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Riyadh visitor guide
Practical essentials for visiting Riyadh, KSA. Every fact links to an official or government source.
Emergency numbers
Source: UK FCDO — getting help ↗
Getting around
- Riyadh public transport (Metro and buses) — Royal Commission for Riyadh City. Official site ↗
- Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) — trains to Dammam, Qassim and the north. Official site ↗
- SAPTCO — intercity coaches. Official site ↗
Airports
- RUH · King Khalid International (Riyadh) — 27 km from the centre (straight line) · Website ↗ · Directions ↗
Distances are straight-line from the city centre; road distance is longer.
Weather by month
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Humidity | Rain |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 21°C | 9°C | 46% | 15 mm |
| Feb | 23°C | 11°C | 38% | 15 mm |
| Mar | 28°C | 16°C | 30% | 9 mm |
| Apr | 33°C | 20°C | 27% | 11 mm |
| May | 39°C | 26°C | 16% | 3 mm |
| Jun | 42°C | 28°C | 11% | 0 mm |
| Jul | 43°C | 30°C | 12% | 0 mm |
| Aug | 43°C | 30°C | 13% | 0 mm |
| Sep | 40°C | 26°C | 15% | 0 mm |
| Oct | 35°C | 21°C | 21% | 1 mm |
| Nov | 28°C | 16°C | 39% | 11 mm |
| Dec | 22°C | 11°C | 46% | 9 mm |
comfortable (avg high 32°C or below) · very hot (avg high 38°C or above)
Holidays & key dates (next 12 months)
- Ramadan — Feb 9, 2027 – Mar 9, 2027 (expected; depends on moon sighting)
- Saudi Founding Day — Feb 22, 2027
- Eid al-Fitr — Mar 10, 2027 – Mar 12, 2027 (expected; depends on moon sighting)
- Arafat Day — May 16, 2027 (expected; depends on moon sighting)
- Eid al-Adha — May 17, 2027 – May 19, 2027 (expected; depends on moon sighting)
- Saudi National Day — Sep 23, 2027
Etiquette & dress
- Dress modestly in public: men and women should cover shoulders and knees; avoid tight or revealing clothing.
- Women are not required to wear an abaya or headscarf as visitors, except at mosques.
- Respect prayer times and Ramadan rules on eating and drinking in public during daylight.
Source: Visit Saudi — public decorum ↗ · UK FCDO — local laws and customs ↗
Visas & entry
Entry rules depend on your nationality and change often. Check the official portals before you book.
Currency & tipping
Saudi riyal (SAR). Pegged to the US dollar at SAR 3.75 = US$1.
Source: Saudi Central Bank (SAMA) ↗
Tipping is generally appreciated but not expected.
Plan your time in Riyadh
Facts checked Oct 30, 2026. Always confirm with the official source before you travel.