Daytime highs typically run in the low-to-mid forties Celsius, the air is exceptionally dry, and even the nights stay warm — though the dryness means the heat is a different beast from the humid summers of the Gulf and Red Sea coasts.
How hot does it get?
In July and August, Riyadh’s average daily high sits around 43–44 °C, and afternoons of 45–46 °C are routine. In the most intense heatwaves the temperature can approach 48 °C. Overnight lows rarely fall below the high twenties at the peak of summer, so there is little relief even after dark.
The southern Riyadh Region — around Wadi ad-Dawasir and As-Sulayyil on the edge of the Empty Quarter — runs even hotter, while the higher western plateau toward Afif and Dawadmi is a degree or two cooler thanks to its altitude.
Dry heat and hot nights
Riyadh’s summer humidity is very low, often in single digits during the afternoon. That dryness makes the heat more bearable than the same temperature on a humid coast, and it allows the temperature to swing widely between day and night. It also means dehydration creeps up quickly, because sweat evaporates before you notice it.
Brief, dusty winds are common through the season, and on rare occasions a burst of summer moisture from the south can spark an isolated thunderstorm — but for the most part summer is simply hot, bright and dry from one week to the next.
Staying safe in the heat
Plan outdoor activity for the early morning or after sunset, drink water steadily through the day rather than waiting for thirst, and keep children and older people out of the midday sun. Cars heat to dangerous temperatures within minutes. The live dashboard on each page shows the current temperature, the feels-like value and the UV index so you can judge conditions before heading out.