Saudi Arabia is a vast country with lovely beaches, sand dunes, and hundreds of historical sites. It's a well-known tourist destination where you can enjoy the natural beauty and a number of other attractions. However, the views of snow-covered mountain peaks and frosty plants in Saudi Arabia are only possible in the winter. During this season there are a wide variety of activities, like snow hiking, snow sledding, and winter rides, that you can never forget. The winter in Saudi Arabia is also known as kashta, or camping season, and involves activities throughout the day and late into the night. So, get ready to soak in the beauty of Saudi Arabia’s winter and enjoy the cold winds blending with the sunlight.
How Cold are the Winters in Saudi Arabia?
Saudi Arabia is characterized by a desert climate featuring intense summers and slightly cooler winters. During the winter in Saudi Arabia, the temperature ranges from 8 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius in the interior, and it peaks between the months of December and January, but it can extend up to a month either side. You must experience the beautiful winter weather here, which is the best time to explore the kingdom. The cool nights and balmy days are ideal for camping, rock climbing, or exploring the bustling cities.
Best Activities in Saudi Arabia during Winter
If you are a snow lover and looking to enjoy some ultimate experiences, then you must discover winter in Saudi Arabia. During this season there are several interesting activities that will give you a plenty of winter fun. From the exhilarating dune bashing to the amazing sandboarding, here you can enjoy everything you wish with your family and friends. Also, it’s the best time to explore the desert landscapes, remarkable ancient monuments and lush green oasis. So, below we have curated a list of numerous activities that you can relish in the country during the winter season.
- Enjoy the Wonderful Snow Hiking
- Snow Sledding in the Mountains
- Explore Winter at Tantora Festival
- Admire the Cozy Ambiance of Groves Restaurant
- Visit Exciting Historical Sites
- Have Fun While Camping
- Get a Thrilling Off Roading Experience
- Enjoy a Peaceful Camel Ride
1. Enjoy the Amazing Snow Hiking
If you are an outdoor enthusiast looking to explore the diverse terrain, then snow hiking is the best option. This will give you an opportunity to hike across the rugged mountains or stroll around a verdant wadi. During the winter season in Saudi Arabia, the snowfall in the mountains of the northern regions blankets the slopes and desert sands. Also, it’s the best chance to see the breathtaking stillness of shifting sands under a coat of fresh snow. There are several amazing hiking trails that you must visit for an exciting vacation with your loved ones.
Location: Jabal Sawda at an elevation of 3,000 meters in Saudi Arabia’s Asir region or Jebel Fihrayn in the rocky desert northwest of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
2. Snow Sledding in the Mountains
Enjoy a unique opportunity for snow sledding in the mountains northwest of Tabuk. This is a traditional winter activity that can be performed on a perfect snowy day. Saudi Arabia winter season gives an opportunity to all the tourists as well as locals to have an exhilarating experience while trying this snow activity. So, if you are making a plan to visit Saudi Arabia during the winter, then sledding must be on your bucket list. The fast ride down the mountain slopes is a complete fun and is a perfect social occasion for friends and family to get together.
Location: One can enjoy sledding in the mountains northwest of Tabuk in Saudi Arabia
3. Explore Winter at Tantora Festival
If you want to enjoy your winter to the fullest, then you must explore the Tantora Festival. This is the first music and arts festival in the kingdom, which celebrates the return of the planting season at the beginning of winter. This festival will make you enjoy a fine dining and one-of-a-kind culinary experience. Also, its high-end events and star-studded concerts make Saudi Arabia’s winter full of fun and excitement. This festival brought a mix of ancient and contemporary art to all of AIUIa. The festival has already started on December 22, 2022 and will last until January 22, 2023.
Location: This Winter at Tantora Festival is a seasonal event and is held every year in the rocky desert town of AI UIa, located in northwest Saudi Arabia.
Suggested Read: Historical Places in Riyadh: To Delve into the History of This Wonderful City
4. Admire the Cozy Ambiance of Groves Restaurant
Enjoy the winter vibes in Saudi Arabia and try some famous international cuisine, accompanied by music and entertainment shows at the Groves restaurants. This is a high-end restaurant offering delicious food that you can enjoy in its charming winter atmosphere. Known as one of the best restaurants in Saudi Arabia, it is located in an area overlooking the wadi. Also, it is an ideal way to savor the view and the wonderful winter weather while enjoying the warm beverages under palm trees. In its tranquil surroundings, you can spend quality time with your loved ones.
