Visiting Saudi Arabia in May
May marks the beginning of Saudi Arabia’s hot season. For most of the country, midday temperatures are already high enough to make extended outdoor activity uncomfortable — the key fact is that Abha in the Asir Mountains, at 2,200 metres elevation, remains genuinely pleasant at 28–30°C and is the most rewarding May destination in the Kingdom. Jeddah Season typically begins launching preliminary events in May, adding an entertainment reason to visit Jeddah despite the heat.
Weather by City
| City | Avg High (°C) | Avg Low (°C) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh | 38 | 24 | Hot; outdoor activity only before 9am and after 6pm |
| Jeddah | 35 | 26 | Hot with building Red Sea humidity |
| AlUla | 37 | 22 | Hegra visits: dawn only; afternoon visits not recommended |
| Abha | 29 | 16 | Comfortable; best Saudi destination in May |
| Dammam | 37 | 26 | Gulf humidity adds to heat; mornings only outdoors |
What’s On
Jeddah Season typically begins its launch phase in late May or early June — with preliminary events appearing on the Corniche and at indoor venues in Jeddah during the final days of May. The full festival runs June through August, but late May can see opening events. Check the Jeddah Season official channels from mid-May for the current programme.
Riyadh Season closes in late spring — by May, most of the winter entertainment season’s major events have concluded. Some residual events may remain on the programme through early May. Check Boulevard World’s schedule.
The period of May is relatively quiet for major national festivals, which concentrates travel interest on Abha and the Asir highlands, and on Jeddah’s coastal and entertainment offer.
Where to Go This Month
Abha is the clear May priority. At 29°C with mountain air and no humidity, it is the only major Saudi city where outdoor activity is comfortable through most of the day. The Al Soudah cable car (descending from the 2,400-metre plateau into the Abha valley) operates year-round; the surrounding highland villages of Rijal Almaa and Al Habala are accessible by road. Stay at the InterContinental Abha, which has mountain views and a well-regarded restaurant that serves as a reliable dinner option. The Asiana Hotel Abha is a strong mid-range alternative.
Jeddah is workable in May if the schedule is built around mornings and evenings. The Al-Balad UNESCO district is best visited before 10am; the Corniche promenade and waterfront come into their own after 7pm. The Red Sea is warm (28–30°C water temperature) and early morning snorkelling or diving near Jeddah’s offshore reefs is a viable activity. Stay at the Park Hyatt Jeddah on the Marina — sea-facing rooms provide views and breezes. Eat at Dang in Al-Hamra for well-executed Thai food in an air-conditioned setting.
Riyadh (indoors only): the King Abdulaziz Historical Centre, the National Museum, and Diriyah’s indoor visitor areas remain climate-controlled and fully open. Mall of Arabia and Kingdom Centre offer the full range of city retail and dining. Stay at the Novotel Riyadh Al Anoud for a comfortable mid-range base. Eat at Spazio in Kingdom Centre for reliable Italian fine dining.
Practical Tips for May
- Outdoor activity windows: 6–9am and 6–9pm are the usable outdoor slots in Riyadh and AlUla — plan your itinerary around these blocks; midday is non-negotiable rest time in the air conditioning
- AlUla visits: Hegra can technically be visited in May with a pre-dawn guided tour (departing before 6:30am); the site should be vacated by 9am before temperatures make outdoor time dangerous; afternoon visits are not recommended
- Red Sea diving: Jeddah’s coastal dive operators run morning departures starting at 6am — confirm timing and carry high-SPF sun protection for the open-boat transfer to the reef; visibility and marine life in May are excellent
- Abha accommodation: May falls before the peak domestic summer rush of June–August, giving better rates and availability at the InterContinental Abha and Asiana Hotel — a worthwhile time to visit the highlands before crowds arrive
- Rijal Almaa Heritage Village: the UNESCO tentative-listed village of stone towers approximately 40 minutes from Abha is fully accessible in May and combines well with the Al Soudah cable car; mornings are recommended
- Heat safety: May temperatures in Riyadh and AlUla are already dangerous. Carry a minimum of 1.5 litres of water whenever outdoors. Never leave without sunscreen applied. Seek shade immediately if you feel dizzy or stop sweating — these are early heatstroke symptoms
- Book tours through our Saudi Arabia page and check the packing guide before travel
What to Pack
- Lightweight breathable clothing (linen, moisture-wicking fabric) — essential for all lowland cities
- Sunscreen SPF 50+ (UV is extreme; reapply every 2 hours outdoors)
- Wide-brimmed hat and UV sunglasses for any outdoor activity
- A light jacket for Abha evenings (can drop to 16°C after dark)
- Large reusable water bottle — carry and drink constantly
- Swimwear for Red Sea coastal activities in Jeddah
See Also
- Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia
- Abha City Guide — Saudi Arabia’s highland escape as lowland heat climbs
- Abha and the Asir Region — Al Soudah, Rijal Almaa, and things to do in the mountains
- Red Sea diving guide — May is within the quality diving season for Jeddah and Yanbu
- Visiting Saudi Arabia in April
- Visiting Saudi Arabia in June
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is May a good time to visit Saudi Arabia?
- May is challenging for most of Saudi Arabia. Riyadh reaches 38–40°C and Jeddah is hot and increasingly humid. The exception is Abha in the Asir Mountains — at 2,200 metres elevation, May temperatures are 28–30°C, making it the best Saudi destination in May. Dedicated heritage travellers visiting Hegra or Diriyah should plan all outdoor activities before 9am and after 5pm.
- What is the weather in Saudi Arabia in May?
- Riyadh averages 38°C in May, occasionally exceeding 42°C. Jeddah is 33–36°C with rising humidity. The Asir Mountains (Abha) are significantly cooler at 28–30°C. The Empty Quarter in the south is extremely hot. The Red Sea coast water temperature is warm and comfortable for water activities.
- Are there any events in Saudi Arabia in May?
- May is relatively quiet for major events. Check the Riyadh Season calendar for any late-season events. Jeddah Season typically begins in June, so late May may see preliminary events.