Saudi Arabia in December: Weather, Crowds & What to Expect
Season
High Season
Temperature
14-28°C (57-82°F)
Crowds
High
Prices
High
Cool, relatively dry conditions make December one of the most comfortable months for travel across the country. Popular for visitors interested in cultural sites and desert touring under milder temperatures.
Climate Map for December
-30°-20°-10°0°
10°20°30°40°
Average temperature across Saudi Arabia in December.
City Weather in December
| City | High | Low | Rain | UV | Feels |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah | 30° | 20° | 22 mm | high | Warm |
| Riyadh | 21° | 11° | 14 mm | moderate | Cool |
| Mecca | 30° | 19° | 18 mm | high | Warm |
| Medina | 26° | 13° | 8 mm | high | Mild |
| Dammam | 22° | 14° | 8 mm | moderate | Mild |
| Sultanah, Saudi Arabia | 26° | 13° | 8 mm | high | Mild |
| Buraydah, Saudi Arabia | 21° | 8° | 30 mm | moderate | Cool |
High / low are average daily temperatures (°C). “Feels” reflects how hot or cold it feels, allowing for humidity.
Red Sea Coast (Jeddah, Yanbu, Al Lith, coastal Tabuk)
By December the Red Sea coast feels fresh and mild - daytime highs in the low to mid-20s°C and cool evenings make outdoor dining attractive. Diving conditions are favorable and visibility often improves after sporadic winter showers. Pack a light jacket for night walks and expect a steady flow of domestic visitors enjoying the temperate beachfront weather.
Western Highlands / Hejaz & Sarawat Mountains (Taif, Abha, Al-Bahah, Jabal Sawda)
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Central Plateau / Najd (Riyadh, Buraydah, Al Kharj)
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Eastern Province & Arabian Gulf Coast (Dammam, Khobar, Al-Ahsa, Jubail)
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Southern Highlands & Far Southwest (Jazan, Najran, parts of Asir lowlands)
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Rub’ al Khali / Southeastern Sands (Empty Quarter, Al-Ahsa periphery, Salalah-adjacent influences)
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Events & Festivals in December
Saudi National Day (Sep 23 referenced as a national event)
Saudi National Day is celebrated on September 23 each year with official observances; many other civic events occur throughout the cooler months-check local listings.
Hajj (date varies)
The annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca takes place once per lunar year; dates vary according to the Islamic calendar and can fall in different Gregorian months.