Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Stargazing Forecast

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia (24.71°, 46.68°) · Updated 03:00 UTC
58
Mixed
high confidence ⓘ
high · Forecast lead time

Based on how far ahead tonight is, forecasts are most reliable within 24–48 hours.

Confidence reflects how trustworthy the forecast is, it doesn't change the score.

Worth a short session
BEST 17:00–01:00 (8h)
Near-perfect skies but bright moonlight limits faint objects. Delta Aquariids meteor shower active.
Sunset
15:38
Sunrise
02:21
Usable Hours
8/8
Moon
97%
Visible Planets
♀ Venus13° W
♂ Mars25° E
♄ Saturn68° S
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Hour-by-hour scores · Planet rise/set & visibility · ISS & satellite passes · Moon detail · Full score breakdown · Aurora & observer profiles

Stargazing in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Riyadh sits in the heart of the Arabian Peninsula, surrounded by vast desert that offers some of the most accessible pristine dark skies anywhere. The city's Bortle 8 core gives way to Bortle 2 desert within an hour or two in any direction — the Tuwaiq escarpment and the dunes beyond are popular observing areas. At 24.7°N, the southern sky is well presented, and the extremely dry desert air delivers outstanding transparency and steady seeing. Winter nights are comfortable and crystal clear; even the hot summer brings reliably transparent skies over the desert.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Stargazing FAQ

Where can I stargaze near Riyadh?∨
The desert surrounding the city reaches Bortle 2 within an hour or two in any direction. The Tuwaiq escarpment and the dunes beyond are popular dark-sky areas with pristine transparency away from the city glow.
Is Saudi Arabia good for stargazing?∨
Yes — the vast Arabian Desert offers some of the most accessible Bortle 1-2 skies anywhere, with extreme aridity giving outstanding transparency and steady seeing. Dark desert is rarely far from any Saudi city.
When is the best time to stargaze in Riyadh?∨
Winter (roughly November-March) brings comfortable, crystal-clear desert nights. Summer is intensely hot but still very transparent. The dry desert climate means clear nights are the rule year-round.

Stargazing guides

Is Tonight Good for Stargazing?

The answer depends on five things you can check right now.

Light Pollution & the Bortle Scale

How dark is your sky — and what difference does it make?

What Planets Are Visible Tonight?

Real visibility data for all 7 naked-eye and telescope planets, calculated for your location.

Meteor Shower Calendar 2026

Every shower this year — peak dates, expected rates, moon interference, and the two you absolutely cannot miss.
Check light pollution for this area ↗

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