Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia: Weather, Festivals & Tips

The world is becoming more and more interested in exploring Saudi Arabia, the country that is a perfect blend of the rich heritage, various landscapes, and modern vision on the tourism industry. Among the first questions that you should ask when planning your trip is: when is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia? You can make the most out of your journey by learning about the seasonal weather, cultural festivals and useful travel tips.

With streamlined Saudi Arabia visa requirements, Saudi Arabia has opened its doors more widely to foreign travellers and pilgrims to see its vibrant cities, sacred centres and natural wonders. Depending on whether you are on vacation, cultural adventure or a business trip, it helps to select the most appropriate season to travel in because then the experience will be more comfortable and rewarding.

The Climate of Saudi Arabia

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is also described as a desert climate, that is, hot summers, mild winters, and extremely scarce rainfall. Weather is however variable according to the region:

·         Central and Eastern Saudi Arabia: Hot summers and mild winters.

·         Western Saudi Arabia (Jeddah, Makkah, Medina): High humidity, particularly in the summer, coastal regions.

·         Asir region, southern Saudi Arabia: Summer highlands are even green and cooler in temperature.

·         Due to these differences, visiting Saudi Arabia is most of the time a matter of when you plan to visit the cities or regions you wish to visit.

Best Time to Travel in Saudi Arabia (Month by Month)

1. Winter (November to February) The Peak Tourist Season

It is generally believed that this is the most appropriate time to visit Saudi Arabia especially by foreigners. The weather is cool (15oC-25oC) and this enables sightseeing, desert activities and cultural exploration to be more enjoyable. The historic places in Riyadh, the Red Sea coast in Jeddah, the sacred cities of Makkah and Medina receive huge crowds during this season.

Highlights: Riyadh Season, outdoor festivals, events of camel racing.

2. Spring (March to May) - Good and picturesque

·         Spring is also a good period to visit and the temperatures are warm yet tolerable (20C to 30C). The Asir mountains landscapes become greener and this provides very good prospects to those loving nature.

·         Highlights: AlUla heritage places, desert camp and cultural activities.

·         Hint: Ideal time to go outside on a trip before the scorching heat of summer comes.

3. Summer (June to August)- Hot yet Unique Experiences

·         Most areas get very hot in summer (35 o C to 45 o C), although southern Saudi Arabia, particularly Abha and the Asir region, is cooler. These regions are so filled with many Saudis themselves, in order to find relief of the heat.

·         Highlights: Abha Summer Festival, the beaches of Jizan, trekking in the mountains.

·         Tip: In case you visit such cities as Riyadh or Jeddah, schedule indoor activities and traveling at evenings.

4. Autumn (September to October) Transition Season

·         Another good period of tourist is the autumn which is characterized by moderate temperatures countrywide. The heat dies down and cultural activities begin to pick up in big cities.

·         Highlights: Riyadh Season (late October), heritage festivals, shopping events.

·         Tip: An excellent period to travel around as a business traveler or a leisure tourist.

Saudi Arabia Festivals and Events

·         Saudi Arabia is not only weather, but it is also experiences. You can make your trip more memorable by aligning your trip with local festivals.

·         Riyadh Season (October -March): A mega cultural and entertainment festival that includes concerts, food events and theme parks.

·         Janadriyah Festival (February): This festival celebrates the Saudi traditions, heritage and folk art.

·         Jeddah Season (June July): Summertime festival with music, art exhibitions and activities of the Red Sea.

·         Eid al-Fitr & Eid al-Adha: Islamic religious holidays that are accompanied by special prayers, cultural activities and celebrations.

·         By timing your visit with such events, you will have a good time in Saudi Arabia other than just sight seeing.

Saudi Arabia travel tips

·         Visa Requirements: The majority of travelers require a Saudi Arabia travel visa, which can be acquired using the eVisa system. This simplifies and accelerates your trip planning.

·         Dress Code: Saudi Arabia has a conservative form of dressing; visitors are expected to observe local culture.

·         Transportation: Within a country, domestic flights are practical to travel long distances, and in urban areas, there is a taxi and ride-hailing application.

·         Cultural Respect: You should learn some elementary Arabic greetings; this will help you experience the culture.

Conclusion

Saudi Arabia is a contrasting country- golden deserts, ancient monuments, religious places, and contemporary cities. The best time to visit Saudi Arabia is determined by your travel objectives: winter to have a comfortable sightseeing, spring to see the nature, summer to escape to cooler highlands and autumn to see cultural festivals. You can have a more fulfilling travel experience by matching your travel with the weather conditions and happenings.

Remember to book your Saudi Arabia Visa before booking. You can go through the process with trusted partners such as Gokite Oman who will make sure that your Saudi Arabia travel visa goes through without a hitch. Your trip in Saudi Arabia will be extraordinary with the proper planning.