Why Winter Is The BEST Time To Visit Saudi Arabia + When NOT To Visit

The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is winter (mid-December to mid-March), no contest!

It has the perfect weather for sightseeing and exploring the outdoors, which is where most of the attractions are. Plus there are heaps of festivals! It’s the peak season, though.

Autumn (mid-September to mid-December) is a close second, with fewer crowds and still-pleasant weather.

The “worst” season is summer (mid-June to mid-September) – the scorching heat can be unbearable. And, honestly, we wouldn’t recommend visiting in spring. We tell you why further down.

That said, every season has its own perks. Below, we’ll break down what to expect in each, so you can plan your perfect Saudi getaway. Let’s dive in!

5 reasons why winter is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia

Winter season in Saudi runs from mid-December to mid-March and it’s the BEST time to go! Here’s why:

1) Excellent weather for sightseeing

The average winter temperatures hover between 15°C and 25°C across much of the country. It’s perfect to enjoy the outdoors much more comfortably, unlike summer with its scorching heat.

This is important because the best attractions in Saudi Arabia are on the outdoors – ancient cities, archeological sites, iconic buildings… all with very little shade.

So you’ll want to visit at a time when you can pack your days with sightseeing without needing to retreat into air-conditioned spaces every hour.

2) AlUla at its most magical

Winter is the best time to visit AlUla, the crown jewel of Saudi Arabia.

This oasis is home to Hegra, an ancient city that dates back to the 1st century BC. It has over 100 tombs carved into the massive cliffs – like Petra, but with fewer crowds!

Winter also coincides with the Winter at Tantora Festival, a 3-week festival with concerts, immersive art exhibits, hot air balloon rides, and guided tours.

There are many more things to do in AlUla (like Elephant Rock or the Maraya Building), so definitely allow for 3-4 days there!

3) Jeddah is jaw-dropping

Jeddah is the main tourist hub of Saudi, with a blend of history and coastal beauty that’s difficult to top.

So you’ll want to visit when you can enjoy it the most! The cooler season is perfect for wandering through Al-Balad, Jeddah’s historic quarter, or the Corniche.

And if you’re into snorkelling or diving, this is an excellent time to experience the Red Sea’s epic marine life, with calmer seas and great visibility.

4) Riyadh is epic

Riyadh is the capital of Saudi Arabia and there are heaps of things to do, all of them best done in winter!

With temperatures hovering between 14°C and 24°C, this is the perfect time to explore Diriyah, the UNESCO-listed birthplace of the Saudi state.

And if you’re up for an adventure, head to the Edge of the World, a jaw-dropping cliff formation about an hour from Riyadh!

Riyadh Season is in full swing during winter, a 6-month event all over the town with concerts, dining experiences, and more entertainment than you can imagine!

5) Winter is perfect for desert adventures

Saudi Arabia’s vast deserts are awe-inspiring, but summer heat can make them nearly impossible to explore. Winter, with its cooler temperatures, is the ideal time to experience its magic.

Dune bashing, sandboarding, and quad biking are all more fun when the sun isn’t blazing down on you!

And don’t miss stargazing in the desert – winter nights are cool but clear, offering a breathtaking view of the Milky Way in the pristine, light-free skies.

Autumn is the second best time to visit

Autumn in Saudi (mid-September to mid-December) is where the cooler evenings begin, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 30°C, so it’s perfect for getting out and about without overheating.

We visited Saudi Arabia in November, exploring AlUla and Jeddah, and it was epic! 100% recommend visiting during that time as it’s right before peak season, so you might be able to avoid the crowds.

The cooler weather conditions are perfect for the outdoors, the biggest downside is that you might miss the incredible festivals.

Spring might not be a good time to visit Saudi Arabia

Spring runs from mid-March to mid-June. The early season still has a pleasant temperature (20°C to 35°C), but you might have to be more prepared when visiting during this time.

First, it’s sandstorm season, particularly in the central and eastern regions. These can last for a few minutes to several days, which will disrupt travel plans.

Heavy rainfall is also more common in spring, which can lead to flash floods in some areas, especially in valleys.

