Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Moving to Saudi Arabia means entering a country where the climate is not just a backdrop, but a reality that shapes daily life, urban planning, architecture, leisure, and even social interactions. With summers regularly above 40°C (104°F), often dry air inland, oppressive humidity on the coasts, and episodes of blowing sand, the expatriate who underestimates climate adaptation risks paying the price in fatigue, health problems… and electricity bills.
This guide offers a concrete vision of life in Saudi Arabia, covering climate, health, daily life, and cultural landmarks. Its goal is to provide keys to calmly manage the country’s specificities, without dramatizing, but by transforming constraints into manageable parameters.
Understanding the Saudi Climate Before Landing
The first step to living well in Saudi Arabia is to accept a simple reality: you are leaving a temperate climate for an extreme desert environment, classified as “hot desert” in the Köppen climate classification. Temperatures, dryness, scarce rainfall, and the power of the sun completely reshape lifestyle habits.
Extreme Summers, Contrasting Winters
Most of the country experiences a long summer, from May to September, peaking between June and August. In many inland areas, particularly around Riyadh, 45°C (113°F) is not exceptional, and peaks close to 50°C (122°F) are regularly observed. On some days, the heat index can exceed these values, especially when the wind dies down.
Typical maximum daytime temperature in winter in the desert, can drop near 0°C (32°F) at night.
The country has already observed a rise in average temperature over several decades. Scientific studies show that the Arabian Peninsula has warmed faster than the Northern Hemisphere average, and projections indicate warming on the order of 4°C (7.2°F) during this century if current climate policies are maintained. For an expatriate, this means today’s “normal” heat level risks becoming even more intense in the coming years.
Regions with Very Different Climate Profiles
Speaking of the “Saudi” climate in the singular is misleading. The country is vast, from the Rub’ al Khali to the Asir mountains, and conditions vary greatly depending on the region and city.
We can summarize these contrasts in a table for better orientation.
| Region / City | Dominant Climate Type | Typical Summer | Typical Winter | Key Points for an Expatriate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Riyadh (Central Plateau) | Hot desert, very dry | 42–48°C (108–118°F), very dry air, high diurnal range | Mild days, possibly cold nights | Extreme heat + dry air, heavy AC use |
| Jeddah (Red Sea coast) | Heat + high humidity | 35–40°C (95–104°F), high humidity, muggy heat | Mild to warm, humid air | Heavy feeling, persistent sweating |
| Dammam / Khobar (Gulf) | Hot, humid at times | 40–48°C (104–118°F), variable but often high humidity | Mild winter | Heat combined with humidity: HI often very high |
| Abha / Asir (highlands) | More temperate, altitude | 20–30°C (68–86°F), possible summer rains | Cool, sometimes cold, more humid | Climate refuge in summer, pack warmer clothes |
| North (Tabuk, Turaif) | Cold desert in winter | Hot summers | Cold winters, possible frost and snow | Strong variability, need for technical clothing |
For an expatriate, these differences are far from anecdotal. They influence the choice of city of residence, the home’s configuration, the wardrobe, and even the way of managing leisure and travel.
Heat, Humidity, and Discomfort Index
In a large part of the country, the thermal discomfort index (which combines temperature and humidity) regularly exceeds the threshold considered burdensome for the body, especially in summer. Analyses have shown that in the west of the country and the northern Red Sea, this index surpasses 28°C (82°F) for 8 to 16 hours a day during the hot season.
The sensation of heat and necessary hydration vary depending on location. In Riyadh, the dry heat allows for rapid sweat evaporation, reducing the feeling of dampness. However, this accelerated evaporation can lead to insidious dehydration. On the coasts, like in Dubai or Jeddah, humidity prevents evaporation, sweat stagnates, the body’s thermoregulation is less efficient, and fatigue sets in more quickly. Therefore, it’s crucial to drink regularly, even without an intense feeling of thirst, especially in a dry climate.
Add to this episodes of sand-laden winds, the shamal in the north or other more local flows, which load the air with fine particles, reduce visibility, and irritate the respiratory tract and eyes.
Health, Heat, and Hydration: Don’t Play the Hero
Doctors, health authorities, and researchers all agree on one point: adaptation to the Saudi climate is first and foremost a public health issue. Heat-related illnesses, dehydration, and air quality represent concrete risks, especially for newcomers.
