The annual sandstorms arrive around the end of May and last until the early part of July, brought by the desert winds called shamal. During the sandstorms, the city shutters its buildings tightly to keep out the sand and dust that seem to cover everything around.
December to March is the most popular time to visit, largely due to lower temperatures and lower humidity. The temperatures during this period average around 25°C and the humidity is significantly lower, making for pleasant conditions for outdoor activity. The small amount of rainfall that occurs here is experienced during these same months.