When Is The Best Time To Visit Dubai & Riyadh?

It won't ever be a surprise to hear that countries in the Middle East can get extremely hot. Riyadh sits on the desert plateau and can see temperatures as high as 50°C through the summer months. This part of the world has two seasons: hot and even hotter, but the weather isn't the only decider of the calendar. Saudi Arabia and the UAE are devout countries, marking time around religious events, including the call to prayer five times a day. If you're considering a trip to the cities of Dubai or Riyadh, here is the time to have the best experience possible.

Visiting Dubai

The most popular time of year to book your trip to Dubai is between November and April. The temperatures are hot but not unbearable, but you can expect a premium on accommodation as the city grows with tourists looking to visit all the local attractions. Dubai is a destination filled with luxury; from beach lovers to high fashion indulgers, you will find a myriad of glamour and chic here. Private jet hire will ensure your journey abounds with luxury from the very beginning. Enjoy the outdoors with everything from exploring Dubai Creek's waterways to the desert's safaris.

During June and August, Dubai receives fewer tourists as temperatures can reach up to 40°C. Hotels, malls, and restaurants provide top-quality air conditioning, so you can still enjoy plenty of activities away from the sun. It's a good idea to visit Dubai outside of peak season if you prefer a quieter break. The price of renting a hotel room in Dubai will be higher during the annual half terms, which take place in February, May, and October. The demand for trips around these times is very high — a direct reason why the costs at this time of year are considerably higher; however, you can always find great deals.

Visiting Riyadh

Due to the high temperatures, the desert climate that dominates Riyadh thrives throughout the year, making it difficult to venture around the streets between 12:00 and 16:00. The best idea is to head to this city during the winter months to avoid the driest times of the year, especially June which has no rainfall whatsoever. One of the most prominent happenings of desert climate is extreme temperatures, hot in the day and cold at night — the extreme heat of the day seems to instantly vanish when the sun sets.

The Best Months To Travel to the Middle East

The coldest month in the Middle East is January, which surprisingly makes it one of the best times to make a trip. One of the hottest provinces of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh dips to a daily average temperature of 20°C, but nights in the desert can lower a considerable amount. January is the time of the Dakar Rally, a famous event that since 2020 has taken place in Saudi Arabia. This off-road endurance race covers terrain much tougher than conventional rally events, and the cars are considered true off-road vehicles.

In February and March, around early spring, Saudi Arabia celebrates Al-Jenadriyah, a two-week cultural festival close to Riyadh — an explosion of regional delicacies. The Red Sea Film Festival is held in Jeddah in March, a big step for a country that has banned cinema for many years. The wettest times of the year fall between March and April in Asir, the mountainous region of Saudi Arabia's southwest. Spring is when most rainfall arrives, sparse but still enough to add a green and leafy covering to the area. March is a sign of the end of the tourist season.

Those considering visiting Saudi Arabia or the UAE during Ramadan know it's not for the faint-hearted. The country follows strict fasting rules, with shops not serving food until after sunset. During Ramadan, you will not be allowed to eat in public whether you follow the faith or not. Things change when night falls, and the atmosphere shifts, with some places staying open all night. Although Ramadan can be challenging for many, the three days after it has finished is when the biggest celebrations of the year arrive — a time when gifts are given and the end of the fast is marked with long periods of feasting.

The Middle East in High Summer 

High summer approaches through May and June, when the temperature rises significantly. By the time July and August arrive, Riyadh's average daily maximum temperature sits at around 43°C, but it can get much hotter, with the record being 55°C. 

Are you thinking of heading to the sea to cool down? We hate to burst your bubble, but the coast isn't much cooler and can get really humid at this time of year. If this is the time of year you're thinking of heading to Saudi Arabia, visit the high mountain resort of Abha with its slightly more manageable average temperature of 30°C

September 23rd is the Saudi National Day, but it is excellent to know that many events occur in Dubai, even though it is in the UAE. People wearing green and white — the national colors — will be easy to spot. The country's tourist season runs from October to March, with peaks between November and February. By December, the average daily high temperature in the capital has fallen to 22°C — a welcome change from the extreme heat of summer. During October, the sea temperature on the Red Sea coast is still 30°C, dropping to 28°C in December. 

Traveling to Saudi Arabia and the UAE

Saudi Arabia, with its growing popularity and economic climate, is becoming a more and more popular destination for travelers from around the world. The developing infrastructure is catering more to visitors' needs, with huge plans expected to enhance tourist experiences. With stunning weather all year round and advanced air conditioning systems found almost everywhere, there seems to never be a bad time to make your journey.