RIYADH — Saudi Arabia is entering the peak of its summer season, with long-term climate records indicating that July is typically the hottest month of the year across the Kingdom.According to an analysis released by the National Center for Meteorology (NCM) of July weather patterns between 1985 and 2025, the month records an average temperature of 33.1°C — with an average maximum temperature of 40.3°C — and an average rainfall of 3.34 mm, based on the 1991–2020 climate baseline.
Figure from the National Center for Meteorology's report showing the highest average temperature in July.
Geographically, average temperatures during July are highest across the Eastern Province and large parts of central Saudi Arabia, where average maximum temperatures exceed 44°C in some areas. Meanwhile, the lowest temperatures are recorded across the southwestern highlands, particularly in Asir, Al-Baha, and Taif.The records also show that 2017 recorded the highest average maximum temperature during July over the 2016–2025 period, reaching 42.01°C. The lowest average maximum temperature was recorded at 39.66°C in 2022.In terms of prevalence of extreme heat across several regions of the Kingdom, Al-Ahsa recorded the highest July temperature among monitored stations, reaching 51.3°C on July 12, 2024. Rafha followed with 51.1°C on July 30, 2020, while Dammam recorded 50.8°C on July 12, 2024, and Al-Qaisumah reached 50.6°C on July 16, 2010, and again on July 31, 2020.
