RIYADH: This year, Ramadan is being observed in winter in Saudi Arabia and much of the region, bringing cooler temperatures and shorter fasting hours.

In Riyadh, temperatures have ranged from 8-20 C, while parts of the Northern Borders region have recorded lows of 3 C. The milder weather coincides with the holy month, which this year falls from mid-February to mid-March.

Because the Islamic Hijri calendar is around 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, Ramadan shifts each year, becoming gradually earlier. Cloudy skies and intermittent rain have also kept temperatures low in parts of the Kingdom and forecasts indicate continued cool conditions.

According to the National Center for Meteorology: “Starting Tuesday until the end of the current week, the cold weather will continue in the northern regions, while temperatures will drop from Wednesday in the regions of Riyadh, Qassim, and the Eastern Province.”

The forecast added that thunderstorms accompanied by hail may occur in parts of Eastern Region, Riyadh, Najran, Jazan, Aseer and Baha. Fog may also form. Rain showers are expected in parts of Northern Borders, Al-Jouf, Hail, Qassim and Madinah.

For many residents, the cooler weather has made fasting from dawn to sunset more manageable compared with previous years when Ramadan fell during the peak summer heat.

“Ramadan in winter offers a more comfortable fasting experience, characterized by shorter daylight hours and cooler temperatures, which significantly reduce hunger, dehydration and fatigue,” Nafisa Usman, an Indian homemaker who has lived in Riyadh for more than two decades, told Arab News.

Although last year had pleasant weather for much of the holy month, prior to that Muslims had endured the challenge of fasting during long, hot summer days.

Thamr Al-Otaibi, a property dealer in the capital, said shorter days allowed people to break their fast earlier and avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures.

“This pleasant weather is a welcome change, as it lightens the physical burden of fasting,” he added. “The cool weather also enables engaging in outdoor activities during the day as well as after the iftar. It was a tough task during the summer.”

Mohammed Asghar, a Pakistani taxi driver in Riyadh, said: “Fasting in winter is (easier), particularly for those of us who cannot always stop for iftar due to the nature of our work. This pleasant weather, warm days, cool nights, not only makes fasting less daunting but also improves our overall well-being, making the spiritual journey more engaging.”

Shahid Anwar, a safety manager, echoed that view, saying fasting at outdoor work sites was much easier in the current conditions.

“The confluence of spiritual reflection and favorable weather makes Ramadan a uniquely enjoyable experience,” he added. “The nights are particularly lively, with traditional decorations and treats drawing more people outdoors than in the hotter days during the summer.”

With milder temperatures, some community groups have opted to hold outdoor iftars, such as the annual gathering of AMUOBA Riyadh, an alumni association of India’s Aligarh Muslim University.