Weather in Rābigh

Overview of Rabigh, Saudi Arabia

Rabigh is a city in Saudi Arabia, situated on the western coast of the country, along the Red Sea. It is the home to the rapidly developing King Abdullah Economic City, making it a significant contributor to the Saudi Arabian economy. The city is known for its hot desert climate, characterized by scorching summers and mild winters. In this article, we delve into the detailed climatic conditions of Rabigh throughout the year.

Climate Classification

The Koppen Climate Classification system categorizes Rabigh's climate as a 'BWh' or 'Hot Desert Climate'. This classification implies that Rabigh experiences extremely hot summers, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), and mild winters with an average temperature around 20°C (68°F).

Weather Conditions Year-Round

1. Summer (June – September)

Summers in Rabigh are characterized by extremely high temperatures, often peaking at 43°C (109.4°F) in July and August. The heat can be intense and overwhelming, especially during the peak afternoon hours. The relative humidity during this period ranges from 20% to 60%, adding to the overall discomfort.

2. Autumn (October - November)

Autumn sees a gradual decrease in temperature with the average high ranging from 35°C (95°F) in October to 29°C (84.2°F) in November. The humidity levels also drop during this period, making the weather relatively more comfortable.

3. Winter (December - February)

Winters in Rabigh are relatively mild with the average high temperature ranging from 28°C (82.4°F) in December to 26°C (78.8°F) in February. The nights can get chilly with temperatures dropping to around 15°C (59°F). This period also sees an increase in relative humidity levels, ranging from 50% to 70%.

4. Spring (March - May)

The spring season sees a gradual increase in temperature, with the average high ranging from 29°C (84.2°F) in March to 38°C (100.4°F) in May. The humidity levels during this period are relatively lower, ranging from 30% to 50%.

Annual Rainfall and Sunshine Hours

As is typical of a desert climate, Rabigh receives minimal rainfall throughout the year. The annual precipitation is approximately 60mm, with the majority of the rainfall occurring between November and January. Despite the minimal rainfall, Rabigh enjoys abundant sunshine throughout the year, averaging about 3,000 hours of sunshine annually, making it one of the sunniest places on earth.

Wind Patterns

Rabigh experiences northwesterly winds throughout the year, with the wind speed averaging around 11 km/h (6.8 mph). The windiest month is usually June, with an average wind speed of 14 km/h (8.7 mph).

Conclusion

Rabigh, with its hot desert climate, is characterized by scorching summers, mild winters, and minimal precipitation. Despite the intense heat, the city enjoys abundant sunshine year-round, offering a unique climate not found in many other parts of the world. However, visitors and residents alike must be prepared to deal with these extreme conditions, especially during the summer months.

References

• Climate Data for Cities Worldwide (n.d.). In Climate-Data.org. Retrieved from https://en.climate-data.org/
• Köppen Climate Classification (n.d.). In Encyclopedia Britannica. Retrieved from https://www.britannica.com/science/Koppen-climate-classification
• Rabigh Climate (n.d.). In Weather Atlas. Retrieved from https://www.weather-atlas.com/