As a travel destination, Saudi Arabia beckons visitors all year round thanks to the sheer diversity of its regions and landscapes. Spring, short and sweet, brings with it rain that translates to cooler weather and nature at its finest – this is the ideal time to catch the flower festival in Yanbu and the rose blooms in Taif.
Summer is hot, hot, hot, with a few exceptions. Abha, the misty capital of the Aseer province, stands at an altitude of 2,200 metres amidst the majestic Sarawat Mountains, so temperatures never cross 30ºC, making it a popular weekend getaway for Saudis. Autumn, meanwhile, kicks off in September and gradually offers respite from the heat. Divers, take note: while
Winter, however, is when the Kingdom really shines and is therefore the best time to visit Saudi Arabia. For starters, it heralds the beloved kashta camping season, drawing locals to untouched deserts and fertile farms for an age-old tradition that entails exchanging stories and singing songs around a bonfire.
It's also the perfect time to head outdoors for more active pursuits such as hiking, rock climbing, and snowboarding. Even Riyadh, among the hottest cities in the world, averages a comfortable 22ºC between December and February, and hosts all manner of events – but more on that later. While the pleasant days rapidly turn into chilly nights in plains and plateaus across the country, first-time visitors will be most surprised to see snow blanketing sand in places like Tabuk, where sub-zero temperatures are on record. As for where to start? Don’t worry, we’ve done all the hard work for you – these are the best places to visit in Saudi Arabia during winter.
1. Edge of the World
A rather aptly named natural attraction, the Edge of the World is a very popular day trip from Riyadh, and for good reason. This 1,131-metre-high cliff forms part of the dramatic Tuwaiq Mountain range that spans 600km in length across the centre of Saudi Arabia and, to the delight of Riyadh residents, is located roughly 100km from the capital.
Not only is this geological wonder a hit among hikers but also the Kingdom's ultimate sunset spot. It doesn't get much better than the uninterrupted views of the seemingly infinite landscape, after all. The vicinity's wilderness does call for a little prep work, though. Clear skies and cool temperatures are prerequisites, as are sturdy shoes and a 4x4. Be sure to join a reputable tour operator on your first trip to Edge of the World; both Riyadh Trips and Riyadh Hiking are great options.
2. Red Sand Dunes
Another natural attraction just outside of Riyadh – 75km to be exact – the Red Sand Dunes have quietly found fame among locals, expats and tourists as a result of their beautiful crimson hue, which is caused by deposits of iron oxide.
Windswept and velvety smooth, they provide the ideal playground if you're looking to go sandboarding, off-roading, quad biking, or camel riding in desert terrain, but only have a few hours to spare. Ideally, opt for an early morning excursion to these dunes, even in the winter, as the sand absorbs heat quickly and becomes very hot by midday.
The Red Sand Dunes, incidentally, are part of the Ad-Dahna desert that links the notoriously windy Nafud desert in the north to the unforgiving Rub’ al-Khali in the south and is home to towering sand mounds that reach up to an impressive 600 metres in height.
3. Tabuk
As home to the futuristic megaproject of NEOM, the region of Tabuk is undergoing transformation on an unprecedented scale in Saudi Arabia, and has therefore gained exposure globally. In the meantime, it earns a spot on this list for turning into a winter wonderland every year.
Plan your trip in December or January, and you're practically guaranteed to catch a cold snap that brings with it snowfall; Tabuk often records temperatures as low as 4ºC, making it one of the Kingdom's coldest places. And while the region is home to both natural wonders like Wadi Al Disah and historic sites such as Tabuk Castle, it's Jabal al-Lawz that stands out.
Rising to 2,580 metres above sea level, this mountain in the northwest is a haven for anyone looking to hike, sled, or snowboard in a truly unique environment – the somewhat surreal sight of camels grazing on bushes beneath a fresh coat of snow rightfully inspires viral videos every winter.
4. Moon Valley
The opportunities for chasing adrenaline continue at Moon Valley, where narrow caves and otherworldly rock formations collectively form a landscape that resembles the lunar surface due to a rather complex geologic process. It only draws the most curious of Jeddahwis, too – few are privy to this hidden gem that's perfect for hiking, camping, bouldering and stargazing.
Located roughly 90km north of Jeddah, Moon Valley is actually a desert, not a valley, so it's best to avoid it in summer entirely. In contrast, the period between October and March is the best time to visit. And while its beauty on full moon nights is unrivalled, first-timers ought to book a licensed tour to enjoy breathtaking sunset views with a guide in tow.
Top tip: book your excursion through Abha Trips for an adventure that's paired with a meditation session, helping you form a deeper connection with the surroundings and yourselves.
5. Riyadh
Winters in Saudi Arabia aren't just for thrill-seekers, though. In fact, Riyadh is the ultimate destination for anyone craving a fun city break. With temperatures hovering in the early twenties, the capital comes to life by way of sporting events, concerts, art exhibitions, themed zones, family-friendly attractions and more.
It all happens under the umbrella of Riyadh Season, an annual winter festival that not only launches with a bang but also takes over the city from October to March. Riyadh also hosts its loudest weekend every winter – Soundstorm, the region’s biggest music festival sets the city alight in December.
6. Umluj
Situated on the Red Sea coast, Umluj is a laidback beach town that belongs on any bucket list for its idyllic combination of pale sand, turquoise waters, and towering palm trees. Once a wonderful little secret shared by thalassophiles, it came to the fore after landing a spot on the Golden Beach Awards 2024 list.
A visit between November and March will give you the full experience, though. While you can swim and sunbathe year-round because the Red Sea remains warm in winter, boat tours aren't offered during the low season. And because Umluj is an archipelago, island hopping to explore its 104 islands and islets is basically mandatory – it's the best way to view the technicolour reefs and spectacular array of marine life that's teeming beneath. It's only a matter of time until the Red Sea Project brings hordes of tourists to the coast, so add Umluj to your itinerary, stat.
7. AlUla
As one of the major tourist hotspots in all of Saudi Arabia, AlUla is appealing all year round – summer included. The area’s low humidity means dry heat that is more easily tolerated. Still, AlUla is simply unmissable come winter, and it's all because of the famed Winter at Tantora festival.
The first cultural showcase of its kind, it spans several weeks and brings together local and international talents from the realms of art, music, food, fashion, literature and more. And because AlUla’s heritage is at the heart of this annual festival, past editions have featured palm-weaving workshops, storytelling sessions, traditional dances, and a desert polo tournament around Old Town, an area typically inaccessible to the general public, given its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We suggest you extend your journey through time by booking a stay at the Dar Tantora hotel that has taken up residence in an ancient mudbrick village; its 30 rooms allow complete immersion in the region's rich history.
