The rise of the Suhail star, also referred to as Canopus, remains a symbol of cultural and scientific importance throughout Saudi Arabia, signifying the end of the summer heat and the onset of cooler, more comfortable weather. The rising of the star marks the commencement of the rainy season, which is usually referred to as the revival of the land, much-awaited by farmers, travelers, and inhabitants throughout the Kingdom.
Berjis Al-Fulaih, a member of the Afaq Society for Astronomy, said the Suhail star is first observable to the naked eye in the southern Arabian Peninsula on Aug. 24 and becomes easily visible in north Saudi Arabia by Sept. 8. Its return has been closely associated with seasons for centuries, informing agricultural practices, navigation, and even poetry and folklore throughout Arab history.
Suhail is the Arabic term for Canopus, the second brightest star in the night sky after Sirius. While Canopus is around 310 light-years distant, astronomers point out it is more intrinsically luminous than Sirius, which looks brighter solely because it is so much nearer to the Earth at 8.6 light-years.
Historically, the Suhail season lasts for 52 days and marks a perceptible change in climate. Nights are milder, there are gentle breezes and clouds, and by the end of it, daytime temperatures moderate to more pleasant temperatures. One of the characteristic symptoms of Suhail’s onset is the reduction in the angle of the sun, leading to shorter days and cooler nights.
The Arabs looked forward to the Suhail star since it signaled that the bitter summer was passing. Its appearance was a guarantee of change, of rains to come, and of improved conditions for living and cultivation,” Al-Fulaih said.
The celebration of Suhail’s arrival remains a tradition to this day. The Northern Borders Region held the 2025 Suhail Nights Festival recently, which featured cultural activities that showcase the importance of the star. The event is also celebrated in Taif, a city famous for its highland climate, with activities that mesh astronomy, heritage, and social community gatherings.
Aside from its cultural significance, the Suhail star itself is a reminder of the strong connection between nature and Saudi society. For centuries, its once-a-year appearance has not only led sailors and farmers but also served as a symbol of hope, rebirth, and changing seasons.