Understanding Heat-Related Risks
Illnesses related to prolonged exposure to high temperatures range from simple fatigue to life-threatening emergencies. We speak of heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and then heat stroke when body temperature soars and the thermoregulation system can no longer keep up.
Symptoms include:
– a feeling of great fatigue, sometimes sudden,
– persistent headaches,
– nausea or vomiting,
– dizziness, confusion, difficulty thinking clearly,
– muscle cramps,
– or even loss of consciousness in the most serious cases.
Saudi health authorities have implemented specific protocols to protect the millions of Hajj pilgrims from extreme conditions. Despite rising temperatures over several decades, cases of heat stroke have been reduced thanks to massive strategies including the installation of giant misters, water distribution, the use of air-conditioned transportation, and the provision of free medical care on site.
For an expatriate, these figures are a reminder of two realities: the risk is not theoretical, but preventive measures are effective when applied rigorously.
Dehydration, a Silent Danger
In a climate where the air is dry, sweat evaporates quickly. You feel “dry,” but not necessarily soaked, and may underestimate fluid loss. Yet, water is at the heart of most vital functions: thermoregulation, kidney function, joint lubrication, skin quality, mental clarity.
The effects of fluid deficit range from a simple headache to serious consequences: chronic fatigue, concentration problems, kidney issues, stone formation, urinary tract infections, even neurological damage in cases of severe dehydration. Studies conducted in the southwestern part of the country have shown that, even in a very hot region, a majority of the local population knows the basics of prevention, but a significant portion still does not drink enough on a daily basis.
In the Gulf, recommendations are for 3 to 4 liters of water per day for adults, with a slightly lower threshold for women. These needs vary based on body size, activity, age, and health. It is crucial not to wait for the sensation of thirst, as it is a late signal of dehydration.
A simple habit, inspired by local practices, is to integrate drinking into the rhythm of the day: a large glass upon waking, another before leaving the house, again upon returning indoors, and then before going to bed. Mobile apps help track intake, but checking urine color remains a primitive yet effective indicator: the darker it is, the clearer the deficit.
Skin, Eyes, Respiratory Tract: Other Fronts of Adaptation
The combo of heat + air conditioning + very dry air is harsh on skin and mucous membranes. The skin barrier weakens, lips crack, eyes sting. The combination of dust, fine particles (PM10 and PM2.5), and sand episodes also raises respiratory questions, especially for those with asthma or allergies.
In practice, the expatriate’s “survival kit” quickly includes:
A selection of essential products to protect against dryness, intense sun, and desert dust.
A cream for face and body to combat extreme air dryness.
A lip balm with integrated sun protection against UV rays.
A sunscreen (SPF 30 to 50) to apply daily and reapply outdoors.
Sunglasses with a UV filter to protect eyes from light intensity.
A spray to rinse and moisturize nasal passages after exposure to dust or sand.
An air purifier with a HEPA filter for the bedroom or living room to reduce suspended fine dust.
For hair, desalinated water and dry air may require more nourishing care than in a temperate country: oil treatments, hydrating masks, or products specifically formulated for arid climates.
Mental Health, Often Forgotten
Living for several months with a scorching sun, reduced outdoor movement, and days punctuated by the search for air conditioning changes the perception of time and space. Reduced exposure to natural light in winter is often associated with seasonal depression, but in Saudi Arabia, it is sometimes the excess of light and heat in summer that increases fatigue, irritability, and the feeling of confinement.
Authorities or health organizations in the region increasingly emphasize these challenges: encouraging adapted physical activity (indoors, in shaded parks, on air-conditioned tracks), fostering social connections, and, if needed, resorting to online psychological support, which has developed strongly in the Arab world. For an expatriate, maintaining stable routines, staying in touch with loved ones abroad, and integrating into local or expatriate communities greatly contributes to balance.
Dressing for the Desert: Between Thermal Comfort and Cultural Codes
One of the best “air conditioners” available for free in Saudi Arabia is in plain sight: traditional clothing. They are the result of centuries of adaptation to a desert environment, and even if one doesn’t necessarily aim to adopt a full Saudi outfit, drawing inspiration from them is often the most effective strategy.
