The climate of Madain Saleh
Positioned within the subtropical desert zone,
Madain Saleh experiences a BWh classification under the Köppen climate system. A region where dry, hot deserts persist, high temperatures are commonplace throughout the year. The yearly fluctuation in the values of climatological parameters provides a unique understanding of the desert climate.
Temperatures peak between
June and
September, climbing as high as 36°C (96.8°F). The desert is at its chilliest in the winter months, from
December to
February, with the mercury dipping to a low of 7°C (44.6°F). There is significant variation in the amount of radiant energy reaching the city's surface, with around 8 hours of sunshine in
January and extending to a substantial 13 hours during peak summer in June and
July.
A unique characteristic of Madain Saleh's dry desert climate is its relatively small amount of precipitation. The weather remains predominantly dry throughout the year, with no rainfall observed from June to September. maximum rainfall is seen in
November with up to 17mm (0.67"), which is quite a rarity for this desert region.
The best time to visit Madain Saleh
The optimal time frame for visiting
Madain Saleh comes down to the level of heat tolerance one possesses. For those comfortable with moderately warm temperatures, the period between
March and
May provides a agreeable balance. Temperatures stay within 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (89.6°F), accompanied by generous sunshine, varying from 9 to 11 hours per day respectively.
The worst time to visit Madain Saleh
The worst time to visit
Madain Saleh would be the height of summer months lasting between
June and
September. During this period, daytime temperatures can soar up to 36°C (96.8°F). The intensity of the sun is at its maximum with around 13 hours of sunshine each day and UV indexes hitting their peak at 12. A unilateral recommendation would be to avoid this period if extreme heat is a concern.
Spring weather in Madain Saleh
March to
May marks spring in
Madain Saleh. Climatic conditions can vary quite significantly within these months. Starting from a lower range of 19°C (66.2°F) and 8 hours of sunshine in March, the temperature steadily rises, peaking at 32°C (89.6°F) in May. While the amount of rainfall drops from 14mm (0.55") to 7mm (0.28"), the duration of sunshine also sees a steady incline, reaching up to 11 hours by May.
Summer weather in Madain Saleh
Summer is the harshest season in
Madain Saleh, spanning from
June to
September. An intense surge in heat is observed during these months with temperatures soaring up to a sweltering 36°C (96.8°F). Alongside, the duration of sunshine extends to an intense 13 hours. There is practically no rainfall during the summer months making these the driest months in the region. The UV index reaches a peak of 12, indicating extremely high levels of UV radiation.
Autumn weather in Madain Saleh
Autumn in
Madain Saleh is from
October to
November. A noticeable cooling trend begins in these months, with temperatures reducing from 31°C (87.8°F) to 25°C (77°F) from October to November. The duration of sunshine decreases to 10 hours in November. Autumn receives more rainfall, with November seeing up to 17mm (0.67"), more than any other month in Madain Saleh's climate yearly cycle.
Winter weather in Madain Saleh
December to
February are the winter months in
Madain Saleh. This period sees the coolest temperatures of the year, ranging from 21°C (69.8°F) to 7°C (44.6°F). Daylight hours reduce to 10.5 hours in December, while sunshine exposure minimally fluctuates, between 8 and 9 hours. Rainfall levels nosedive in these winter months, with only 10mm (0.39") and 5mm (0.2") in December and February, respectively.
Weather in January
In
January,
Madain Saleh sees a distinct change in conditions, with temperatures descending from the preceding month. The average high stands at 19°C (66.2°F), and the lower temperature reaches 7°C (44.6°F). Minimal rainfall graces the city, emphasizing the expertly sculpted rocky landscapes.
Weather in January »Weather in February
Weather shifts subtly as
Madain Saleh steps into
February, subtly escalating from the prevous month. Unrivaled in its charm, steady sunshine bathes the city almost all day, offering a satisfactory dose of Vitamin D. The silent deft of rains from the climatic equation extends the period of aridity in the city.
Weather in February »Weather in March
The arrival of
March ushers in a gradual warming in
Madain Saleh. Temperatures rise, reaching a high of 25°C (77°F) and a low of 12°C (53.6°F), making it a good time to marvel at the city's historical monuments. Every event of the weather draws out the uniqueness of the city, with the dryness maintaining steady to the next month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
The pleasant warmth of
March cascades into
April, seeing an uptick in
Madain Saleh's thermometer readings. A subtle presence of rain adds variety, contrasting with the dry conditions predominant in this Arabian gem since the year's onset.
Weather in April »Weather in May
Riding on the rising tide of temperature,
May proves to be an even warmer month in
Madain Saleh. The merriment of weather finds expression in the prolonged hours of sunshine that characterize the city in this month. Falling in tune with the restless progression of the year, the city stays firm on its dry spell policy, ruling out any signs of rainfall.
Weather in May »Weather in June
As the calendar turns to
June, an intensified heat envelopes
Madain Saleh. Exchanging the moderate heat of
May, temperatures surge to a peak making it one of the hottest months of the year. In harmony with the predominant aridity, rainfall continues to steer clear of this month, much like its predecessor.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July brings with it the hottest temperatures, maintaining the summer fervor in
Madain Saleh. Again, showers refuse to cast their cooling spell, keeping the air dry and arid. Under the illuminating blanket of the sun, the city continues to be enfolded in sunlight from dawn to dusk.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Madain Saleh continues to swelter under the scorching conditions in
August. The persistent heat plays an intense symphony, matching the high summer tempo of
July. Against the backdrop of the sun-soaked climate, rainfall continues to play hide-and-seek-offering absolute dryness.
Weather in August » Weather in September
The reign of summer persists well into
September, with warm weather conditions prevailing in
Madain Saleh. A gradual decrease in temperatures signals a slight cooling off from the scorching heat of
August. Akin to a reliable companion, the absence of rain marks yet another dry month in the city's weather chronicle.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
In
October,
Madain Saleh steps onto the threshold of a milder season. The weather recedes from the searing intensity of the past months, setting stage for pleasant days. Carry forward of the dry spell ensures clear skies, the stars and the city's nocturnal beauty.
Weather in October »Weather in November
Turning a weather leaf,
November opens to a noticeably cooler climate in
Madain Saleh. A slight spike in rainfall gestures towards the year's onset of a damper period, ending the long spell of aridity. While the daylight hours contract, they draw a beautiful silhouette of the city against the azure skies.
Weather in November »Weather in December
In
December,
Madain Saleh greets the winter season, thus concluding the annual climatic loop. With a further dip in temperature, chilliness begins to mark the days and nights. The periodic return of the rains adds to the overall dampness, enriching the city's weather tapestry.
Weather in December »