Riyadh in May
In May, Riyadh averages 39°C (102°F) during the day and 25°C (78°F) at night, with only about 3 rainy days.
ShoulderConditions are very hot — early-morning and evening sightseeing recommended. Skies are generally dry and clear.
May in Riyadh is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How May compares to the rest of the year in Riyadh
May is in the middle of the year for warmth in Riyadh (5th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (6th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 6°C above the annual average (33°C). May runs 5°C warmer than April (33°C) and warms a further 3°C into June (42°C).
May sunrise & sunset in Riyadh
Times shown for Riyadh local time (Asia/Riyadh), calculated for the 15th of May. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Riyadh — May
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of May, in Riyadh's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Riyadh in May
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 May's tier (Shoulder) and Riyadh's popularity.
May 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.
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.
2-3 million pilgrims travel to Mecca. Mecca and Medina are closed to non-Muslims year-round; Jeddah and Riyadh see major secondary impact (hotel surge, transport).
Plan: Avoid western Saudi Arabia during this window unless on pilgrimage. Riyadh stays manageable.
Crowds & pricing — May in Riyadh
Riyadh is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — May 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 May weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Riyadh in May →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Riyadh in May?
In May, Riyadh averages a high of 39°C (102°F) and a low of 25°C (78°F) — generally hot.
Does it rain a lot in Riyadh in May?
May is generally dry in Riyadh, with about 3 rainy days on average.
Is May a good time to visit Riyadh?
May is hot and mostly dry. It suits travelers who are comfortable with hot weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Riyadh in May?
Pack lightweight, breathable clothing, sunglasses and sunscreen. See the full May packing list for Riyadh for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.