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AhmadElq CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Tarout Island

Island

Near the Saudi Gulf coast, Tarout Island hosts one of the region's oldest settlements with fortifications, mosques and seaside markets; visitors explore historical streets, local seafood and views across the Eastern Province.

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In this guide

Tarout Island essentials

Address: Tarout Island, Eastern Province, Saudi Arabia
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About Tarout Island

Tarout Island is an island in the Persian Gulf off the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia, within the Eastern Province. It is one of the historical islands in the Qatif area and has long been occupied for fishing, trade and settlement.

The island contains an old town with traditional architecture, local markets and archaeological remains including older structures and burial sites that attest to long-term habitation. It functions today as a local residential and commercial centre for the surrounding Gulf coast.

Archaeological finds and the island’s historic port role indicate continuous settlement and regional trade contacts across antiquity and the medieval period. Local livelihoods have been based on fishing, date cultivation and small-scale trade.

Tarout sits close to the Saudi mainland near the city of Qatif in the Eastern Province, in the shallow waters of the Persian Gulf.

  • Location and character: Located off the coast of the Qatif area in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, it has a long local history as a fishing and trading settlement.
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Tarout Island

Best visited in winter months for comfortable temperatures and outdoor exploring.

Winter
Nov-Feb · 15-25°C (59-77°F)
Pleasant temperatures for walking and exploring historic sites.
Spring/Autumn
Mar-Apr & Sep-Oct · 20-30°C (68-86°F)
Warm but tolerable; avoid the high summer heat.

Weather & Climate near Tarout Island

Climate

Tarout Island's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 11°C to 41°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 175 Unhealthy
Best Time to Visit
NovemberAprilSeptember
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
47°
Warmest Month
6°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Excellent 11° - 19° 15° 15 mm some cloud 61% 4.2 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.6h
February Excellent 12° - 22° 17° 19 mm some cloud 60% 4.7 m/s 1.1 high 11.1h
March Ideal 15° - 25° 20° 20 mm some cloud 53% 4.5 m/s 1.4 high 11.9h
April Ideal 20° - 31° 26° 9 mm partly cloudy 48% 4.9 m/s 1.7 very high 12.7h
May Excellent 24° - 37° 30° 0 mm some cloud 40% 4.5 m/s 2.0 extreme 13.3h
June Ideal 27° - 40° 34° 0 mm clear 37% 4.9 m/s 2.2 extreme 13.6h
July Very Good 29° - 41° 35° 0 mm mostly sunny 40% 5.0 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.5h
August Excellent 29° - 40° 38° 0 mm mostly sunny 45% 4.3 m/s 2.0 very high 12.9h
September Ideal 26° - 38° 34° 0 mm clear 49% 3.5 m/s 1.7 very high 12.2h
October Ideal 22° - 34° 29° 0 mm clear 53% 3.6 m/s 1.3 high 11.4h
November Ideal 18° - 28° 23° 9 mm mostly sunny 57% 4.0 m/s 0.9 moderate 10.7h
December Excellent 13° - 22° 18° 6 mm some cloud 62% 4.2 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.4h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Tarout Island

Tarout Island is reachable by causeway/bridge from the Saudi mainland near Qatif; drive from Dammam or nearby cities. Local roads connect points of interest on the island.

Tips for Visiting Tarout Island

  • Explore Tarout Castle for layered history and good views over the inner island.
  • Visit the local souq to see daily life and local seafood specialties.
  • Respect local customs - conservative dress and behavior are expected in public spaces.