Riyadh in January
In January, Riyadh averages 21°C (69°F) during the day and 9°C (47°F) at night, with only about 4 rainy days.
High seasonConditions are comfortable for sightseeing without being sweltering. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.
January is a great month to visit Riyadh: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.
How January compares to the rest of the year in Riyadh
January is one of the coolest months in Riyadh (12th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (5th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 12°C below the annual average (33°C). January runs 1°C cooler than December (22°C) and warms a further 3°C into February (23°C).
January sunrise & sunset in Riyadh
Times shown for Riyadh local time (Asia/Riyadh), calculated for the 15th of January. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Riyadh — January
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of January, in Riyadh's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Riyadh in January
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 January's tier (High season) and Riyadh's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — January in Riyadh
This is a busy month in Riyadh — not the absolute peak, but tourist numbers are clearly elevated. You'll feel it at headline attractions on weekends and in the historic centre, though side streets and lesser-known sights stay manageable. Prices are above off-season but not at their summit. A good week for first-time visitors who want everything open without the worst of the crush.
Why this tier: excellent tourism weather
Sun & mosquito risk — January 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 January weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Riyadh in January →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Riyadh in January?
In January, Riyadh averages a high of 21°C (69°F) and a low of 9°C (47°F) — generally mild and pleasant.
Does it rain a lot in Riyadh in January?
January is generally dry in Riyadh, with about 4 rainy days on average.
Is January a good time to visit Riyadh?
January 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 January?
Pack light layers for warm days and cooler evenings. See the full January packing list for Riyadh for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.