It won’t come as a surprise to anyone that Saudi Arabia gets hot in the summer months. From May to September, temperatures in Jeddah creep above 30°C, but its location next to the Red Sea makes this a much cooler location than the Kingdom's other major city, Riyadh.
What might come as a surprise is how well-equipped the city is to manage the heat. From air-conditioned malls and restaurants to late-night events and activities, plus plenty of seaside fun, you won’t need to compromise on having a great time during summer. This coastal city enjoys cool breezes and plenty of shade in the hotter months – start planning your trip now with our round-up of the best things to do in Jeddah during the summer.
1. Stay out late at Jeddah’s theme parks
Jeddah has two theme parks, perfect for summer family fun. Both feature plenty of fun activities and stay open late, so you can still make the most of the outdoor attractions in the cool evenings. Al Shallal features air-conditioned bowling alleys and arcades as well as a raft of adrenaline-pumping rides and rollercoasters. There’s even an ice skating rink for those keen to beat the heat. Al Shallal is open from 4:30pm to midnight from Saturday to Wednesday, and 4:30pm to 1am on Thursday and Friday.
Further north, Cyan Waterpark was the top choice for families in the Kingdom before the spectacular arrival of Aquarabia, but it's still an incredibly impressive option. Definitely one of the best outdoor activities for kids during a hot Jeddah summer, there are watery attractions and activities galore here. All ages (and temperaments) are catered for, from the high-octane Tornado, Spinner and Black Hole to the gentler splash pools and Lazy River, where you can relax and float along the flowing water – it doesn’t get much cooler than that.
2. Take a day trip to the mountains
Many Saudis find respite in the cooler mountain regions during the hottest part of the summer, and the closest escape from Jeddah is Taif. It’s most famous for producing sweet-scented roses, but when the flower season finishes in April, the city becomes a haven for those craving fresh air and daytime outdoor activities.
A day trip here gives you enough time to wander the old souq, visit the Shubra Palace, a beautiful white 20th-century palace-turned-museum, and ride the cable car up Al Hada Mountain.
3. Spend a day exploring the mall
If you’re travelling with kids who are struggling with the heat, a trip to one of Jeddah’s air-conditioned mega malls could be just the ticket. These sprawling entertainment zones have far more than just shops and enough facilities to spend the best part of a day here without getting bored. Mall of Arabia has a branch of Kidzania, the miniature city designed for kids to learn and play, and Billy Beez, an enormous soft play area.
The Red Sea Mall features Sparky’s, a sprawling indoor amusement park with video game arcades, rides and soft play, plus an 8000-sq-metre indoor karting circuit. Both malls also have cinemas showing many movies in English, and enough cafes and restaurants to keep everyone well-fed and watered all day long.
4. Hit the beach
Sometimes you just need to be beside the sea, and Jeddah’s beaches are the perfect place to catch a cooling breeze. Some of the most popular public beaches are in Obhur, in Jeddah’s far north. Swimming is allowed at Alexandria Beach, where there are lifeguards on duty until 6pm and a dedicated play area for children.
Obhur Waterfront Beach has clean facilities, chairs to rent, and is lined with pleasant walkways and cycling paths. If you’re visiting a public beach, remember that sunbathing is not the done thing here and there are dress code expectations. Women can wear loose trousers and t-shirts for swimming, and men should wear long shorts and a t-shirt.
If you'd like a little more luxury during your time on the shore, book a stay at the Rixos Obhur Jeddah to enjoy the beautiful private beach and make the most of the watersports activities on offer, as well as the incredible spa facilities. Another exclusive option is the Oía Beach Resort – it's a membership-based club that's renowned for peaceful, stylish surroundings and excellent service.
5. Explore Jeddah’s past in historic museums
During the warmest time of the day, beat the heat by exploring some of Jeddah’s most fascinating museums. Wander the cool corridors of the Al Tayebat Museum for the perfect intro into Jeddah’s 2500-year-long history, and learn about its past as an international seaport and the gateway to Makkah. The building itself also provides a glimpse into the city’s heritage, with traditional Hijazi architecture, wooden lattice windows, and beautiful coral masonry.
Continue the educational experience with a visit to the Nassif House Museum in Al Balad. This family home-turned-museum and cultural centre is one of the best-preserved buildings in the old town and has some fantastic material on display, including historic photographs of Jeddah, Islamic artworks, and old maps of the routes pilgrims would take to Makkah from surrounding countries.
6. Venture beneath the waves at Fakieh Aquarium
The only aquarium that is open to the public in Saudi Arabia, the Fakieh Aquarium, located just off Al Kurnaysh Road on the city’s north corniche, is a fun attraction away from the summer sun. It features a variety of exotic sea creatures, including dolphins, turtles, stonefish, sharks and jellyfish. One activity not to miss is the dolphin show that happens daily at 7:15pm (there’s a second show at 9:30pm on Thursdays and Fridays).
You don’t even have to leave the aquarium to enjoy a delicious family meal – the Blue Ocean restaurant is a Miami Beach-themed eatery on-site that has options for everyone.