The Logic of Traditional Clothing
The male thobe, that long, loose, light robe, or the female abaya, are above all intelligent responses to heat. Made from breathable fabrics (cotton, light blends), they create a protective layer of air around the body, allow good air circulation, and, most importantly, cover the skin from direct solar radiation.
Contrary to popular belief, wearing less fabric does not improve breathability in the heat. Exposing skin to direct sun increases the thermal load. Wearing loose, light-colored clothing creates shade, reflects light, limits skin heating, and reduces sunburn risk. Traditional head coverings (ghutra, shemagh, or scarves) effectively protect the head, neck, and face, while serving as a barrier against dust and sand.
This pragmatism is also observed in color choice: white dominates in summer because it reflects more radiation, while darker or thicker fabrics appear more in winter.
Respecting Decency While Staying Comfortable
Beyond thermal aspects, attire touches on profound cultural codes. Society is generally conservative, even if major cities like Riyadh or Jeddah have opened up significantly in recent years. The public decency law sets guidelines: no transparent, overly tight, or clothing revealing shoulders and knees in public spaces.
For a female expatriate, wearing an abaya is no longer a legal requirement in most situations, but it remains a common and practical outfit, allowing discreet Western clothing underneath. A headscarf is not required everywhere, but it is mandatory for accessing mosques and religious sites, and advisable in more conservative regions.
For a male expatriate, light long pants and a shirt or polo covering the shoulders remain the norm outside beaches, residential compounds, or highly touristy areas. Shorts and tank tops are poorly perceived on the street or in administrative offices.
Natural textiles, like cotton, linen, or certain viscose blends, are to be preferred over synthetics that trap heat and promote sweating. Light colors dominate the summer wardrobe, with layers in winter to handle day/night variations and… the often very low AC settings in offices and malls.
Practical Dressing by Season and Region
Even though seasons are less marked than in Europe, organizing your wardrobe benefits from incorporating some nuances:
In Riyadh, prioritize light clothing and a head covering in summer, and warm clothes for winter mornings and evenings. On the coasts, opt for quick-drying fabrics and modest swimwear for private spaces. In the mountains, adopt the layering technique to adapt to temperature changes.
This clothing flexibility, combined with respect for local rules, greatly facilitates daily life, from the office to the mall, and when visiting historical sites or more rural areas.
Pacing Your Days According to the Thermometer
In a country where temperatures frequently exceed 45°C (113°F) in summer, the notion of “classic” schedules loses relevance. The climate imposes its own temporality, and the expatriate who adopts it quickly protects themselves as much as they integrate.
Daily Life Designed Around Heat
Most useful outdoor activities – errands, walking, commuting between home and work – are concentrated in the early morning hours or after sunset. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., the air often becomes so hot that movement is limited to essentials, moving from one air conditioner to another: home, car, office, mall.
In some cities, small shops even close in the afternoon during summer to reopen in the late afternoon/evening, while large, heavily air-conditioned malls maintain extended hours, sometimes until midnight. At night, main streets, modern pedestrian zones, and leisure venues come alive, especially on weekends or during event seasons.
Meals follow this shift, with late dinners, often after 9 p.m.. The nap, or qaylulah, fits fully into this organization: it allows for recovery during the hottest hours and extending the evening without harming health.
Working and Traveling Safely
For employees exposed to outdoor conditions – construction, logistics, delivery, maintenance – the climate has direct implications. Authorities have implemented a regulatory ban on work in direct sunlight during the most extreme hours, generally from noon to 3 p.m., for a long period in summer. Employers are required to adjust schedules, install shaded areas, provide ample water, and train teams on heat stress prevention.
For office employees, it’s important to manage the thermal shock between the outdoors and offices often air-conditioned between 20 and 22°C (68–72°F). Planning commutes must be anticipated, as cars sometimes become essential in the city. One must also prepare for occasional disruptions caused by sudden rain or sandstorms.
The development of air-conditioned public transport, like the Riyadh Metro, offers an interesting alternative to cars, but it remains crucial to plan extra time during extreme weather episodes, with official alerts allowing for adjustment of travel plans.
