Is it raining now in Jeddah?

Jeddah Rain Radar: Frequently Asked Questions

How does rain affect Jeddah?

King Abdulaziz International Airport, Saudi Arabia's busiest international gateway, has had flights delayed by heavy rain multiple times, including during the November 2022 and December 2025 storms. That's the kind of local detail a country-wide forecast can't capture — the hyperlocal radar can.

Should I go out today in Jeddah if rain is expected?

It depends on exactly where the rain is and how fast it's moving. Checking Jeddah's radar before heading out shows whether it's close, distant, or already past.

Does rain affect traffic in Jeddah?

November 2022: 179mm of rain fell on Jeddah in a single day, the highest on record, exceeding the previous 2009 benchmark; King Abdulaziz Airport delayed flights and a maximum weather alert was issued. Roads here can back up quickly once heavy rain starts, making a pre-trip radar check worthwhile.

What's the best time to visit Jeddah to avoid rain?

November is consistently the peak month for heavy and extreme rainfall days across the wider Makkah region. The Jeddah Storm Water Program (JSWP), a multi-billion-riyal infrastructure initiative, is delivering drainage tunnels and pipelines across the city -- 46% of Jeddah had upgraded drainage coverage by the end of 2024, with a target of 100% coverage by 2033. Outside that window, checking the radar before outdoor plans is still worth doing.

Why is rain so hard to predict in Jeddah?

Jeddah's average annual rainfall is just 83mm, but almost none of it falls evenly -- the wet season (November-April) can deliver more in a single afternoon than the rest of the year combined. That tends to produce narrow, localized storms rather than broad, even rain — a general forecast can't capture that kind of variation.

How does RainViewer's radar work in Jeddah?

RainViewer's hyperlocal radar for Jeddah draws on Saudi Arabia's National Center for Meteorology (NCM) Doppler network, refreshed every 5-10 minutes — showing actual precipitation, not a modeled prediction. The 1979 Jeddah flood, caused by continuous rainfall, sent water more than a meter deep through city streets -- one of the earliest documented major flood events in the city's modern history.

Can RainViewer warn me before rain hits Jeddah?

Yes — RainViewer's rain alerts can be set for a specific location in Jeddah, such as near Jeddah Islamic Port is one of the largest ports on the Red S, giving advance notice rather than waiting until it's already raining.