Last updated: August 31, 2025
May in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia brings a striking blend of heat and dryness, with temperatures soaring to a maximum of 44°C (112°F) and averaging around 33°C (91°F). The nights offer a slight reprieve, with minimum temperatures dropping to a comfortable 20°C (67°F). During this month, residents and visitors experience exceptionally low humidity levels at just 27%, contributing to a notable lack of precipitation—recorded at a mere 3 mm (0.1 in) over the entire month, with no rain days in sight. This makes May an ideal time for sun-seekers and those looking to explore Riyadh's vibrant cultural scene under the brilliant desert sky.
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May heralds the approach of summer, showcasing a remarkable rise in temperatures. With a minimum of 20°C (67°F), it serves as a transition from the cooler months, while the average temperature climbs to a sweltering 33°C (91°F). As the month progresses, the maximum temperatures can soar to a scorching 44°C (112°F), marking it as one of the hottest periods of the year. This trend of escalating warmth continues into June, suggesting that May is not just a prelude to the intense heat, but also a vivid reminder of Riyadh's desert climate. The consistent increase in temperature highlights the region's extreme seasonal shifts, thus inviting residents and visitors alike to prepare for the upcoming summer.
In Riyadh, the month of May typically sees minimal precipitation, recording an average of just 3 mm (0.1 in), with no rainy days to speak of. This trend is reflective of the city's generally dry climate as the spring transitions into the scorching summer months. After experiencing a scant amount of rainfall in the previous months, May stands out as one of the driest periods of the year, following the slightly wetter months of January through April. With June onward bringing no precipitation at all, May's modest rainfall underscores Riyadh's characteristic arid conditions, setting the stage for a prolonged dry spell as the temperatures rise.
As Riyadh transitions into May, the city experiences a notable dip in humidity, dropping to 27%, which is lower than the preceding months. This trend of decreasing humidity continues into the scorching summer, with June and July reaching 19% and 13%, respectively. The dry heat underscores a shift from the more humid air experienced earlier in the year, particularly in the cooler months of January and November, where humidity levels peak at 41% and 43%. As the temperatures rise, the diminishing humidity in May prepares residents for the intense summer, making it an intriguing time for anyone experiencing the Saudi climate.
As May arrives in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, residents can expect a dramatic rise in UV intensity, with the UV Index soaring to 12, marking it as an extreme exposure category. This increase from April's already high levels underscores a significant trend as the region transitions into the hotter months, where the burn time drops to a mere 10 minutes. Comparatively, the earlier months of the year, such as January, February, and March, recorded notably lower indices, with the highest being 10 in March and April, reflecting a gradual buildup of sun exposure severity as summer approaches. It's essential for residents to take precautionary measures during this period to protect their skin. For detailed daily updates, visit the Riyadh UV Index.
UV Risk Categories
In May, Riyadh experiences a delightful surge in sunlight, boasting an impressive 361 hours of sunshine—one of the peak periods in the year. This trend of increasing daylight hours begins in the earlier months, starting with 243 hours in January and progressively climbing to a robust 331 hours in both March and April. The ascent continues as June takes the lead with 365 hours, marking the sunniest month. As the city basks in the generous warmth of May, it's a perfect time for outdoor activities, reflecting the vibrant energy of the season. The gradual increase in sunlight not only enhances the charm of Riyadh but also highlights the region's evolving climatic patterns as summer approaches.
In Riyadh, the month of May boasts a healthy 87% chance of sunny weather, reinforcing a trend of abundant sunshine as the seasons shift toward summer. This likelihood is notably higher than the preceding month, April, which sees only a 69% chance of clear skies. As we move from spring into early summer, the probabilities show an upward trajectory, peaking in June at an impressive 97%. Comparing May’s sunshine potential to earlier months like January and March, which range from 86% to 91%, it’s clear that May provides a delightful transition with a balance of warmth and sunshine, making it an ideal time to enjoy the outdoors before the scorching heat of summer fully arrives.
In Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the daylight duration gradually increases from 10 hours in January to 13 hours by May, reflecting a transition into the warmer months. This peak of sunlight in May signals the arrival of summer, which continues to hold steady with 13 hours of daylight through June and July. However, as summer wanes, daylight begins to steadily decline, returning to 12 hours in August and then tapering off to 10 hours by November. This rhythmic cycle of daylight not only marks the changing seasons but also influences the lifestyle and activities of those living in this vibrant city.
In Riyadh, May typically greets residents with a gentle breeze, boasting an average wind speed of 3.3 m/s (7 mph). While this month experiences a slight dip from the previous months, the wind remains a refreshing companion amidst rising temperatures. Following a gradual increase through the early spring with March peaking at 4.7 m/s (11 mph), May’s winds signify a calming transition as the heat begins to intensify. As summer approaches, the winds tend to pick up again in June at 4.7 m/s (10 mph), suggesting a cyclical pattern where the spring gives way to hotter days, but with a comforting whisper of wind that often lingers. This rhythm not only characterizes the month’s climate but also provides a stark contrast to the drier, still air of the upcoming summer months.
Weather in Riyadh varies notably across the year, with each month offering distinct climate conditions. This page compares May’s weather to other months in Riyadh, focusing on differences in temperature, rainfall, humidity, and UV levels.
May and January showcase strikingly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 20°C (67°F) and can reach as high as 44°C (112°F), resulting in an average of 33°C (91°F). The dry conditions during this month are highlighted by minimal precipitation of just 3 mm (0.1 in) and a humidity level of 27%. In contrast, January offers much cooler weather, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to a maximum of 30°C (86°F), and averaging around 15°C (60°F). Although slightly wetter with 4 mm (0.2 in) of precipitation, it experiences no rainy days and has a higher humidity level of 41%. For more detailed insights on January weather, you can check Riyadh weather in January.
In May, the weather is significantly hotter than in February, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (67°F) to a scorching maximum of 44°C (112°F) and an average of 33°C (91°F). In contrast, February offers cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -1°C (31°F), an average of 17°C (63°F), and a maximum of 35°C (95°F). Additionally, February experiences more precipitation, totaling 14 mm (0.6 in) over three days, while May remains completely dry with no rainfall. Humidity levels are somewhat similar, at 27% in May and 29% in February. For more details, you can check Riyadh weather in February.
May's weather in Riyadh is significantly hotter than in March, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (67°F) to a scorching maximum of 44°C (112°F). In contrast, March features milder temperatures, with a minimum of 7°C (46°F) and a maximum of 38°C (101°F). While May boasts virtually no precipitation and low humidity at 27%, March experiences slightly higher humidity at 29% and receives 5 mm (0.2 in) of rain over just one day. For more detailed insights, you can check Riyadh weather in March.
In Riyadh, the weather in May is significantly hotter than in April, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of 20°C (67°F) to a scorching maximum of 44°C (112°F), while April sees cooler temperatures from 14°C (57°F) to 40°C (104°F). Additionally, May experiences far less precipitation, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) of rainfall across no rainy days, in stark contrast to April's 10 mm (0.4 in) over two days. Humidity levels also drop from 33% in April to a drier 27% in May, making the later month feel even more arid. For more insights on April's climate, check out Riyadh weather in April.
In May, temperatures in Riyadh range from a comfortable minimum of 20°C (67°F) to a scorching maximum of 44°C (112°F), with an average of 33°C (91°F). The month experiences minimal precipitation, totaling just 3 mm (0.1 in), and boasts zero rainy days with a humidity level of 27%. In contrast, June sees a rise in temperatures, with a minimum of 25°C (77°F) and an average high of 36°C (98°F), peaking at a striking 46°C (116°F). Interestingly, June remains dry with no recorded precipitation, and even lower humidity at 19%. For more details, check out Riyadh weather in June.