Housing, Air Conditioning, and Energy Bills: Finding the Right Balance
In a country where air conditioning is literally vital for several months a year, the choice of housing and how it’s used has a major impact on budget, comfort, and, on another scale, on the global climate.
Why Air Conditioning Structures Daily Life
The air conditioning equipment rate is close to 100% in residential and commercial buildings. In an average household, several units coexist: wall-mounted split units, older window units, or central systems. Studies show that in the residential sector, air conditioning represents about two-thirds of electricity consumption. In summer, the country’s electricity production can nearly double compared to winter, largely to meet this demand.
The following table provides an overview of this weight of air conditioning at the national level.
| Energy Indicator (Residential) | Estimated Value |
|---|---|
| Share of air conditioning in household electricity consumption | ~65–70% |
| Share of residential sector in national electricity consumption | ~45% |
| Increase in electricity production summer vs winter | Up to ×2 during the hottest months |
| Potential savings if entire stock switched to efficient ACs | ~33 TWh/year and –24 MtCO₂/year (order of magnitude) |
For the expatriate, this reality translates into three very practical questions: what type of system equips their home? How to use it intelligently? And how to limit the bill without compromising health?
Choosing Your Home Based on Climate
When looking for an apartment or villa, it’s useful not to focus solely on rent or square footage. Orientation, the building’s design, insulation, and the type of air conditioning play a huge role.
In modern, heavily glazed homes, surfaces facing south or west can generate excessive solar gain, creating a greenhouse effect in the afternoon. Conversely, architectures inspired by tradition, with thick walls, small openings, and an inner courtyard, offer better basic thermal comfort and reduce dependency on air conditioning.
Points to check during a visit include:
– the number and type of AC units,
– the noise and operating condition of these units,
– the presence of double glazing and sun protection (blinds, shutters, sunshades),
– the quality of air tightness (doors and windows that close well),
– the exposure of living areas (avoid a living room facing west without protection).
In coastal areas, where humidity is a major problem, also watch for the absence of condensation or mold marks, signs of poor ventilation management and air leaks.
Using Air Conditioning Without Skyrocketing Bills
There is a set of simple actions, widely confirmed by local studies, that allow for a significant reduction in consumption without sacrificing comfort. The temperature setting is the most obvious lever: rather than setting the AC to 18°C (64°F), aiming for a range of 22–24°C (72–75°F) is a good compromise. Tests have shown that staying within this range and using the “AUTO” mode rather than letting the fan run continuously allows savings of up to 40% in some configurations.
Other measures reinforce these gains:
– closing doors and windows when the air conditioning is on,
– installing solar films or thick curtains on the most exposed windows,
– properly maintaining filters and outdoor units (regular cleaning significantly improves efficiency),
– using ceiling fans to create a cooling sensation that allows raising the setting slightly without loss of comfort,
– closing air vents in unoccupied rooms to concentrate air conditioning where needed.
In the medium term, certain equipment choices – Inverter technology ACs, optimized insulation, smart regulation – can quickly offset their initial cost through bill savings.
The Broader Impact: Water, Energy, and Sustainability
Beyond individual comfort, the massive use of air conditioning and water scarcity weigh on the country’s resources. Saudi Arabia has no natural rivers or lakes; a good portion of its drinking water comes from desalinating seawater, a very energy-intensive process. Combined with massive reliance on air conditioners powered by fossil fuel plants, this translates into one of the highest per capita greenhouse gas emission levels in the world.
On a national scale, ambitious programs are being implemented to correct the energy trajectory. They include massive investments in solar, setting renewable electricity production targets, a gradual revision of electricity subsidies, and improving appliance performance through stricter standards. For the expatriate, this concretely translates into electricity tariffs less artificially low than before and requires increasing attention to energy efficiency in daily life.
At the household level, reducing waste – turning off the AC when the home is empty, optimizing insulation, moderating hot water consumption – becomes both an economic gesture and an act of coherence regarding the environmental challenges of a country classified as a “hotspot” for future climate impacts.
Managing the Outdoors: Sun, Sand, Gardens, and Mobility
Living in Saudi Arabia is not just about moving from a mall to an office while staying under air conditioning. Even if summer limits outdoor activities, part of the country’s charm lies in its desert landscapes, mountains, coasts, and oases. Exposing oneself to them, however, requires some adjustments.
