If your timing is flexible, sell your car in Riyadh between January and May. CarSwitch sales data in Saudi Arabia shows that the same car sells for about 4% above the yearly average in January, and about 5% below it in December. The gap between the best and worst month is close to 8%, or about SAR 6,000 on a car worth SAR 75,000.
Key Points
- Prices in Saudi Arabia are above the yearly average from January to May, peaking in January and April.
- December is the weakest month, with prices about 5% below average.
- From June to November, prices are 1% to 3% below average.
- If you’re planning to sell at the end of the year, waiting until January may work in your favor.
- Get your paperwork ready before the season: registration (Istimara), periodic inspection (Fahas), and insurance.
How Do Prices Change Through the Year?
The table compares the sale price of the same car (same brand, model, and year) in each month against the yearly average:
| Month | Compared with yearly average |
|---|---|
| January | +4% |
| February | +2% |
| March | +2% |
| April | +3% |
| May | +3% |
| June | −2% |
| July | −1% |
| August | −1% |
| September | −1% |
| October | −3% |
| November | −2% |
| December | −5% |
Source: completed sales through CarSwitch in Saudi Arabia, August 2024 to July 2026. Each deal is compared with the same model and year sold in the same year.
How to read these numbers: they combine the seasonal effect with the car aging during the year. A car loses some of its value as the months pass, which is why the early months tend to come out higher. For sellers, the takeaway is the same: putting off a sale during the second half of the year won’t raise your price, and the start of a new year is generally the best time.
From CarSwitch data
- Best month to sell: January (about 4% above average)
- Weakest month to sell: December (about 5% below average)
- Gap between the two: about 8%
What Does This Mean for You in Riyadh?
The figures above cover the whole Kingdom. Riyadh accounts for about two-thirds of listings, so they largely reflect the Riyadh market. Here are some common situations:
You want to sell before traveling in summer
Summer (June to September) is slightly below average, by about 1% to 2%. If you’re traveling and want to sell, the difference isn’t big. What matters more is listing the car well before you leave, so you don’t have to drop the price at the last minute.
You’re thinking of selling at the end of the year
This one is worth rethinking. December is the weakest month, and the gap between it and January is close to 8%. If you’re not in a hurry, get the car ready in December and list it at the start of January.
You want to trade up to a new car
Many sellers time their sale around dealer offers. If you can, plan to sell in the first quarter so you get the best price for your current car.
“Timing doesn’t replace the right price, but it adds to it. The gap between January and December is close to 8%, and that’s an amount worth paying attention to if you have flexibility.”
— Ramiz Islam, Head of Marketing, CarSwitch
Get Your Car Ready Before the Season
- Renew your registration if it’s close to expiring.
- Make sure your periodic inspection is valid, since it’s required for the ownership transfer.
- Check the AC, battery, and tires, since the Riyadh summer is hard on them. Our guide to renewing your Istimara helps here.
- Gather your service history and dealer invoices.
Ready to Sell?
If you’ve decided to sell, sell your car in Riyadh with CarSwitch. To set the right price, read our guide on how to price your car before selling in Riyadh.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best month to sell a car in Riyadh?
Based on CarSwitch deals in Saudi Arabia, January is the best, at about 4% above the yearly average, and prices stay above average until May.
What’s the worst time to sell a car?
December is the weakest month, when the same car sells for about 5% below the yearly average.
Is summer a bad time to sell a car?
Summer prices are about 1% to 2% below average, which is a small difference. What matters more is listing the car early if you’re traveling.
Why are prices higher at the start of the year?
The figures combine the seasonal effect with the car aging during the year. A car loses some of its value as the months pass, so the start of the year tends to have higher prices.
Sources
- CarSwitch data: monthly price index of completed sales in Saudi Arabia, August 2024 to July 2026.
