Updated January 2025

Saudi welcomes you to embrace a magical winter of fabulous landscapes, ancient history, and lively celebrations. From the timeless beauty of AlUla to the bustling vibrancy of Jeddah, each region warms up your spirit during the cooler months. 

A grand finale awaits in Riyadh, where modern luxury, cultural gems, and winter celebrations come together to close up your memorable trip.

With over 20 domestic and international airports serving major airlines, discovering Saudi has never been easier. Just a short flight away from major GCC cities, Saudi is particularly ideal for a quick weekend getaway. 

To make the most of your winter escape, we have crafted a concise guide to Saudi’s winter staycation destinations, ensuring you plan an indelible seasonal getaway.

AlUla: Winter wonderland of history and nature

Located in the Medina province, AlUla transforms into a magical oasis in winter, where mild weather is perfect for outdoor activities. With a history spanning millennia, AlUla boasts some iconic landmarks such as Hegra, Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The moderately temperate winters make it perfect for family excursions, offering a multitude of activities to enjoy, from ancient archaeological to adventure destinations, assuring plenty of seasonal fun. 

Must-see landmarks

Explore majestic Elephant Rock, a 52-meter-high natural formation that glows in the desert’s winter light. 

Be sure to check out the Maraya Concert Hall – a dazzling, mirrored venue hosting world-class performances and exhibitions.

Winter sports and activities

Outdoor enthusiasts can take part in hiking trails that traverse the rocky landscapes of the Ashar Valley, including the challenging hike to Harrat Viewpoint. The Adventure Hub offers guided quad-biking tours and sandboarding experiences in the golden dunes of the desert. 

Winter events

The AlFursan Endurance AlUla, scheduled for 8-9 February 2025, is an equestrian event you won’t want to miss. With one-day and two-day passes starting at SAR 30, be sure to secure your passes early to avoid any inconvenience.Don’t miss the AlUla Tour, a five-day cycling race from 28 January that is part of the UCI Tour. Watch as top cyclists race across AlUla’s varied landscapes, from sweeping desert plains to historic landmarks such as Hegra.

If you are an art enthusiast, look forward to the AlUla Arts Festival. Spanning from 16 January to 22 February 2025, it is a festival of contemporary art involving installations and exhibitions by local and international artists. 

Culinary highlights

Dine under the stars at Suhail Old Town, offering a fine dining experience with modern Arabian cuisine. 

Savor fresh, locally inspired meals at Tama in Habitas AlUla or indulge in specialty coffee and pastries at Pink Camel Café.

Jeddah: Winter by the sea

Jeddah, the vibrant coastal hub, comes alive in winter with events, shopping, and cultural experiences. 

One of the major cities of Saudi, Jeddah is well-connected through the King Abdulaziz International Airport, serving flights from across the GCC and beyond.

The scenic beachfront and family attractions also make it an easy stop-off for a winter getaway.

Sights to explore

Start your journey at the Al Balad, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where you can stroll through ancient streets built along age-old coral stone houses.

Admire the iconic King Fahd Fountain, the tallest in the world, illuminated against the night sky. 

For a family outing, head to the Jeddah Waterfront, which features promenades, playgrounds, and bicycle paths, making it ideal for a leisurely day out. 

Winter sports and activities

For those who prefer land-based sports, the city also offers indoor winter sports like ice skating at Al Shallal Theme Park, which features the city’s only Olympic-sized ice skating rink with entry priced at 75 SAR. The Ice Land is yet another snow park providing year-round fun for visitors.

Alternatively, you can take horseback riding lessons or enjoy guided rides in the desert or on coastal trails. 

Winter events

Winter in Jeddah welcomes a plethora of events, including live performances, exhibitions, and family entertainment. Seasonal festivals and cultural showcases await all visitors and promise endless delight.

From January to February 2025, Jeddah is set to host a variety of events catering to diverse interests. The “Balad Beast” festival, scheduled from 30 January to 1 February 2025 in the historic Al-Balad district, combines music, art, and cultural performances, transforming the area into a vibrant celebration of heritage and modernity. 

Music enthusiasts can look forward to the “Mirror Concert” on 24 January 2025, an enchanting evening combining music, celebrations, and dazzling reflective lights that highlight the mirror-inspired theme at BOA Beach.