In comparing the weather between May and July, it is evident that July is significantly hotter, with average temperatures climbing to 38°C (100°F) and maximums reaching up to 47°C (117°F), surpassing May's averages of 33°C (91°F) and maximums of 44°C (112°F). Additionally, July experiences lower humidity at 13%, compared to May's 27%, contributing to a drier heat. Notably, July records no precipitation, maintaining a completely dry atmosphere, while May has a minimal precipitation level of just 3 mm (0.1 in), with no rainy days. For a more detailed insight into July's weather, you can explore Riyadh weather in July.
In comparing the weather between May and August, it becomes clear that both months experience high temperatures, but August tends to be hotter overall. May has a minimum temperature of 20°C (67°F) and an average of 33°C (91°F), peaking at 44°C (112°F), while August sees a higher minimum of 26°C (78°F), an average of 37°C (99°F), and a maximum of 47°C (117°F). Both months have virtually no precipitation, with May receiving a mere 3 mm and August recording none at all. Humidity levels are also lower in August, at only 15%, compared to May's 27%. For a more detailed look at August's conditions, you can check Riyadh weather in August.
In May, temperatures in Riyadh range from a mild 20°C (67°F) at night to a scorching average of 33°C (91°F), with peaks reaching up to 44°C (112°F). The month sees minimal rainfall, with just 3 mm recorded and no rainy days, and the humidity levels are at 27%. In contrast, September offers slightly warmer nights, with a minimum temperature of 21°C (70°F), and records an average high of 34°C (94°F) and maximums soaring to 45°C (113°F). Notably, September is entirely dry, with no precipitation and lower humidity at 18%. For more details, you can check Riyadh weather in September.
In May, temperatures in Riyadh soar, with a minimum of 20°C (67°F) and an average high reaching 44°C (112°F), making it one of the hottest months of the year. The weather is incredibly dry with only 3 mm of precipitation and low humidity at 27%. In contrast, October brings slightly cooler temperatures, with a minimum of 15°C (60°F) and an average high of 41°C (105°F). Despite the slight drop in temperature, October remains dry with only 1 mm of precipitation and humidity levels slightly higher at 28%. For more details, check out Riyadh weather in October.
May and November present markedly different weather patterns. In May, temperatures soar, with a minimum of 20°C (67°F) and reaching a sweltering maximum of 44°C (112°F), while the average temperature hovers around 33°C (91°F). The month boasts negligible precipitation, with only 3 mm (0.1 in) over a span of 0 days, and humidity levels remain low at 27%. In contrast, November experiences a cooler climate, with a minimum of 6°C (44°F) and a maximum of 35°C (95°F), averaging at 22°C (71°F). This month is also slightly wetter, with 9 mm (0.3 in) of precipitation over 2 days, and humidity increases to 43%. For more detailed information, check Riyadh weather in November.
May and December showcase a stark contrast in weather conditions. In May, temperatures soar with a minimum of 20°C (67°F) and can reach a scorching maximum of 44°C (112°F), accompanied by very little precipitation and low humidity at just 27%. In contrast, December sees a significant drop in temperatures, with a minimum of 3°C (38°F) and a comfortable average of 17°C (62°F), though it still warms up to a maximum of 29°C (85°F). December also experiences a slight increase in precipitation, averaging 6 mm (0.2 in) over a single day, and higher humidity levels at 46%. For a detailed look at the December weather, you can check Riyadh weather in December.
As May settles over Riyadh, the city basks in the intense heat that marks the onset of summer, with soaring temperatures reaching their peak. Unlike the milder months preceding it, May showcases a stark contrast with an average temperature that invites a sweltering atmosphere. With practically no rainfall to relieve the heat and a humidity level that remains low, outdoor activities require careful planning. The arid conditions and unyielding sun make this month a true testament to Riyadh's desert climate. For a more detailed glimpse into the annual weather patterns, explore the full overview at Riyadh Climate.