But the same clear skies that make winter days so agreeable let the heat escape quickly after sunset, so the nights are genuinely cold — a contrast that catches many visitors by surprise.
Mild days, cold nights
In the coldest weeks — late December through January — daytime highs sit around 19–20 °C while overnight lows fall to roughly 6–9 °C in the city. On the open desert and farmland around Riyadh, and especially on the higher northern and western plateau, nights are colder still and a light frost is not unusual on the calmest, clearest nights.
The wide gap between a warm afternoon and a cold dawn — often 15 °C or more — is a classic feature of a high, dry, continental desert. Dress in layers and expect to want a jacket once the sun goes down.
Rain, fog and the green desert
Most of Riyadh’s modest annual rainfall arrives in the cool season and the spring that follows, delivered by weather systems crossing Arabia. A good winter rain can bring a flush of green to the surrounding desert and fill the valleys briefly. Calm, humid winter mornings also produce occasional fog over the city and the farmland, which usually clears soon after sunrise.
The best time to visit
From November to March, Riyadh’s weather is at its most agreeable, which is why the season fills with festivals, outdoor markets and desert camping. Pack for warm afternoons and cold evenings, and check the live forecast for the occasional rainy or dusty day.