Riyadh in December
In December, Riyadh averages 22°C (72°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night, with only about 3 rainy days.
Peak seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Skies are generally dry and clear.
December is a great month to visit Riyadh: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How December compares to the rest of the year in Riyadh
December is one of the coolest months in Riyadh (11th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (7th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 11°C below the annual average (33°C). December runs 5°C cooler than November (27°C) and cools 1°C in January (21°C).
December sunrise & sunset in Riyadh
Times shown for Riyadh local time (Asia/Riyadh), calculated for the 15th of December. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Riyadh — December
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of December, in Riyadh's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Riyadh in December
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on December's tier (Peak season) and Riyadh's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — December in Riyadh
Riyadh is in peak season during this month — expect bigger crowds at famous sights, higher hotel and flight prices, and longer queues. Restaurant reservations a few days out are advisable, and any boutique hotels you have your eye on should be booked weeks ahead. The trade-off: most attractions, restaurants, and seasonal services are fully open, the weather is at its most reliable, and the city feels at its most alive.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather Christmas / New Year travel surge
Sun & mosquito risk — December in Riyadh
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
Riyadh in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 21°C / 69°F | 9°C / 47°F | 15 mm | 4 | — |
| February | 23°C / 74°F | 11°C / 51°F | 12 mm | 5 | — |
| March | 29°C / 84°F | 16°C / 60°F | 10 mm | 6 | — |
| April | 33°C / 92°F | 20°C / 68°F | 10 mm | 7 | — |
| May | 39°C / 102°F | 25°C / 78°F | 2 mm | 3 | — |
| June | 42°C / 108°F | 28°C / 82°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| July | 43°C / 110°F | 30°C / 85°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| August | 43°C / 109°F | 29°C / 84°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| September | 40°C / 104°F | 26°C / 78°F | 0 mm | 0 | — |
| October | 35°C / 94°F | 21°C / 70°F | 1 mm | 0 | — |
| November | 27°C / 80°F | 15°C / 60°F | 15 mm | 5 | — |
| December | 22°C / 72°F | 10°C / 50°F | 11 mm | 3 | — |
Other cities with similar December weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Riyadh in December →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Riyadh in December?
In December, Riyadh averages a high of 22°C (72°F) and a low of 10°C (50°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Riyadh in December?
December is generally dry in Riyadh, with about 3 rainy days on average.
Is December a good time to visit Riyadh?
December is mild and pleasant and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with mild and pleasant weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Riyadh in December?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full December packing list for Riyadh for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.