If you visit during this time, be extra flexible with your schedule, always check local weather forecasts, and be extra cautious in regions prone to sandstorms or sudden flooding.

Ramadan falls in spring, too. The official dates depend on the Islamic calendar, but know that it’s an important month of fasting and spiritual reflection for Muslims.

This also entails that many restaurants and cafes close during daylight hours, and public celebrations may be more subdued.

If you visit during Ramadan, you must be very respectful of local customs and plan meals and activities accordingly.

Summer season might be the “worst” time to visit (but good for some)

The summer months (mid-June to mid-September) are HOT. We’re talking daytime temperatures of +45°C in some places.

It’s the worst time to visit Saudi if you want to explore the outdoors, the extreme heat will make it pretty much impossible.

However, it’s actually a good time for watersports! Specifically snorkelling and scuba diving. The Red Sea will be teeming with marine life and the waters will be crystal clear.

The trade-off is the serious humidity, so hydration is not optional – heat stroke is a real risk.

Summer also brings two big events – Saudi Arabia’s National Day on September 23rd, when the entire country celebrates its unification, and Hajj, the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Non-Muslims can’t enter Mecca or Medina during Hajj (and access is heavily restricted the rest of the year), but the influx of pilgrims means busier airports and booked-out hotels nearby.

So if you’re visiting during this time, plan ahead and avoid areas directly affected by the pilgrimage!

And remember that Hajj is a deeply spiritual event for Muslims, so it’s a time to be especially respectful of customs and local practices.

Peak and low seasons in Saudi Arabia

The peak tourist season is winter (December to February), and for good reason!

The weather is at its mildest, making it perfect for exploring AlUla’s ancient sites, Jeddah’s historic quarters, or Riyadh’s outdoor attractions.

Big events like Riyadh Season and the Winter at Tantora Festival bring in crowds, so it’s an exciting time to visit. But book accommodation early because the demand (and prices) will increase.

The low season is summer (July to September), when the hot weather keeps most travellers away. Flights tend to be cheaper, as well as accommodation!

Just try to time your visit outside of Hajj because it’s a peak season, specially in towns near Mecca and Medina (like Jeddah).

Autumn (October to November) is a solid middle ground. The weather cools down, making it easier to explore places like AlUla and Jeddah. It’s also less crowded than winter, which can mean a more relaxed vibe overall.

Spring (March to June) is tricky. Early spring is still manageable, but this season brings sandstorms, heavy rains, and flash floods. It also overlaps with Ramadan, which means cultural considerations like limited dining options during the day.

Top Tips

Dress modestly regardless of the time of year!

Saudi Arabia has eased some restrictions in recent years, but it’s still recommended to wear loose-fitting, non-revealing clothing, especially in rural areas or religious sites.

Lightweight, breathable fabrics are best for handling the heat.

Also, be aware that weekends in Saudi Arabia are Friday and Saturday. This affects opening hours for businesses, tourist attractions, and even transportation schedules!

So plan accordingly, as many places operate on reduced hours during prayer times or close entirely on Fridays.

Lastly, be mindful of local customs and etiquette. Public displays of affection are frowned upon, and photography of people, especially women, without permission is considered disrespectful.

Always ask first, even if it’s just a friendly snapshot of a local market or street scene.

Did you know?

Saudi Arabia’s deserts aren’t always dry!

During late winter and early spring, seasonal rains can create a dramatic transformation in some regions. These rare rains nourish the land, leading to bursts of greenery and beautiful wildflowers.

FAQs

The bottom line

If you’re after perfect weather for sightseeing, Saudi Arabia’s climate in winter can’t be beaten. The beautiful days and cool nights make it ideal for exploring everything from Jeddah’s Corniche to Riyadh’s iconic Diriyah.

That said, autumn is a solid runner-up. The weather is milder, the crowds thinner, and it’s still great for outdoor exploring! Not as many festivals as in winter, though.

Spring and summer are tricky, but doable with the right planning (and lots of sunscreen). Just keep an eye out for sandstorms in spring and pack for some serious heat in summer.

But know that you’ll LOVE Saudi Arabia, regardless of when you visit!