Riyadh in March

In March, Riyadh averages 29°C (84°F) during the day and 16°C (60°F) at night, with around 6 days of rain (10 mm total).

High season

Conditions are warm and beach-friendly. Occasional showers are likely but won't dominate.

March is a great month to visit Riyadh: pleasant temperatures and relatively few wet days.

29°C
Avg high
16°C
Avg low
6
Rain days
10 mm
Rainfall

How March compares to the rest of the year in Riyadh

8th
warmest month of the 12
2nd
wettest month of the 12
13%
of yearly rainfall falls in March
11 h 59 min
daylight on the 15th

March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Riyadh (8th of 12) and one of the wettest months (2nd of 12). Daytime temperature runs 4°C below the annual average (33°C). March runs 5°C warmer than February (23°C) and warms a further 5°C into April (33°C).

March sunrise & sunset in Riyadh

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
6:02 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
6:01 PM
Day length
11 h 59 min

Times shown for Riyadh local time (Asia/Riyadh), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Riyadh — March

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Riyadh's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
5:02 AM – 5:42 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
5:42 AM – 6:42 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
5:21 PM – 6:21 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
6:21 PM – 7:01 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Riyadh.

📅 When to book — Riyadh in March

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 March's tier (High season) and Riyadh's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
2-3 months
Prices are above off-season but not the absolute peak. Tuesday/Wednesday departures are usually cheaper than weekend ones.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
2-3 months
Wide selection still available at this lead time. Premium properties book first; consider 'last-minute deal' availability at 2-week mark if your dates are flexible.

March in Saudi Arabia — events that affect travel

Known cultural, religious, or national events that surge prices, fill hotels, or close businesses during this month. Plan around them, or build your itinerary around the ones you'd like to see.

🕌
Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr
Closures · high impact

Daylight fasting month. Many restaurants close until sunset, some attractions close midday, and Islamic countries change their pace dramatically. Eid (3 days after Ramadan ends) brings major travel surge.

Plan: Tourists can usually still find food, but dress modestly and avoid eating publicly during the day. Iftar (sunset meal) is a beautiful experience to plan for.

Crowds & pricing — March in Riyadh

High season

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 — March in Riyadh

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
11.2
Extreme
Stay indoors during midday hours; SPF 50+ even briefly outside, UPF clothing, wide-brim hat, sunglasses essential.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●●○○
Moderate
Active mosquito season. DEET 25-30% repellent recommended, especially at dawn/dusk.

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

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow 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 March weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Riyadh in March →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Riyadh in March?

In March, Riyadh averages a high of 29°C (84°F) and a low of 16°C (60°F) — generally warm.

Does it rain a lot in Riyadh in March?

March sees occasional rain in Riyadh, with about 6 rainy days on average.

Is March a good time to visit Riyadh?

March is warm. It suits travelers who are comfortable with warm weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Riyadh in March?

Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full March packing list for Riyadh for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Riyadh on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.