Saudi Arabia has always been known as the epicenter of Islam, as it is home to two holy cities, Makkah and Madinah. Since the beginning, the kingdom’s identity has been tied to its religious significance. Since the beginning of Vision 2030, the Kingdom has shifted from solely a religious pilgrimage center to a global tourism destination. Saudi Arabia is widely diversifying its economy through the development of luxury resorts and mega projects like the city of NEOM and the Red Sea resort. These developments are aiming to reach the target of 150 million annual visitors by the year 2030.
The number of Muslims traveling to Saudi Arabia for Umrah exponentially increases with every passing year. Unlike Hajj, the Umrah pilgrimage can be performed at any time of the year, but Ramadan and winter are the peak seasons for it. During the peak season, the prices of flights and accommodation reach their highest limit, which is why pilgrims prefer booking Umrah packages during the peak season.
Winters in Saudi Arabia
Winter in Saudi Arabia falls between November and February and is usually an ideal time to explore the tourist spots. The temperature during the winter months usually falls between 20℃ and 28℃, which is perfect for outdoor activities. Whether you want to try desert camping or are excited to visit the cultural sites, the winter months in Saudi Arabia are the perfect time to explore the vast landscape.
Weather of various Regions of KSA
In Saudi Arabia, the winter season brings rapid changes in the weather of various regions. The winter weather of Saudi Arabia varies depending on the region and its distance from the coastal region. The following guide elaborates on various regions and the changes in their weather during the winter months.
Riyadh weather in Winter
- During winter, the temperature of this region drops significantly.
- The evening temperature is a lot chillier than the morning temperature.
- Pilgrims who are planning to perform Umrah during the winter months can attain Umrah visa and explore Riyadh’s winter season simultaneously.
- The winters are usually dry, but Riyadh’s rainy season can bring short and refreshing showers.
- In Riyadh, the winters usually start in late November, and this is the perfect time to enjoy the Riyadh season.
Jeddah & the Western Coast
- The rainy season in Jeddah often occurs between November and January.
- Despite Jeddah being a coastal city, the winter is milder than that of Riyadh.
- The temperature in Jeddah usually ranges from 18℃ to 30℃.
- The rainy season in Saudi Arabia is more pronounced in the western and southwestern regions.
AlUla in Winter
- The winter season in AlUla is the main highlight of the whole kingdom, as the cooler air makes it ideal for exploring the ancient sites, rock formations, and desert hikes in the region.
- The nights could be quite cold, so packing several layers and cardigans is a must.
- The temperature of AlUla usually falls between 5℃ and 25℃.
Must visit winter destinations in Saudi Arabia
The cooler winds usually fall in Saudi Arabia between the months of December and February. Jeddah and Riyadh are two major cities in Saudi Arabia that normally experience the lowest temperature drops in the whole kingdom. Saudi Arabia usually offers a plethora of options to select from, and the choice you make usually depends on your budget. If you are planning to visit the famous destinations of Saudi Arabia along with your Umrah pilgrimage, you can book an Umrah package with Islamic Travel Agency UK and plan the itinerary according to your own preference. The following guide articulates various destinations to visit during your trip to the holy kingdom.
Snow-Covered Mountains in Tabuk
The Tabuk region in the northern part of Saudi Arabia is an ideal winter destination to spend the winter vacation. The Allous Mountains in the Tabuk region are one of the coldest peaks that receive heavy snow in the winter season. The snow-covered peaks in the Tabuk region are an ideal skiing spot where the kids enjoy skiing and snow sledding.
Travelers can reach the Tabuk province from Madinah via road in the duration of 7 hours. In winters, Tabuk offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, skiing, picnics, and much more.
Abha, The City of Fog
Abha is a mesmerizing landscape surrounded by lush greenery and mist-covered mountains. Abha offers a unique charm that is enhanced by its pleasant weather, making it one of the top winter destinations for visitors. The Aseer region in Abha is known for its tall mountain peaks, cold weather, and lush greenery. The entire town is blanketed with snow in the winter season and draws tourists’ attention across the country. The tourists can also visit Aseer National Park, which is home to over 300 bird species.
Thumama Desert, Winter Retreat Camp
The visitors can embrace the tranquility of the Thumama desert in the winter season. While the deserts become extremely hot during summers, they usually come to life during the winter. This desert offers a retreat to the eyes with its stunning desert landscape. The lush valleys covered in white snow are a serene sight to watch. Many tourists prefer to spend a night in the desert and enjoy stargazing. They witness the splendid views of sunset and sunrise and participate in desert activities like dune bashing and camel riding.
Saudi Arabia is not widely known as a winter destination due to its vast deserts, but the kingdom has a lot to offer with its extensive deserts and rugged mountain landscapes. If you are planning your Umrah in winter, you can consider the abovementioned destination to add to your itinerary.
