Dhahran, Saudi Arabia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2023]

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Ready to pack for Dhahran, Saudi Arabia? If you're planning to go to Dhahran, this article contains some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Based on the climate and weather in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, the best time to go is November. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Dhahran, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Dhahran, Saudi Arabia by month

January

January in Dhahran is mild. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C), with a few days below 45 F (single digits C). It tends to rain sometimes. With the colder weather comes lower humidity, which is in the 50% to 60% range on average.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Saudi Arabia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Dhahran. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to choose the necessary type. Many adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

February

February here is mild. Temperatures average in the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Saudi Arabia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Dhahran. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you find the correct type. Many adapters on sale are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

March

If you go to Dhahran in March, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Saudi Arabia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things these days, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Dhahran. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you get the necessary kind. A lot of adapters currently available are just plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

April

If you go to Dhahran in April, you will notice that it is consistently hot and very dry. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Saudi Arabia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Dhahran. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to choose the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

May

If you go to Dhahran in May, you will notice that it is unbearably hot and very dry. Daytime temperatures are in the high 90s F (high 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Saudi Arabia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Dhahran. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing luggage these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you pick the right kind. The vast majority of adapters available are just plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

June

If you vacation in Dhahran during June, you might notice that it can be sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the 100s F (low 40s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 80s F (high 20s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Saudi Arabia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Dhahran. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing luggage nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Ensure that you pick the correct type. A lot of adapters available are simply plug changers and require your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

If you are traveling to Dhahran in July, you will notice that it is sweltering, somewhat hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 100s F (low 40s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Saudi Arabia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Dhahran. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing bags recently, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. It's important that you pick the necessary type. A lot of adapters currently sold are just plugs and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

August

August in this region is blindingly hot, somewhat hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the 100s F (low 40s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Saudi Arabia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Dhahran. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing things these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be careful to get the correct type. The majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could burn up. This one is sufficent for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

September

If you go to Dhahran in September, you will notice that it can be blisteringly hot, somewhat hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 100s F (high 30s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Saudi Arabia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Dhahran. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Take care to get the necessary kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

October

October here is sizzling, somewhat hazy and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the low 90s F (mid 30s C) during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Saudi Arabia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Dhahran. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Check that you get the right kind. Most adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be sufficient for most countries.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

November

If you vacation in Dhahran during November, you might notice that it is extremely warm and dry with little rain. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 60s F (high 10s C). Humidity is generally between 40 and 50% during the day.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Saudi Arabia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Dhahran. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel neck support pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Be sure to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters currently being sold are simply plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

December

December is mild. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

    Saudi Arabia has some specific safety concerns that you should consider before going. Click for more information.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Dhahran. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. Make sure to pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A good option is this one

What to do in Dhahran, Saudi Arabia

As one of the biggest cities in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, Dhahran has become a melting pot of cultures thanks to its strategic location as a hub for international trade and commerce. The city is also home to major oil and gas companies, making it a popular destination for business travelers. However, Dhahran is also a treasure trove of tourist attractions that showcase the rich history and heritage of Saudi Arabia. Here are some of the top tourist destinations you might want to visit when in Dhahran:

1. King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture – Also known as 'Ithra,' the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture is a grand complex that features a library, a museum, a cinema, an exhibition hall, and a theater. Visitors can spend hours exploring the different exhibits that showcase the cultural diversity of Saudi Arabia and the world.

2. Alkhobar Corniche – The Alkhobar Corniche is a picturesque waterfront promenade that is perfect for a leisurely stroll or a relaxing picnic by the sea. With stunning views of the Persian Gulf and a charming atmosphere filled with cafes and restaurants, the Alkhobar Corniche is a must-visit destination in Dhahran.

3. Scitech Museum – The Scitech Museum is a science museum that offers interactive exhibits, educational programs, and hands-on activities for visitors of all ages. With sections dedicated to biology, chemistry, physics, and technology, the Scitech Museum is a great place to learn and have fun at the same time.

4. Al Danah Mall – As one of the largest shopping centers in Saudi Arabia, Al Danah Mall is a shopper's paradise that features an impressive selection of local and international brands. With a wide range of stores, restaurants, and entertainment options, Al Danah Mall caters to all your retail therapy needs.

5. Tarout Island – Located off the coast of Alkhobar, Tarout Island is a historical site that features ancient ruins, a traditional market, and a beautiful beach. Visitors can explore the island's rich history and culture while enjoying the tranquil surroundings and stunning views of the Arabian Gulf.

Overall, Dhahran offers a wide range of tourist destinations that cater to all interests and preferences. Whether you're interested in culture, history, science, shopping, or simply relaxing by the sea, Dhahran has something to offer for everyone. So, the next time you visit Saudi Arabia, make sure to include Dhahran in your itinerary and discover the hidden gems of this vibrant city.

About your travel guide

Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.

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