Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia? If you're planning to go to Riyadh, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Riyadh
- Important essentials for Riyadh
- Activities for Riyadh
- Riyadh in January: weather and what to pack
- Riyadh in February: weather and what to pack
- Riyadh in March: weather and what to pack
- Riyadh in April: weather and what to pack
- Riyadh in May: weather and what to pack
- Riyadh in June: weather and what to pack
- Riyadh in July: weather and what to pack
- Riyadh in August: weather and what to pack
- Riyadh in September: weather and what to pack
- Riyadh in October: weather and what to pack
- Riyadh in November: weather and what to pack
- Riyadh in December: weather and what to pack

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.
When to go to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Based on the climate and weather in Riyadh, the best time to go is November. See below for details.
Important essentials for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Riyadh, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 ESSENTIALS
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID-19 protection available.
-
Proof of COVID-19 vaccination/negative test
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards can wear away. An unreadable card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly product.
Other health necessities
Emergency water purifier
Some areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's important to bring an emergency water purifier like this one.
Travel first aid kit
This one is a superb kit.
Emergency rapid COVID-19 test
U.S. residents can get them free here. Otherwise, you can buy them here.
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Riyadh. 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.
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
For families with young children
Airplane or car necessities
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types G. This one works in most locations, but you should check with your hotel.
Photography accessories
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
Activities for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Riyadh.
If you visit National Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
Comfy walking shoes
Castle hopping? For Murabba Palace, take:
What to wear/what to pack for Riyadh, Saudi Arabia by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
If you go to Riyadh in January, you will notice that it is mild and very dry. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Light jacket or fleece
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
Pants or jeans
Extra socks
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
February
February in this region is balmy and very dry. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Light skirts
Sunscreen lotion
Extra socks
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Short pants or heavy shorts
Bug repellent
Breathable footwear or sandals
Sandals
March
March in Riyadh is warm and very dry. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Sunscreen lotion
Sandals
Extra socks
Breathable footwear or sandals
A rain coat to layer with a coat
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
April
April can be sweltering and very dry. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (low 30s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
Loose-fit shorts
Sunglasses
Skirts
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
Bug repellent
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
Waterproof phone bag
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
May
If you vacation in Riyadh during May, you may find that it can be sizzling and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 100s F (high 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). Humidity is generally between 10 and 20% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Bugs may be an issue here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
Waterproof sandals
Insulated water bottle
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
Personal cooling fan
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Light skirts
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
Sarong
Thin tank or crop tops
Sun protecting legwear
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
June
If you go to Riyadh in June, you will notice that it is unbearably hot and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the 100s F (low 40s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Personal cooling fan
Insulated water bottle
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
Bugs may be a problem here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
Sarong
Waterproof sandals
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from the sun:
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Protecting pants
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
Thin tank or crop tops
Light skirts
July
July is sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Temperatures average in the high 100s F (low 40s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Waterproof sandals
Thin tank or crop tops
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Insects can be a problem here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
Sarong
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Insulated water bottle
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
Personal cooling fan
Light skirts
Sun protecting pants/skirts
These will keep your legs protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can cool you down quickly and guard against skin damage:
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
August
If you go to Riyadh in August, you will notice that it can be sizzling and very dry with almost no rain. Daytime temperatures are in the high 100s F (low 40s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
Thin tank or crop tops
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
Sarong
Waterproof sandals
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Personal cooling fan
Protecting pants/skirts
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Light skirts
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against skin damage:
Insects can be an issue here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
Insulated water bottle
September
September is blindingly hot 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:
Personal cooling fan
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
UV protecting pants
These will keep you protected from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
One of these:
Thin tank or crop tops
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Light skirts
100% UV protection sunglasses
We suggest:
Waterproof sandals
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Insulated water bottle
Insects are an issue here.
We recommend these bug repellents:
Sarong
October
October for Riyadh is scorchingly hot 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:
- https://amzn.to/31Mz9kT
Bug bite relief
Lightweight 'harem' pants
Waterproof sandals
High-SPF sunscreen lotion
Bug repellent
Sunglasses
Cooling tank or crop tops
These are developed to keep you cool:
Protecting pants
These will keep your legs safe from UV rays while also cool. Our favorites:
Personal cooling fan
Skirts
Insulated water bottle
Light dresses
These Columbia dresses are engineered to cool you and to provide UV protection.
Thin short sleeve shirts
Be sure pack additional, as these often get wet or dirty.
Light linen shorts
November
If you vacation in Riyadh during November, you might find that it is pretty consistently hot and very dry. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). Humidity is generally between 20 and 30% during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
Breathable footwear or sandals
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
Bug repellent
Short pants or heavy shorts
Extra socks
Sunscreen lotion
Sandals
Light skirts
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