Tourism in Saudi Arabia is as hot as the weather, and the best time to visit Saudi Arabia depends largely on the itinerary. Travelers interested in diving and hanging out on beaches will find tons of summer activities and things to do on the Red Sea and Persian Gulf coastlines. Tourists wanting to spend more time sightseeing, however, should plan a trip during the winter months or head to the cooler, mountainous regions near Abha in Asir (Aseer) Province. Yes, the Kingdom has its cool spots, too!
What’s the weather like in Saudi Arabia?
For the most part, Saudi Arabia’s climate is hot and dry year-round in most places, but the weather does fluctuate from coast to coast and region to region. Tourists are often surprised to know, also, that some places in Saudi Arabia get very cold!
When is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia?
For sightseers wanting to tour KSA’s biggest attractions in Riyadh and Jeddah, the best time to visit Saudi Arabia is between October and March. During wintertime, morning and evening temperatures hover around 68˚F (20˚C), and afternoon temperatures top out at about 90˚F (32˚C). Winter months also bring a few much-welcomed rain showers.
Adventure tourists, however, will enjoy the summer heat, particularly in coastal cities like Jeddah, Al Lith and Mecca. With winds blowing in from the sea, the Red Sea coast often experiences slightly cooler temperatures and higher humidity than inland regions like Riyadh and the Empty Quarter. Though, during winter, even desert regions experience occasional below-freezing temperatures at night – a good thing to know for desert campers!
Travelers wanting a mind-blowing winter weather adventure in Saudi Arabia should plan a trip to the Asir Region in the south, particularly the city of Abha, gateway to Jabal Sawda (Black Mountain), the highest point in the nation. While Aseer Province is a bit tricky to navigate during winter due to fog and occasional snow, sights like Al Soudah National Park and The Fog Walkway are worth the extra effort.
Should you worry about sandstorms in Saudi Arabia?
While movies often play up the effects of sand storms in the Middle East, locals view these dusty gusts as typical weather woes. Saudi Arabia experiences only about three or four heavy sand storms each year, and unless you are standing out in the middle of the desert alone with no help or protection, you have nothing to worry about. Sandstorms are much like rainstorms: they come on abruptly, shower the area with sheets of sand and move out. In fact, considering how infrequently sand storms occur, backpackers can earn bragging rights for getting trapped in a sandstorm in Saudi Arabia!
Travel tips & what to wear in Saudi Arabia
- Even during cooler winter months, the sun in Saudi Arabia is STRONG. Travelers should consider wearing hats (or carrying umbrellas).
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Coordinate itineraries with the weather. During summer months, the temperature is hottest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., with peak hours being between 2 and 3 p.m. Plan outside tours during mornings and evenings, and save afternoons for visiting shopping centers, museums and shady beaches. Wintertime tours allow for more flexibility, but afternoons can still feel very warm, particularly for travelers visiting from true winter regions.
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Inland regions experience little to no humidity. The good news is – no sweating! The bad news is – dry skin, chapped lips and sometimes even nose bleeds are common. It’s vital to stay hydrated in the dry heat, so always, always, always have a bottle of water handy. Sun screen, lip balm and moisturizing lotions are extremely important, too.
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Women still need to dress the Saudi way. While dress codes for women, particularly foreign women, are a bit more relaxed since the Kingdom has opened its doors to tourism, female visitors are still required to cover their arms and legs with loose clothing that is considered “not too revealing.” In other words, females should not wear clothing that emphasizes any curves in public places. Women do not need to cover their heads, but carrying a scarf is a good idea, especially while sightseeing, as all mosques require women to cover their heads before entering.
Crown Town Hotel – Jeddah
Carawan Al Fahad Hotel – Riyadh
Al Buhaira Resort – Abha
