From the timeless beauty of AlUla to the serene shores of the Red Sea, Saudi’s winter landscapes are enveloped in gentle sunshine and crisp desert air.
Expect daytime temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C, and nights dipping to around 9°C, creating a mild-weathered playground for you and your family to explore.
Pack your bags with light layers, prepare for a breezy trip, and experience the rich offerings from all corners of Saudi this winter.
Getting there is easier than ever
Simplified travel access
Saudi has streamlined its visa process for Indian travelers:
- e-Visa and Visa-on-Arrival: Indian passport holders with previously used US/UK/Schengen visas, or valid permanent residence status in those regions, can apply for a one-year multiple-entry e-Visa or Visa-on-Arrival (up to 90 days per visit).
- Tourist Visa: All other Indian travelers can apply for a tourist visa, which is valid for one year and allows single or multiple entries of up to 90 days per visit.
All these visas must be applied for through the official Saudi visa portals to ensure a smooth and secure process.
Increased connectivity
This season, Saudi is just a direct flight away:
- Hyderabad to Madinah via IndiGo: A hassle-free direct route to one of the Kingdom’s most serene and sacred cities, flying three times a week.
- Kochi to Jeddah via Akasa Air: A smooth direct connection from Kerala to Saudi’s vibrant western coast, operating weekly this winter.
- Expanded SAUDIA network (2025): With increased routes through Riyadh and Jeddah, flying into Saudi is faster and more convenient than ever.
Jumpstart your winter getaway in Riyadh
The wisdom of the past and the novelty of future dreams converge in Riyadh, creating a unique opportunity for travelers to explore the heart of Arabia.
Edge of the World
The cooler months are ideal to explore the desert, and Edge of the World, perched on the Tuwaiq cliffs, is the perfect escape.
The spectacular rock formations fading into infinite horizons here will make you feel like you’ve stepped into a movie scene.
As the sun sets, capture the rose-gold glow. Along the way, you may spot acacias, samar trees, and even ancient marine fossils, subtle proof that this desert was once submerged under a sea.
At-Turaif, Diriyah
Nicknamed “The City of Earth,” Diriyah is where the nation’s story began. A walk through At-Turaif, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, teleports you to the 18th century.
Inside Salwa Palace, admire traditional Najdi and Islamic architectural styles, built with mud and palm trunks that have stood the test of time for centuries.
Just across the historic site, Bujairi Terrace invites visitors to indulge in a world-class gastronomic journey with an elegant dining enclave overlooking the mud-brick beauty of Al-Turaif, where modern culinary artistry meets timeless Saudi hospitality, offering a spectacular view of Al-Turaif.
Riyadh Park
Riyadh Park is a graceful oasis for those who appreciate beauty and retail therapy. It also brings together global brands, international eateries, and immersive attractions like the Museum of Illusions and VOX Cinemas.
Choose your sanctuary
When the day winds down, Riyadh invites you to retreat into splendor. Among its many world-class stays, these two addresses stand out as truly unforgettable.
- Ritz-Carlton Riyadh: It is a palatial escape near Diriyah and the Diplomatic Quarter. Surrounded by lush gardens, it provides fine dining, a spa, and even a private bowling alley, making it ideal for families and solo travelers alike.
- Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh: Rising above the iconic Kingdom Centre, this hotel pairs minimalist luxury with sweeping skyline views. With direct access to shopping malls and proximity to attractions like Al-Masmak Fortress & Deira Souq and National Museum of Saudi Arabia & Murabba Palace, it’s an ideal stay for travelers seeking refined relaxation.
Venture into the unknown at AlUla
The memories and histories woven into AlUla can feel like a monolith: awe-inspiring, almost too vast to grasp.
As you witness over 7,000 years of human civilization and natural evolution, you can’t help but imagine the stories once shared in this desert oasis, beneath sandstone cliffs and star-filled skies.
Jabal Ikmah
Our first stop is AlUla’s open library, or Jabal Ikmah, part of UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register.
Scribed across its cliffs lies the region’s largest collection of well-preserved Dadanitic and Lihyanite inscriptions, chronicling rituals and royal ties. The rock art also depicts animals that once roamed the ancient Dadanite Kingdom.
Hegra
Be a part of the timeless glory of Hegra, a jewel in the heart of AlUla and Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At Hegra, you can witness a chapter of human civilization dating back 2,000 years. Gaze upon 111 remarkably preserved tombs, carved into towering sandstone cliffs. Each bears intricate façades and inscriptions, whispering the stories of a once-thriving Nabataean kingdom.
Elephant Rock
Just a 20-minute drive from AlUla Old Town, Elephant Rock rises from the desert. It is a natural formation shaped like an elephant, glowing crimson in the sunset.
As night falls, the sandstone cliffs glow in the fading light while nearby eateries serve warm bites and coffee, creating a special moment.
Maraya
Nestled in AlUla’s Ashar Valley, Maraya, the world’s largest mirrored building, reflects not just its surroundings, but also Saudi’s vision for innovative design in harmony with nature.