Going Out in Summer: Strategy Over Bravery
The golden rule is to avoid the hottest hours. Walks, jogging, outings with children, or tourist visits are scheduled very early or after sunset, relying on ventilated or shaded places. Developed parks, wadis turned into walkways, or modern boulevards often offer a mix of shade, vegetation, and artificial or natural ventilation.
Proper hydration during outings requires more than just a small water bottle. It is recommended to bring a larger, possibly insulated bottle, and supplement with electrolyte-rich drinks or very watery fruits like watermelon or cucumber. Some expatriates also use traditional refreshing drinks, such as tamarind or diluted date juice.
Sandstorms and Air Quality
Sand or dust storms are part of daily life, especially in spring and summer. The sky turns yellow or beige, visibility decreases, and fine dust infiltrates everywhere, even with windows closed. Authorities issue SMS alerts in case of notable episodes, mainly via the National Center of Meteorology and Civil Defense.
In practice, during these episodes, common sense dictates staying indoors as much as possible, with windows closed. If travel is essential, wearing a mask (surgical or FFP type) limits particle inhalation, and well-covering sunglasses reduce eye irritation. In a car, switch the ventilation to recirculation mode to avoid drawing in dust-laden outside air.
Air purifiers equipped with HEPA filters help reduce the amount of suspended fine dust. It is also recommended to clean surfaces more regularly to prevent dust accumulation.
Gardens and Plants Adapted to the Desert
Many expatriates dream of a small garden or a vegetated balcony in a mineral environment. In a country where annual rainfall is often under 150 mm (6 inches), this project can only succeed with an adapted approach, otherwise the water bill and botanical failure are guaranteed.
Local landscapers and agronomists recommend relying on species resistant to drought and heat, ideally indigenous or already acclimatized. These include acacias, date palms, bougainvillea, oleanders, Arabian jasmine, or succulents and cacti, which thrive where other plants would wither.
Watering becomes an exercise in optimization: drip irrigation, deep cultivation, organic mulching, watering only at dawn or dusk to limit evaporation. Again, what may seem like a “constraint” transforms into sustainable gardening, in line with the country’s water scarcity.
Social Codes, Religion, and Climate: An Inseparable Trio
In Saudi Arabia, the climate is never completely dissociated from social and religious practices. Prayer times, shop closures, the rhythm of Ramadan, family or friendly gatherings intertwine with the search for coolness and shade.
The five daily prayers structure the day, often causing temporary shop closures. During Ramadan, schedules shift even more towards the night, with iftars (breaking of the fast) at sunset. For an expatriate, understanding and integrating this calendar into the organization of travel and work avoids many frustrations.
The notion of hospitality also takes on a climatic flavor: offering cool water, coffee, dates in a comfortable, air-conditioned living room is as much about politeness as it is common sense in such a demanding environment. The expatriate who hosts will quickly adopt the same logic.
Settling in for the Long Term: Making Adaptation an Asset
After a few weeks, then a few months, most expatriates report a certain level of “acclimatization”. The body partially adjusts to high temperatures, sweating becomes more efficient, protective reflexes become automatic. One learns to read the sky, anticipate sandstorm days, adopt the nighttime rhythm in summer, and fully enjoy the winter months by increasing outings to the desert, sea, or mountains.
Adaptation to life in Saudi Arabia, both physiological, cultural, and ecological, offers a concrete glimpse of future challenges linked to global warming. The Kingdom already faces realities such as longer and more intense heatwaves, pressure on water resources, and the need to rethink architecture, mobility, and energy systems.
For an expatriate, successfully settling in means combining three levels:
– the individual level, by protecting health, organizing days according to the climate, and choosing adapted equipment;
– the social level, by respecting dress codes, adjusting life rhythms to local practices, and integrating into a solid community;
– the environmental level, by participating, even modestly, in the energy and water conservation efforts that the situation demands.
Far from being just a constraint, this adaptation to the climate can become one of the great lessons of an expatriate experience in Saudi Arabia: that of living fully in an extreme environment, while being aware of both its risks, its beauties, and the global challenges it already symbolizes.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