Location: Al Khuzama Park, Diplomatic Quarters, Riyadh, KSA
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5. Visit Exciting Historical Sites
There are several historical landmarks in Saudi Arabia, preserving the kingdom’s history. The best time to explore these tourist destinations is during the winter season. From the fascinating Al-Hijr and the beautiful Masmak Fort to the amazing King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre and the alluring Al-Turaif District, there are numerous places to visit in Saudi Arabia. These places are known for their rich culture and heritage, where you can explore the blissful spirituality and untouched beauty of ruins. The ancient wonders, enhanced in beauty during the winter season, will give you several amazing experiences.
Location: Al-Hijr, Masmak Fort, King Abdul Aziz Historical Centre, and Al-Turaif District
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6. Have Fun while Camping
Camping in Saudi Arabia is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, especially in the winter season. Here you can enjoy the traditional Arabic tents amid the snowfields for the ultimate winter experience. Delving into the bright starlit evenings with brisk air and powder-covered trails is one of the best things to do in Saudi Arabia. Camping is the best way to enjoy the magic of wintertime in the country with your loved ones. Also, during the evenings at the campsite, warm up next to a fire and admire the beautiful stars above. Try traditional foods and drinks like Arabian barbecue or Arabic coffee while camping.
Location: Acacia Valley situated 90 km from Riyadh, and Jabal Al Lawz in Tabuk are the best places for camping in Saudi Arabia
7. Get an Exciting Off Road Experience
Venturing into the off-roading world is one of the most exciting and adventurous sports in Saudi Arabia. This is an activity that one must try during the winter months in Saudi Arabia. You can access the most beautiful and remote parts of the country, which are also very challenging. Off-road driving is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you can have with your family and friends. Saudi Arabia's winter temperatures are ideal for off-roading and is full of fun and excitement. This form of off-roading combines mud and hill driving and is popular throughout Saudi Arabia.
Location: Mountainous regions like Asir and Al Baha in Saudi Arabia are the places where one can do off roading
Suggested Read: Explore the Charming Vistas of Mountains In Saudi Arabia
8. Take a Relaxing Camel Ride
The Arabian snowfall is the best time to go for an amazing camel ride. This is a truly enchanting and exciting activity that gives you a wonderful wintry ride. This is a truly novel experience and has been an important part of life on the Arabian Peninsula for more than 3,000 years. The camel ride will allow you to explore the breathtaking landscapes and beautiful mountains of Saudi Arabia. Especially, if you are taking a ride in Saudi Arabia during winter season, this will give you a chance to explore the real beauty of the country. Also, If you prefer to relax in a peaceful and quiet setting, you must try a camel ride in the country at least once.
Location: Thumamah National Park, near Thumamah Police Station, Riyadh Saudi Arabia
So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this amazing winter destination. Winter in Saudi Arabia are mild, with expectations of rain and snowfall, and have pleasant weather conditions. This is the perfect time to enjoy the scenic beauty and historic sites of the country. The winter activities like snow hiking, camping, off roading, and much more make this place worth visiting. Avail yourself of the best Saudi Arabia tour packages for these amazing experiences and discover the beautiful nature, architectural landmarks, and world-famous beaches. Visit this best-known destination with your loved ones and have a blissful vacation.
Winter in Saudi Arabia - FAQs
There are several amazing activities that one can do in Saudi Arabia during winter season. Below we have curated the list of some of those activities.
- Snow Hiking
- Snow Sledding
- Visiting Historical Sites
- Camel Ride
- Off Roading
One can enjoy snow hiking in the Jabal Sawda at an elevation of 3,000 meters in Saudi Arabia. This is an astonishing outdoor activity and is the best way to explore the diverse terrain, rugged mountains and beautiful wadis.
Groves in Saudi Arabia is the best restaurant to visit in the winter season. It’s a high-end restaurant offering delicious food that one can enjoy in its charming winter atmosphere. This is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and its tranquil surroundings.
Winter at Tantora Festival is the first music and arts festival in Saudi Arabia which celebrates the return of the planting season at the beginning of winter. This festival is full of fun and excitement and is known for high-end events and star-studded concerts.
The Masmok Fort in Saudi Arabia has its own historical significance and is considered to be a symbol of unification of Saudi Arabia. It is essentially also showcasing landmarks of Saudi heritage and has six distinct parts.
The best place to enjoy the camel ride in Saudi Arabia during winter is Thumamah National Park. This is truly an enchanting and exciting activity giving you a wonderful wintry ride and is an important part of life on the Arabian Peninsula.
The temperature of Saudi Arabia during winter ranges from 8 degrees Celsius to 20 degrees Celsius. You must visit the country during the winter season as it’s the perfect time to explore the kingdom and is ideal for rock climbing and camping.
Saudi Arabia is famous for its rich culture and heritage and plays an important historical role. This country with its unique architectural heritage and beautiful landscapes is the place you must visit.