Blending seamlessly into the desert cliffs like a mirage come to life, it invites you to enjoy its architectural brilliance, capture stunning reflections, and uncover the story behind this awe-inspiring creation.
Indulge your senses
In the evening, as the cool desert air adds to the ambiance, AlUla welcomes you to its most exclusive sanctuaries.
- Banyan Tree AlUla: Provides private pool villas nestled in the center of Ashar Valley. Inspired by Arabian heritage, these villas combine understated grace with indulgent spa rituals and unparalleled desert views. Guests can retreat to the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa for holistic therapies blending Asian and Arabian traditions, or join sunrise yoga and mindfulness sessions with the desert cliffs as a backdrop.
- Our Habitas AlUla: Blends sustainability with comfort through earth-toned villas and open-air lounges, allowing guests to connect with AlUla’s raw beauty. Come daylight, step inside the Thuraya Wellness Centre, where therapies merge global techniques with ancestral practices. Stretch with morning yoga on the Ashar deck, meditate in the outdoor agora grounds or immerse yourself in sound baths and chakra-balancing rituals to ground yourself in nature and community.
Sail into Jeddah’s timeless charm
Jeddah is a city where history is savored like a rich brew, infused with the spirit of modern life.
Al-Balad
Discover Jeddah’s architectural legacy as you stroll through the storied lanes of Al-Balad, part of the UNESCO-listed Jeddah Historic District.
Visit around 10 AM, just after morning prayers, to explore its charming shops and pick up thoughtful souvenirs from this historic neighborhood, whose origins trace back to the 7th century.
As the soft sun glows against coral-stone facades, the intricately carved mashrabiya balconies create a dreamlike backdrop, perfect for photos and quiet moments.
Jeddah Corniche & Yacht Club
Trace the revived coastal shores of the Jeddah Corniche, where the Red Sea has charmed visitors for centuries.
This lively stretch is home to the Jeddah Yacht Club & Marina, with its sunlit decks, elegant sailboats, and a sleek harbor that reflects the city’s cosmopolitan spirit.
Along the promenade, world-class cafés and restaurants offer a diverse selection of international cuisines, making the Corniche both a leisure hub and a culinary destination.
At the horizon, you will spot the Al-Rahma Floating Mosque, its striking white domes appearing to drift gracefully on the sea.
King Fahd’s Fountain
Visible from across the city yet most striking along the Jeddah Corniche, King Fahd’s Fountain holds the title of the world’s tallest fountain.
Look up as seawater soars 312 meters into the sky, illuminated by vibrant LEDs in a mesmerizing dance of light and spray across the Red Sea.
Retreat to elegance
Unwind in coastal luxury after a long day of exploration and fun. Among the many getaways, the two that can add an extra flair to your vacation includes:
- The Jeddah EDITION: Nestled in the heart of the Corniche, it provides modern coastal indulgence with stunning Red Sea views. It is perfect for those seeking both serenity and city energy.
- Shangri-La Jeddah: Perched along the Red Sea waterfront, it combines Asian elegance with Saudi flair. It also offers panoramic sunset views, a kids’ club, serene spa rituals, and easy access to top attractions like the Jeddah Corniche and King Fahd’s Fountain.
Luxuriate in the splendor of the Red Sea
From dormant volcanoes, dunes, and canyons to the coral reefs of the Gulf of Aqaba and the Red Sea, this coastline is a natural wonderland waiting to be explored.
The Red Sea region is fast emerging as one of the world’s most opulent wellness havens, where luxury goes beyond comfort, and nature becomes part of the stay.
After a day spent gliding above Yanbu’s rare coral reefs or wandering the “Maldives of Arabia” at Umluj, escape to seaside sanctuaries that promise both sophistication and serenity.
Savor true serenity
Here are some of the Red Sea’s finest addresses where wellness meets wonder:
- Six Senses Southern Dunes: Tucked inland in the Hejaz Mountains, this desert sanctuary offers private villas, a two-floor spa, stargazing, and breathwork experiences. Red Sea adventures are a short drive away.
- The St. Regis Red Sea Resort: Set on a private island, this resort blends avant-garde design with sea-facing villas. Guests enjoy direct reef access and an oceanfront spa, among other things.
- Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve: Cradled between sand and sea, Nujuma offers barefoot luxury with uninterrupted ocean views, a nature-inspired spa, and diving excursions via its own diving center.
- Shebara Resort: This futuristic retreat on Al Wajh Lagoon features mirrored overwater villas and reef snorkeling just steps away, harmonizing nature and innovation.
Join the kingdom’s winter celebrations
Riyadh
Riyadh Season
From October to March, Riyadh Season transforms the capital into a city-wide celebration with dazzling light shows and immersive experiences like Winter Wonderland and BLVD World, making it the perfect highlight for a winter trip.
Here’s a lineup of events that’s sure to pique your interest:
Longines Global Champions Tour (30 October to 1 November)
Step into equestrian elegance as Riyadh hosts the Longines Global Champions Tour, one of the world’s most prestigious show-jumping events.
