Everything you need to know about travelling from Canada to Riyadh — the best seasons, what to pack, and how to save.
Month-by-Month Guide to Riyadh
January
Cool and crisp; 9°C–17°C (48°F–63°F). Minimal rain, 10-11 hours of daylight.
“The best month for those who want the full 'Riyadh Season' experience and cool outdoor weather.”
February
Pleasant and mild; 12°C–24°C (54°F–75°F). Perfect for walking.
“Ideal for culture seekers and outdoor enthusiasts before the heat begins to rise.”
March
Transition to warm; 16°C–28°C (61°F–82°F). Occasional spring breezes.
“Great for experiencing local traditions during Ramadan, though daytime hours are quiet.”
April
Warm and slightly humid; 22°C–33°C (72°F–91°F). Riyadh's wettest month (approx. 25mm).
“Best for those who enjoy festive atmospheres and don't mind a little rain.”
May
Hot; 24°C–39°C (75°F–102°F). Dry desert wind begins.
“A good month for budget travelers who plan to stay indoors during the afternoon.”
June
Scorching; 28°C–42°C (82°F–108°F). Very dry air, high UV index.
“Best for shoppers and those who want 5-star luxury at the year's lowest rates.”
July
Peak Heat; 30°C–45°C (86°F–113°F). Long, sunny days with 11+ hours of sun.
“Only for those who enjoy indoor entertainment and seek significant travel discounts.”
August
Extreme Heat; 29°C–43°C (84°F–109°F). Humidity remains very low.
“Similar to July; the city is quiet, and indoor luxury is the primary draw.”
September
Cooling down; 26°C–41°C (79°F–106°F). Evening temps become tolerable.
“Perfect for experiencing Saudi pride and the start of the outdoor season.”
October
Very Pleasant; 22°C–35°C (72°F–95°F). Clear skies and crisp evenings.
“The best month for early-season travelers who want big events without the January crowds.”
November
Ideal; 16°C–28°C (61°F–82°F). Perfect for all-day sightseeing.
“Widely considered the best month to visit Riyadh for overall weather and activity.”
December
Cool and festive; 12°C–22°C (54°F–72°F). Dry and very comfortable.
“The peak of the social and festival calendar; best for those who love high energy.”
Festivals & Events in Riyadh
Riyadh Season
A city-wide entertainment festival featuring themed zones like Boulevard World, concerts, and international sports.
Hotels sell out early and prices spike city-wide; book 3-4 months in advance.Saudi Founding Day
A national holiday with traditional parades, fireworks, and cultural displays at Qasr Al-Hukm.
High local travel; some government buildings and smaller shops may close.MDLBEAST Soundstorm
One of the world's largest electronic music festivals, drawing global DJs and hundreds of thousands of fans.
Massive influx of youth travelers; transport near the site becomes very congested.Saudi National Day
Celebrations of the unification of the Kingdom with flags, green lighting, and street festivities.
Moderate; a festive atmosphere with many locals out on the streets.Noor Riyadh
A light and art festival that transforms the city with large-scale installations and light shows.
Moderate; popular for evening strolls and photography.The Saudi Cup
The world's richest horse race, combining elite sports with high fashion and traditional hospitality.
Luxury hotels in Al Olaya and near the racecourse book up quickly.LEAP Tech Conference
A massive global technology convention bringing together world leaders in AI and innovation.
Extreme; can cause hotel prices to reach record highs of $1,000+ per night for basic rooms.Eid al-Fitr
The religious festival marking the end of Ramadan, celebrated with family gatherings and public fireworks.
Shops often close in the morning and stay open until dawn; high domestic tourism.Budget Guide: How Much Does It Cost to Visit Riyadh?
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Daily Budget
Peak
SAR 600–1,500 (3-4 Star)
Off-Peak
SAR 250–500 (3-4 Star)
Prices in Riyadh are highly volatile based on events. During the LEAP tech conference or major Riyadh Season openings, even 3-star hotels can spike to premium prices. Conversely, summer offers some of the best luxury hotel value in the Middle East.
Where to Stay in Riyadh by Season
Al Olaya
Moderate to LuxurySpring/Autumn
The commercial heart of the city with luxury malls and high-rise hotels. Best for business and shopping.
Diplomatic Quarter (DQ)
PremiumWinter
A green, walkable enclave with parks and trails. Perfect for outdoor exercise during the cool months.
Diriyah
Ultra-LuxuryWinter
Stay here for the ultra-luxury historic experience near the UNESCO site. Perfect during the Diriyah Season.
Al Malaz
BudgetSummer
An older, central district with many affordable apart-hotels and local dining options.
KAFD (King Abdullah Financial District)
PremiumYear-Round
The futuristic 'Manhattan of Riyadh.' Best for those who want a modern, walk-to-work lifestyle with great dining.
What to Pack for Riyadh
Winter
Pro tip: Nighttime desert temperatures drop significantly; always bring a warm layer for evening safaris.
Spring
Pro tip: Pack for 'indoor winter'—malls and cinemas keep the AC very cold despite the warmth outside.
Summer
Pro tip: Natural fibers like 100% cotton or linen are vital to avoid overheating.
Autumn
Pro tip: September is still hot in the sun; keep a pashmina or light shawl handy for transitioning between heat and AC.
FAQs: Visiting Riyadh
What is the best month to visit Riyadh?
November is arguably the best month, offering daytime highs around 28°C (82°F) and the launch of the major winter festivals without the extreme peak-crowds of January.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Riyadh?
The summer months of June, July, and August are the cheapest, as the extreme heat lowers international tourist demand.
What is the weather like in Riyadh in January?
Expect cool, sunny days with highs of 17°C (63°F) and chilly nights that can dip to 9°C (48°F). It is one of the few times you will need a proper coat.
Is Riyadh worth visiting in the winter?
Absolutely. Winter is the city's 'Golden Age,' when the Riyadh Season transforms the capital into a world-class entertainment destination with perfect outdoor weather.
How do prices in Riyadh compare to Jeddah?
Riyadh tends to be slightly more expensive for luxury hotels and dining, especially during event peaks. However, both offer budget options like apart-hotels in districts like Al Malaz (Riyadh) or Al-Balad (Jeddah).
What is the wettest month in Riyadh?
April is historically the wettest month, but precipitation is low, averaging only about 25mm of rain.
When is Riyadh Season?
Riyadh Season usually begins in late October and runs through March of the following year.
Is it too hot to visit Riyadh in August?
For outdoor sightseeing, yes. Temperatures regularly exceed 43°C (110°F). However, if your trip is focused on malls, museums, and indoor events, you can find great hotel deals.
Do I need to book events in advance?
Yes, for Riyadh Season zones (like Boulevard World) and major sports/concerts, tickets should be booked weeks in advance via the official WeBook app.
What should I wear in Riyadh?
While the dress code has relaxed, it is respectful to wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees. Light, breathable fabrics are best for most of the year.
Also Consider: Other Destinations in Saudi Arabia
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