Riyadh
Capital of Saudi Arabia
Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and a major city with a population of about 7 million as of 2022. Visitors come to see its mix of historic sites and modern architecture.
What to see
The city features several historic landmarks, including Al Masmak Palace, Murabba Palace, and Deera Square. For a view of modern construction, the Kingdom Centre is a primary site. The National Museum of Saudi Arabia is also available to visit.
When to go
Temperatures are highest from May through September, with daily highs reaching 39 °C to 42 °C. Rainfall is minimal throughout the year. The cooler months of November through March offer more moderate weather, with daily highs ranging from 19 °C to 27 °C and lows between 7 °C and 14 °C.
Getting there
Riyadh is served by King Khalid International Airport, which is located 36 km from the city.
Top sights in Riyadh
Weather by month
The warmest month is July, with an average high of 42 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Average high, °C | 19 | 23 | 27 | 33 | 39 | 41 | 42 | 42 | 39 | 34 | 27 | 21 |
| Average low, °C | 7 | 9 | 13 | 19 | 24 | 26 | 27 | 27 | 24 | 19 | 14 | 9 |
| Rainfall, mm | 12 | 9 | 29 | 20 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 10 | 14 |
| Rainy days | 2 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Riyadh (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.
Also worth a look
- National Museum of Saudi Arabia