Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
How does the weather affect Saudi roads?
Most days on Saudi roads are dry and clear, but sandstorm driving, sudden heavy rain and fog each bring their own risks. Dust spells are more common in spring and early summer in central areas such as Riyadh. Heavy showers can come in the cooler months, including in Jeddah and Makkah. Fog forms on some coastal roads and on mountain roads around Abha.
These are patterns, not forecasts, and weather can surprise. Check the forecast and any warnings before a long drive. For a month-by-month picture, see our guide to Saudi weather by month.
Weather hazards at a glance
| Hazard | Where and when it is more likely | What it does to the road | What we do |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sandstorm or dust | Inland highways and desert areas; more often in spring and early summer | Visibility drops quickly; sand can blow across lanes | Slow down, keep a long gap, wait it out if needed |
| Heavy rain | Can hit in the cooler months, including Jeddah and Makkah | Wadis and underpasses can flood fast; roads may close | Avoid flooded roads and reroute |
| Coastal fog | Some coastal roads, often early in the day | Low visibility near the sea | A slower pace and extra time |
| Mountain fog | Al Namas road on summer mornings; Al Soudah in the afternoons | Low cloud on steep, winding roads | A steady pace; sightseeing in clearer hours |
Sandstorms and dust: what happens on the road
In a sandstorm, wind lifts dust and sand and visibility can fall from clear to poor in a short time. Sand can also blow across the road surface. The main danger is other vehicles: sudden braking and stopped cars are hard to see.
Our drivers slow down gradually, switch on dipped headlights, increase the gap to the vehicle ahead and avoid sudden braking. If visibility becomes very poor, the driver leaves the road at a safe place, such as a fuel station, and waits for it to clear rather than stopping on the carriageway.
As a passenger, keep the windows closed and the air-conditioning on recirculation. If you have asthma or a similar condition, keep your inhaler or medicine within reach.
Heavy rain: wadis, underpasses and flash floods
Rain is rare in much of the country, but when it comes it can be heavy, and water collects quickly in low ground. Wadis, the normally dry valleys that roads cross, can fill with fast-flowing water after rain, even when it is not raining where you are. City underpasses can also flood.
Never drive into moving water or a flooded underpass; turn back and find another way. Our drivers avoid flooded roads and reroute, so allow extra time for airport runs in Jeddah and Makkah when rain is forecast. Desert sites such as the Edge of the World can close in bad weather; we check before you set off.
Fog on the coast and in the mountains
Coastal fog can lower visibility near the sea, often early in the day. In the south-west, fog is common on summer mornings on the escarpment road from Abha to Al Namas, 140 km of bends, and it often rolls into Al Soudah by the afternoon.
In fog, drivers slow down, use dipped headlights and take steep descents steadily. For mountain sightseeing, plan around the fog: a later start for the Al Namas road, and a morning visit to Al Soudah.
Where can you find official weather warnings?
The National Center for Meteorology issues forecasts and weather warnings for the Kingdom. Check them before a long drive, and follow the instructions of the authorities on the day, including road closures and diversions. Local news and your hotel can also tell you about closures in town.
If a warning affects your route, we may suggest a later time or a different road. You can also message us on WhatsApp to check before you leave.
When we delay or reroute a trip
Safety comes before timing. We may delay a pickup, take a different road or pause the journey at a safe stop until conditions improve. Changes are free whenever possible, and we agree any new time with you.
If you have a flight to catch, leave earlier when warnings are issued, and check your flight's status with the airline. For arrivals, we track your flight and wait free for 60 minutes after the actual landing time, so a weather delay in the air costs you nothing on the ground.
If you are driving yourself
- Check the National Center for Meteorology forecast before a long drive.
- In dust, slow down gradually, use dipped headlights and increase your following distance.
- If visibility becomes very poor, leave the road at a safe place and wait; do not stop on the carriageway.
- Never cross flowing water in a wadi or drive into a flooded underpass.
- In fog, slow down and use dipped headlights.
- Keep water, a charged phone and enough fuel in the car.
- Check the road travel rules guide for checkpoints and road rules.