Is July the hottest month in Saudi Arabia?

July and August compete for the hottest month. Riyadh averages 44–46°C in July. The Empty Quarter can exceed 50°C. Jeddah's heat is moderated slightly by sea breezes but is very humid. The only comfortable outdoor option is Abha in the Asir Mountains, which averages 28–32°C and sees afternoon cloud and occasional rain.

Does it rain in Saudi Arabia in July?

Rainfall is extremely rare across most of Saudi Arabia in July. The exception is the Asir Mountains around Abha, which can receive afternoon monsoon-influenced showers in the summer months — a completely different climate zone from the rest of the Kingdom. These showers are brief but can cause mist and cooler temperatures.

Is Abha busy in July?

Yes — July and August are Abha's domestic high season. Saudis from Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Gulf coast travel to Abha to escape the lowland heat. Hotels fill up and prices rise. Book accommodation at least 2 months ahead for July.

Visiting Saudi Arabia in July

21 March 2026 · 2 min read Practical

July is among the hottest months in Saudi Arabia. For outdoor heritage tourism at sites like Hegra, Diriyah, or the Edge of the World, July is genuinely unsuitable. The country does not stop — cities function in an air-conditioned bubble, and Jeddah Season entertainment continues — but the visit experience is heavily constrained by the heat.

Weather in July

Riyadh: 44–46°C average. Nighttime temperature barely drops below 30°C. The city is functional but outdoor activity is restricted to very early morning.

Jeddah: 37–40°C with high humidity. The sea breeze provides some relief. The Red Sea water temperature reaches 30°C+.

AlUla: 42–45°C. Visiting Hegra in July midday is not recommended. Early morning only if you must go.

Abha: 28–32°C days, with afternoon cloud and occasional light rain. Evenings are cool. This is the most comfortable city in Saudi Arabia in July.

Dammam: 42°C with heavy Gulf humidity. The combination of heat and humidity makes it the most oppressive environment in the Kingdom in July.

What Still Works in July

Jeddah Season continues through July — evening entertainment events, water parks, and cultural activities designed for the summer leisure market.

Indoor Saudi Arabia — the Kingdom’s malls are vast and well air-conditioned. The King Fahd National Library in Riyadh, the National Museum, and Diriyah’s indoor visitor centres remain comfortable year-round.

Abha — genuinely comfortable and a valid destination. The highland scenery, cable car, and surrounding villages are all accessible. The mountain road drives in afternoon cloud are atmospheric.

Red Sea coastal activities — Yanbu and Jeddah’s water sports and diving remain viable from a water temperature perspective, though the boat ride to sites in full sun is demanding.

Advice for July Visits

July is a reasonable month to visit if you have specific indoor cultural goals, a planned Jeddah Season event, or are routing through Abha. For general heritage or outdoor tourism, wait for October. See first-time in Saudi Arabia for full planning context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is July the hottest month in Saudi Arabia?: July and August compete for the hottest month. Riyadh averages 44–46°C in July. The Empty Quarter can exceed 50°C. Jeddah's heat is moderated slightly by sea breezes but is very humid. The only comfortable outdoor option is Abha in the Asir Mountains, which averages 28–32°C and sees afternoon cloud and occasional rain.
Does it rain in Saudi Arabia in July?: Rainfall is extremely rare across most of Saudi Arabia in July. The exception is the Asir Mountains around Abha, which can receive afternoon monsoon-influenced showers in the summer months — a completely different climate zone from the rest of the Kingdom. These showers are brief but can cause mist and cooler temperatures.
Is Abha busy in July?: Yes — July and August are Abha's domestic high season. Saudis from Riyadh, Jeddah, and the Gulf coast travel to Abha to escape the lowland heat. Hotels fill up and prices rise. Book accommodation at least 2 months ahead for July.