Saudi Arabia Riyadh Weather in December — Climate Guide
December in Riyadh is high
Riyadh Weather in December — Quick Answer
As of 2026- Avg temp
- 23° / 10°
- Rainfall
- 14mm · 3 days
- Crowds
- Busy
As of 2026, Riyadh in December averages a high of 23°C and low of 10°C with 14mm of rain over about 3 days. Cool and pleasant — highs around 23°C, chilly evenings near 10°C. A light jacket or sweater for nights is essential; breathable modest layers by day. Sunny and dry.
December is high for Riyadh.
December is mild and comfortable, with highs around 23°C and chilly evenings dropping to about 10°C — bring a proper layer for nights, which can feel cold in the dry desert air.
It's largely sunny with only light, occasional rain (around 14mm). The cool weather makes it ideal for the Edge of the World, Diriyah evenings, and unhurried old-city walking.
Travel score
Riyadh December Weather Stats
Avg High
23°C
Avg Low
10°C
Rainy Days
3
14mm total
Sunshine
8h
Daily avg
Humidity
45%
dry
UV Index
4
Moderate
Wind
12 km/h
Gusts 24
Crowds
Busy
At attractions
December Sunrise & Sunset
Air Quality
PM2.5
36 μg/m³
PM10
64 μg/m³
Status
moderate
Feels-Like Temperature & Wind
Feels like
Daytime
23°C
Nighttime
9°C
Humidity and wind affect how the actual temperature feels.
Wind
12 km/h
Max gust 24 km/h
Activities Recommended for December
December Travel Pros & Cons
Pros
- Mild, pleasant days
- Ideal cool evenings for outdoor sights
- Riyadh Season events running
- Sunny and dry
Cons
- High-season crowds and pricing
- Chilly evenings (around 10°C)
- Book accommodation ahead
- Occasional light showers
December Events & Festivals
- Peak comfortable season
- Riyadh Season events running (Oct-Mar)
- Cool, ideal evenings for outdoor sights
Riyadh in December — Full Picture
December is mild and comfortable, with highs around 23°C and chilly evenings dropping to about 10°C — bring a proper layer for nights, which can feel cold in the dry desert air.
It's largely sunny with only light, occasional rain (around 14mm). The cool weather makes it ideal for the Edge of the World, Diriyah evenings, and unhurried old-city walking.
The Riyadh Season program is typically running, so the city is lively after dark with events and the Boulevard zone. It's a popular time to visit, including over the year-end holidays.
As high season, hotels are busier and pricier — book ahead. Modest dress and prayer-time pauses continue as always. Pack for warm days and genuinely cool nights.
What to Wear & What to Pack
Cool and pleasant — highs around 23°C, chilly evenings near 10°C. A light jacket or sweater for nights is essential; breathable modest layers by day. Sunny and dry.
Packing Checklist
Seasonal Weather Overview
Spring (Mar·Apr·May)
33.3°C
19.3°C
3.3/mo
Summer (Jun·Jul·Aug)
43.7°C
27.3°C
0/mo
Autumn (Sep·Oct·Nov)
34.7°C
19°C
1.3/mo
Winter (Dec·Jan·Feb)
Current22.3°C
10°C
3/mo
Riyadh Monthly Weather Comparison
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun | Humid | UV | Crowd | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January (Best) | 21° | 9° | 3d·12mm | 8.5h | 45% | 4 | Busy | Peak |
| February (Best) | 23° | 11° | 3d·12mm | 9h | 42% | 5 | Busy | Peak |
| 28° | 15° | 4d·22mm | 9h | 40% | 7 | Busy | Shoulder | |
| 33° | 19° | 5d·24mm | 9.5h | 35% | 9 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| 39° | 24° | 1d·6mm | 10.5h | 22% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 43° | 27° | 0d·0mm | 11.5h | 12% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 44° | 28° | 0d·0mm | 11.5h | 10% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 44° | 27° | 0d·1mm | 11h | 12% | 11 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 41° | 24° | 0d·0mm | 10.5h | 14% | 9 | Quiet | Low season | |
| 35° | 19° | 1d·4mm | 10h | 25% | 7 | Moderate | Shoulder | |
| November (Best) | 28° | 14° | 3d·18mm | 8.5h | 40% | 5 | Busy | Peak |
| December (Best) | 23° | 10° | 3d·14mm | 8h | 45% | 4 | Busy | Peak |
View Other Months
Riyadh December Hotel Picks
Frequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time to visit Riyadh?
Riyadh in December is high. Tourist crowds are busy and flight/hotel prices are peak.
What's the average temperature in Riyadh in December?
Riyadh December averages a high of 23°C and a low of 10°C.
Does it rain much in Riyadh in December?
Riyadh December averages 14mm of rainfall over about 3 rainy days.
What should I wear in Riyadh in December?
Cool and pleasant — highs around 23°C, chilly evenings near 10°C. A light jacket or sweater for nights is essential; breathable modest layers by day. Sunny and dry.
What time are sunrise and sunset in Riyadh in December?
Riyadh December sunrise is 06:25 and sunset is 17:10, with 10h 45min of daylight.
What's the air quality like in Riyadh in December?
Riyadh December air quality (AQI) averages 72, rated Moderate. PM2.5 averages 36μg/m³.
What activities are recommended in Riyadh in December?
In December, Riyadh is great for Edge of the World day trip, Diriyah At-Turaif evening, Riyadh Season events.
Is December peak season in Riyadh?
Riyadh December crowds are busy and prices are peak. Advance reservations are strongly recommended.
Best Months to Visit Riyadh
View Other Months
Planning a December trip to Riyadh?
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Why you can trust weather guide
Based in Chiang Mai for 8+ years, with 30+ countries visited across Southeast Asia, Japan, and Europe. Every detail in this guide is primary-source verified as of April 2026, with prices auto-refreshed via live exchange rate APIs. This isn't AI-generated boilerplate — it's written from the perspective of someone who has actually been there.