From 30 October to 1 November, witness elite riders and their champion horses soar over fences in a world-class arena near the King Abdullah Financial District.
With high-stakes competition and Saudi’s modern skyline as your backdrop, this is show jumping at its most thrilling.
WTA Finals Riyadh (1 November to 8 November)
For the first time in history, Riyadh welcomes the WTA Finals. From 1 to 8 November, the top eight singles players and doubles teams will battle for one of the most coveted titles in tennis.
Feel the pulse of every serve and volley in this high-intensity showdown during the Arabian winter.
UCI BMX Freestyle World Cup (4 November to 8 November)
If you’re in Diriyah in early November and love sports, especially cycling, don’t miss this high-energy spectacle.
Watch world-class riders perform gravity-defying routines on flat ground, dirt jumps, halfpipes, and custom-built ramps, turning the desert into a dramatic sporting stage.
The Ring IV: Night of Champions (22 November)
On 22 November, Riyadh will wear the mantle of “global capital of boxing” as The Ring IV: Night of Champions brings four world title fights to ANB Arena.
Headlining the night is the epic clash between David Benavidez and Anthony Yarde, with a co-main event featuring Devin Haney.
More than just a fight night, it’s a legacy-defining evening filled with power, passion, and prestige.
Soundstorm 2025 (11 to 13 December)
Riyadh raises the bar for winter getaways with Soundstorm 2025. This three-day music festival, taking place at Banban district from 11 to 13 December, will light up the city with global stars like Post Malone, Benson Boone, Calvin Harris, Ava Max, and more.
Expect an immersive stage, powerful visuals, and non-stop energy in a desert setting like no other.
WWE Royal Rumble (January 2026)
History is in the making as the WWE Royal Rumble lands in Riyadh in January 2026. This is the first time the iconic event is being hosted outside North America. Expect explosive entrances, surprise matchups, and 30 wrestling superstars battling for a shot at WrestleMania glory.
AlUla
AlUla Wellness Festival (24 October to 1 November)
As winter quietly begins in AlUla, this nine-day retreat invites you to slow down and reconnect.
The AlUla Wellness Festival combines mindfulness, movement, and endurance from sunrise yoga and Les Mills workouts to the 24-Hour Race and Ashar Valley Triathlon. Guests of all levels are invited to experience a complete reset, recharge and reconnection.
Set across stunning venues like Maraya Rooftop, Elephant Rock, and premium desert resorts, it’s where well-being meets the wonder of the oasis.
Winter at Tantora (18 December to 10 January)
As the desert air turns crisp, Winter at Tantora brings AlUla to life with music, art, and culinary journeys.
Inspired by the ancient sundial in Old Town, this festival blends heritage with modern creativity. It promises immersive musical performances and sensory experiences that celebrate AlUla’s evergreen spirit.
AlUla Desert Polo (16 & 17 January)
Meet the golden dunes in high fashion as you watch elite players compete on horseback against a dramatic canyon backdrop. With its refined energy and family-friendly atmosphere, AlUla Desert Polo is a standout winter spectacle that fuses sport, style, and desert grandeur.
Hegra Candlelit Classics (20 & 21 November)
Add a touch of the sublime to your winter escape with Hegra Candlelit Classics, an intimate concert bathed in candlelight amidst ancient tombs.
As world-class music echoes through the stillness of Hegra, you’ll find yourself entranced by this ethereal moment.
Ancient Kingdoms Festival (20 November to 6 December)
Step into the past at the Ancient Kingdoms Festival, where AlUla’s stories come alive through cultural performances, archaeological tours, and rare artifacts.
Journey through time as you discover the legacies of Dadan, Lihyan, and the Nabataean civilizations.
AlUla Arts Festival (15 January to 16 February)
Let your creative spirit soar at the AlUla Arts Festival, where heritage meets contemporary art in the heart of the desert.
With immersive exhibitions, live performances, and artist residencies, it’s a celebration of AlUla’s global cultural voice and a space where creativity knows no bounds.
Jeddah
World Rally Championship (26 November to 29 November)
Witness world-class drivers showcase their endurance, stamina and speed as they compete for the title of FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) on the rugged terrains of Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
F1H2O Jeddah GP (27 November to 29 November)
If high-speed water racing is more your pace, don’t miss the Jeddah Grand Prix of the UIM F1H2O World Championship. Some of the greatest powerboat racers in the world will battle it out on the Red Sea waters for the 2025 crown.
ATP Next Gen Finals (17 December to 21 December)
Cheer the world’s top young tennis stars as they go head-to-head over five days at King Abdullah Sports City, competing for the prestigious 2025 Next Gen Finals crown.
Jeddah Season (until the end of 2025)
Lasting 85 days, Jeddah Season bridges summer and winter with festivals, concerts, shopping nights, and family fun, all set against the charm of the Red Sea.
Winter Wonderland (1 December to 15 January)
Dream by the fireplace and step into Jeddah Season’s Winter Wonderland at Roshn Waterfront, where festive cheer comes alive with rides, games, live shows, seasonal treats, and family fun, all wrapped in the spirit of the holiday season.
