Last updated: January 18, 2025
The Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia is characterized by a BWh climate classification, indicative of a hot desert environment. Temperature extremes are notable, with minimums plummeting to -3°C (26°F) in February, transitioning to an average temperature of 28°C (82°F) throughout the year. The peak heat occurs in July, where maximum temperatures can soar to an astonishing 51°C (123°F). Such climatic conditions significantly influence local ecosystems, agriculture, and the daily lives of residents, shaping a unique environmental landscape.
Temperature patterns in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia exhibit distinct seasonal variations, characterized by mild winters and scorching summers. The year begins with cool January temperatures that see minimums around -1°C (31°F) and average highs reaching 30°C (87°F). February continues this trend with a notable dip to a minimum of -3°C (26°F), but average temperatures soon rise as spring approaches, peaking in March at an average of 22°C (71°F). As the region transitions into summer, temperatures escalate sharply, with May and June recording average highs of 32°C (90°F) and 36°C (97°F), respectively, followed by the sweltering July, where temperatures can soar to 51°C (123°F). The progression into the autumn months brings a gradual cooling, with October showcasing a minimum of 11°C (53°F) and culminating in December, where the temperature range becomes more moderate, highlighting the region's adaptation to extreme climatic shifts throughout the year.
In the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, temperatures vary significantly across the year. In Khobar, February sees a minimum of 7°C (45°F) while July peaks at 43°C (110°F) monthly temperatures in Khobar. Dammam experiences slightly cooler temperatures with a minimum of 6°C (44°F) in February and a maximum of 44°C (112°F) in July monthly temperatures in Dammam. Similarly, Al Qatif shares the same February minimum and July maximum as Dammam, underscoring the region's extreme summer heat monthly temperatures in Al Qatif.
Precipitation patterns in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia reveal a stark contrast between the wet and dry months of the year. January marks the onset of moisture, receiving 4 mm (0.2 in) of rainfall, followed by a significant increase in February, where 22 mm (0.9 in) falls over just 2 days. This wet period gradually tapers off with March and April experiencing 11 mm (0.4 in) and 10 mm (0.4 in) of precipitation, respectively, hinting at a transient spring.
As the summer approaches, the region faces an extended dry spell, with June, July, August, and September recording no rainfall at all. The scant rainfall in May, with merely 1 mm (0.0 in), sets the stage for these arid months. The precipitation resumes in late autumn, with November and December bringing 15 mm (0.6 in) and 14 mm (0.5 in), respectively, although these totals are still modest compared to the early months of the year, underscoring the province's overall arid climate.
In the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, sunshine duration showcases a striking seasonal trend, with a noticeable increase as winter yields to summer. Beginning the year with 240 hours of sunshine in January, the region experiences a steady ascent in daylight hours—February sees an uptick to 282 hours, which continues into the spring months of March and April, both recording 329 hours. By May, the sunny conditions peak, reaching 366 hours, setting the stage for the summer months that follow.
Summer proves to be the sunniest time of year, with July boasting the highest sunshine duration at 375 hours. This abundance of sunlight gradually declines as autumn rolls in, with September still enjoying 338 hours but descending into the shorter days of October with 322 hours of sunshine. By November and December, the hours remain relatively stable at 292 hours and 294 hours, respectively. This seasonal pattern not only highlights the region's sunny disposition but also indicates a significant reduction in daylight during the winter months, emphasizing the importance of sunlight throughout the year in shaping the local climate and lifestyle.
The UV Index in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia reflects substantial seasonal variability, with notable peaks during the spring and summer months. January begins with a UV Index of 7, categorized as high, allowing for an exposure time of 25 minutes before sunburn may occur. This trend escalates dramatically in February, with the index rising to 9 (very high) and a burn time of just 15 minutes. By March and April, the UV Index reaches its zenith with an alarming 11 to 12 in the extreme exposure category, drastically reducing burn time to only 10 minutes.
As summer progresses, the UV Index remains at a peak of 12 from May through June, underscoring the severe risk of sunburn in these months. Even in July and August, while slightly dropping to 11, the exposure remains extreme. The UV Index begins to taper off in autumn, with October and November seeing values of 9 and 8, respectively, yet still categorized as very high. The year concludes with December returning to a UV Index of 7, registering as high once again, but with a significant increase in burn time to 25 minutes. This cyclical pattern highlights the importance of sun safety measures, particularly during the peak summer months when UV exposure poses substantial health risks.
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Daylight duration in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, with measurable changes throughout the year. In January, the average daylight is relatively short at 10 hours, which gradually increases as spring approaches. February sees an increase to 11 hours, while March and April maintain a steady 12 hours of daylight, signaling the transition into sunnier, longer days as warmer temperatures return. The trend continues in May, extending to 13 hours per day, where it plateaus during the summer months of June, July, and August.
As the summer season reaches its peak, the province enjoys consistent daylight lasting 13 hours, providing ample opportunity for outdoor activities. However, as autumn sets in, daylight hours begin to diminish, dropping back to 12 hours in September, followed by a decrease to 11 hours in October. November and December return to 10 hours, mirroring the shorter days of January, thus completing the cycle of daylight variation across the year. This rhythmic pattern highlights the subtleties of seasonal shifts in daylight, affecting both daily life and local ecosystems in the region.
The climate in Al Qatif, Saudi Arabia, features hot summers and mild winters. From June to August, temperatures consistently peak above 40°C (104°F), while winter months like January and February see milder conditions, with averages around 17-18°C (62-64°F). Precipitation is minimal throughout most of the year, with January and February being the wettest months, receiving only 4 mm and 25 mm of rainfall, respectively. The region enjoys substantial sunshine, particularly in the summer, with July recording up to 375 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Al Qatif climate.
Dammam, Saudi Arabia experiences a hot desert climate with extreme temperatures, particularly from May to September when highs often exceed 40°C (104°F). The winter months are milder, with January temperatures averaging around 17°C (64°F). Precipitation is minimal throughout the year, peaking slightly in February but remaining low otherwise, usually under 25 mm per month. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, especially in the summer, with July seeing up to 375 hours of sun. For more detailed climate information, visit Dammam climate.
Khobar, Saudi Arabia experiences a hot desert climate with mild winters and scorching summers. January temperatures range from 10°C to 27°C (50°F to 80°F), while July sees highs reaching up to 43°C (110°F). Precipitation is minimal, with virtually no rain from May to September, and January being the wettest month with 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain. The city enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer months, with July averaging 376 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Khobar climate.
In conclusion, the climate of the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia is characterized by its extreme temperature fluctuations, limited precipitation, and significant variations in sunshine, UV index, and daylight duration throughout the year. The transition from the cooler winter months to the scorching heat of summer underscores the need for adaptive strategies for both residents and ecosystems in the region. With abundant sunlight, particularly during the peak summer months, coupled with high UV exposure levels, it is imperative for individuals to prioritize sun safety. As daylight durations shift from short winter days to longer summer hours, the region’s climatic conditions not only shape daily life but also play a crucial role in influencing agricultural practices and local biodiversity. Understanding these climatic dynamics allows for better preparedness and appreciation of the unique environmental landscape of the Eastern Province.