Seasonable temperatures return and outdoor conditions become much more comfortable than summer months. This is a popular period for travel and large public events, with many cultural festivals scheduled in major cities.
Mardetanha CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons
Average daily low and high (°C) and monthly rainfall. The badge shows how it feels, allowing for humidity.
Average temperature across Saudi Arabia in October.
Jeddah, Yanbu, Al Lith, coastal Tabuk
October brings more comfortable air and clearer skies along the coast - Jeddah and Yanbu are pleasant for long days of diving, exploring Al-Balad, and visiting coastal forts. The sea is still warm, and afternoon breezes are generally reliable; fishing trips and boat tours resume fuller schedules. Light layers for coastal evenings are usually enough.
Taif, Abha, Al-Bahah, Jabal Sawda
November returns crisp mountain mornings and sunlit afternoons; Abha’s scenery is dry but attractive for off-season hiking and photography. Roadside cafés open for longer hours as temperatures become very pleasant; nights are cool enough for a fleece. Rain is uncommon but not impossible - check local forecasts before heading to remote trails.
Riyadh, Buraydah, Al Kharj
November cools further, with clear days and crisp nights; this is the start of high season for outdoor events and festivals in Riyadh. Evenings become chilly and layers are recommended; daytime sunshine makes for excellent walking conditions. Rain remains rare but when it comes it can briefly swell dry wadi channels - avoid low-lying desert routes on wet days.
Dammam, Khobar, Al-Ahsa, Jubail
December cools further into mild winter weather - days are comfortable and nights can be chilly near inland oases, with occasional frosts in the far interior. The coastal fog can return early in the morning but burns off; festival and market activity increases. Bring a warmer layer for evening dining on the corniche and for desert trips inland.
Jazan, Najran, parts of Asir lowlands
By December the southern highlands offer crisp mornings and cool evenings; the coastal lowlands remain pleasantly warm by day. Clear skies and low humidity make this an excellent month for outdoor exploration, diving off Jazan, and visiting mountain villages. Bring a warm layer for night-time and higher-altitude stays where frost is possible on clear nights.
Empty Quarter, Al-Ahsa periphery, Salalah-adjacent influences
December returns chilly mornings and brisk nights to the desert interior while days remain pleasantly warm and dry - ideal for extended overland routes that avoid the extreme summer heat. Clear skies make for excellent stargazing, but the temperature swing between day and night is sharp. Pack warm layers for night camps and sun protection for daytime.
A multi-month entertainment and cultural program featuring events and performances, mainly centered in Riyadh (dates vary annually).
See how October compares with the rest of the year, then read the full guide.