Winter season is short-lived in Saudia Arabia. The average span of winter season in the Kingdom is from November to February. Since the region has a hot desert climate, winter brings a significant fall in temperatures, but not falling below 25 degrees Celsius. Therefore, makes it an ideal time to travel to KSA for tourism purposes as well as for the holy rituals of minor pilgrimage with cheap Umrah packages from UK, especially for the people arriving from cold climatic regions.
The daytime temperature in KSA is pleasant, however, nights can be chilly. Various festivals and events also occur in Saudia Arabia, attracting both local and international tourists in the winter season. Outdoor activities like camping, hiking, and desert adventures are also common during this time for tourists along with various cultural celebrations, showcasing the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia.
The popular cities of KSA like Riyadh, Jeddah, and Dammam have pleasant and milder weather conditions even during the winter season. Therefore, travellers to these cities can opt for exploration of;
- Parks.
- Heritage sites.
- Outdoor markets.
On the other hand, the cities of Makkah and Madinah attract a huge number of pilgrims for the holy rituals of Umrah during this time as well. That’s why winter is marked as the peak time for Umrah travel in the region, bringing expensive travel and accommodation costs.
Here are 6-must visit winter destinations in Saudia Arabia for your next trip.
Cultural Oasis in Al Bujairi Park:
Al Bujairi Heritage Park in the city of Riyadh becomes a cultural hub in winter, featuring traditional architecture and green lawns. It covers an area of 60,000 square meters approximately, offering jogging tracks and cycling paths. It offers a variety of workshops, light shows, and night markets, providing a delightful experience for families.
Tabuk:
Tabuk’s Allous Mountains become a winter playground because of the heavy snow. Therefore, bringing various skiing and snow sledding adventures. With over 15 mountains in its range, Jebal Al-Lawz stands tallest at a height of 2,549 meters.
Tabuk has a 7-hour road trip (or you can also take a flight from Madinah) with prominent winter activities like hiking, and camping. There are various restaurants and hotels in the region that you can stay in and dine at.
Thumama Desert:
Thumama Desert, also present near Riyadh, transforms into a serene retreat during winter. Tourists enjoy stunning desert landscapes and snow-covered valleys with dune bashing and camel riding activities. A perfect winter camp retreat, Thumama offers a unique desert experience for those in Riyadh.
Abha:
Abha, also referred to as the ‘City of Fog,’ is completely covered in snow during winter, tempting tourists to visit because of its scenic beauty.
The presence of Aseer National Park here, hosting nearly 300 bird species, makes it a unique delight for nature lovers.
Abha offers a pleasant winter climate with snowy landscapes and outdoor adventures.
Edge of the World:
The Edge of the World is located at a distance of 90 km from Riyadh and is a thrilling adventure spot. The Tuwaiq mountain range here showcases Jibal Fihrayn, known as the ‘Edge of the World’. The unique thing about it is that it was formed by natural weather changes. Adventure seekers can explore unique rock formations and enjoy breathtaking views here.
Rawdat Khuraim:
Rawdat Khuraim, near the city of Riyadh in KSA, is a peaceful winter retreat that is renowned for its lush palm trees, lakes, and walking trails. Just a drive of 1.5 hours from Riyadh, it blooms with unique flowers and rare animal occurrences during winter. This hidden gem is also known as ‘the King Abdul Aziz Forest,’ and offers a peaceful escape with its breathtaking mountain views.
Additional destinations:
- Al Khobar Corniche: Take a relaxing walk by the beautiful Arabian Gulf waterfront.
- Jubail Industrial City: Enjoy a peaceful mix of industry and coastal beauty.
- Al Soudah Park, Asir Region: Visit a refreshing mountain park with cooler temperatures and stunning scenery.
- Taif: Explore the “City of Roses” in Makkah Province, famous for roses and mountains.
- Rijal Alma Heritage Village: Immerse yourself in the charm of a UNESCO-listed heritage village in Asir.
If you are planning a visit to Saudia Arabia soon in winter, these are the top destinations to go to with your Umrah packages 2024.
