Do not put those winter clothes away just yet.
Another Saudi-wide cold wave is about to hit the Kingdom.
This one will bring below zero temperatures and dust storms across the region.
The National Centre for Meteorology (NCM) has predicted that the cold wave will go on until the end of this week.
So, layer your ‘fits and make sure to dress as warmly as possible. Here is everything to know about the upcoming temperature drops.
Saudi-wide cold wave 2026
Winter in Saudi Arabia is a welcome break from the summer heat, rolling in from October to March with cooler weather, rain, hail, and even the occasional snowfall. It is the season everyone looks forward to, bringing fresh air, dramatic skies, and a whole new side of the Kingdom to enjoy.
Saudi-wide cold wave 2026 locations
Tabuk, Al-Jouf, Northern Borders, Hail, northern Madinah are set to experience dramatically lowered temperatures with . Al-Qassim, northern parts of the Eastern Province, and Riyadh will see temperatures between 4°C to 1°C. Hail, Asir, Al-Baha, and Makkah are also set to be affected.
Saudi-wide cold wave 2026 dates
Starting from today, Tuesday, January 20, you will be experiencing three days. The wave is set to end on Thursday, January 23.
What to expect from the Saudi-wide cold wave 2026
Bundle up and brace yourself, a chilly, dusty few days are on the way. Temperatures are set to dip as low as -2°C in Tabuk, Al-Jouf, the Northern Borders, Hail, and northern Madinah, while Al-Qassim and parts of Riyadh and the Eastern Province cool down to between 1–4°C. Add to that a wave of dusty winds, starting Tuesday in Al-Jouf and the Northern Borders, spreading by midweek to Hail, Riyadh, Najran, and beyond, and reaching Makkah, Madinah, Asir, Al-Baha, and coastal areas by Thursday. Winter’s definitely making its presence felt.
Things to do in the Saudi winter
Looking for a dose of culture to go with your almost freezing temperatures? Diriyah Art Futures will be hosting its fourth art exhibition, Off the Earth. There is also the ‘Bedayat: Beginnings of Saudi Art Movement‘ at the National Museum of Saudi Arabia.
Tue Jan 20-Thu Jan 23. Across Saudi, ncm.gov.sa.