Meanwhile, equestrian fans can enjoy the “Drift 25” racing event, which began on 15 January and will run until 1 February 2025.

Culinary highlights

Relish seafood feasts at Twina or Al Nakheel Restaurant. Try gourmet sliders at Salt Jeddah or enjoy coffee at Brew92, a local favorite. 

For a mix of history and creativity, visit the cafes and eateries scattered throughout Al Balad.

Riyadh: Festive winter capital

Riyadh, the bustling capital of Saudi, transforms into a hub of activities during the winter months, hosting events and attractions for every traveler. 

Riyadh Season is a series of events held throughout the cooler months, featuring concerts, theatrical shows, and thematic entertainment zones.

Easily accessible through King Khalid International Airport, connecting all the major GCC cities and global destinations, the city’s cooler climate enhances outdoor events, making it perfect for families to explore its cultural and entertainment offerings. 

Must-see landmarks

Immerse yourself in history at Diriyah, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit the National Museum to learn more about Saudi’s rich heritage. 

Thrill seekers can venture into the outdoors and engage in dune bashing or go for camel rides at the Red Sand Dunes on the outskirts of the city.

Winter sports and activities

Riyadh offers several venues for winter sports enthusiasts, particularly ice skating and snow activities.

For those with an adrenaline rush, try rock climbing and ziplining at Dirab Adventure Park, located right outside the city. Riyadh also features several outdoor tracks for cycling and running aficionados. 

Riyadh Front is a notable spot offering scenic trails that are well-lit and family-friendly. Bike rentals are available at some venues for around 50-100 SAR per hour.

Winter events

Riyadh Season, running through March 2025 features a thrilling array of concerts, cultural exhibitions, and sporting events. 

Prominent events for the year 2025 include the Rivermaya concert on 6 February and Power Slap on 30 January, followed by the UFC Fight Night event on 1 February.

Riyadh Racing Season is also in full swing until March, where tickets can be purchased for horseraces on different nights at King Abdulaziz Racecourse. If you’re in town in February, consider yourself lucky: Saudi Cup, one of the grandest races in the field, will be hosted in Riyadh.

Culinary highlights

Indulge in the traditional Saudi dishes at Najd Village or revel in the international cuisine at LPM Riyadh and Nozomi Riyadh. 

During Riyadh Season, Boulevard Riyadh City also features a variety of food trucks and cafes, offering a diverse and unique culinary experience. 

The Red Sea: Coastal winter escape

Conclude your Saudi winter trip with a serene journey to the peaceful Red Sea coast, where mild weather is conducive to marine exploration and relaxation.

Consider extending the getaway to experience the underwater splash in the crystal clear warm waters, where you can discover the colorful coral reef teeming with a variety of marine life or enjoy sunset sailing along the shores.

This archipelago region is reached from King Abdulaziz Airport in Jeddah and smaller regional airports in Umluj and Al Wajh. Travelers from neighbouring countries can reach this idyllic coastal area in just a few hours, making it an excellent family destination. 

Moreover, the mild weather makes the Red Sea a perfect setting for water sports, relaxation, and exploration.

Must-see landmarks

Umluj’s pristine beaches and clear waters  call for peaceful strolls or playful splashing with the young ones.   

Luxurious resorts like Six Senses Southern Dunes and St. Regis Red Sea offer overwater villas and world-class amenities.

Winter sports and activities

The Red Sea is a heaven for water sports enthusiasts. Diving and snorkeling trips in the pristine reefs around Umluj and Al Wajh offer glimpses of vibrant marine life, including turtles, dolphins, and exotic fish species. 

For action seekers, there is kitesurfing, wakeboarding, paddleboarding or parasailing, while those looking for a more relaxed experience can enjoy yacht cruises and glass-bottom boat tours.

Culinary highlights

Enjoy fresh seafood at The Coral Restaurant or Middle Eastern delicacies at Sarab. Laid-back beach dining options like Nesma serve a selection of mezze platters and grilled fish.

From the ancient beauty of AlUla to the lively pulse of Jeddah, Riyadh, and the calming Red Sea coast, Saudi provides a memorable winter getaway. With easy accessibility, family-friendly features, and diverse offerings, Saudi ensures the right ingredients for creating memories.