Saudi Arabia has a desert climate with extreme summer heat and mild winters, moderated slightly along the coasts. Riyadh averages 15°C in January and 36°C in July, with summer temperatures regularly exceeding 45°C. Jeddah on the Red Sea is hot year-round: January at 23°C, July and August at 34°C with oppressive humidity. Rain is extremely rare across most of the country (less than 100mm annually), falling in brief winter showers. The best time to visit is November to March when daytime highs sit between 22°C and 30°C. The Asir Mountains in the southwest (Abha) offer cooler temperatures year-round at 2,000m elevation, with summer highs of 25°C.
