The best time to visit Saudi Arabia

This world-class festival combines music, art, hot-air ballooning and archaeological tours at Saudi’s most famous heritage site. Visit Hegra, Saudi’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at rock-cut tombs, or join a night concert beneath the stars.

Riyadh Season transforms the capital with live entertainment, food pop-ups and art installations. Outside the city, desert safaris offer dune bashing, camel trekking and traditional Bedouin hospitality, with crisp winter nights perfect for stargazing.

The world’s richest horse race draws global attention, pairing elite sport with glamorous social events. Combine it with a stroll through Diriyah’s UNESCO-listed mudbrick alleys or the National Museum’s fascinating exhibits.

Abha’s cool mountain air and dramatic cliffs are best explored on foot in February. Hike through Jabal Sawda, the kingdom’s highest peak, or explore Habala, the ‘hanging village,’ once reached only by rope ladders, now linked by a cable car.

One of the Arab world’s largest literary festivals, this event draws global authors and publishers. Pair it with a visit to the Edge of the World, where towering cliffs offer panoramic desert views.

Asir bursts into colour in March with vibrant floral displays and cultural performances. It’s a perfect time to explore local souqs and sample southern Saudi dishes like areekah, a rich date-and-bread dish.

Experience the magic of Ramadan with nightly Iftars, decorative streets and bustling night markets. Al-Balad’s historic lanes come alive and special Ramadan menus offer a delicious introduction to local cuisine.

Visit the UNESCO-listed At-Turaif district, the birthplace of the Saudi state. By April, the heat is rising, so mornings are best for wandering its mudbrick ruins, followed by shaded café stops and museum visits.

Standout: Eid al-Fitr Celebrations, Nationwide
Cities light up with fireworks, feasts and cultural shows as families mark the end of Ramadan. Join locals for Eid prayers and sample traditional sweets like ma’amoul or kleicha.

Escape the heat underwater. Explore coral reefs, swim with dolphins, or dive historic shipwrecks. Jeddah’s coastal resorts offer private beaches and water sports, while offshore islands promise pristine snorkelling.

Witness a rare desert-to-green transformation. Visit Rijal Almaa, a centuries-old stone village, or trek through cloud-covered peaks. Abha’s markets bustle with fresh produce and local crafts.

Stay cool at Jeddah’s Corniche, with its shaded promenades and breezy cafes. Offshore, the Farasan Islands and coral reefs are in peak diving condition, offering encounters with turtles and reef sharks.

Celebrate Asir’s cool summer with concerts, folk dances and handicrafts. Don’t miss local honey markets or the cable car over Habala’s cliffs.

With water temperatures around 30°C, divers enjoy rich marine life, coral gardens and impressive biodiversity. Jeddah’s dive operators offer liveaboard options for extended reef exploration.

Escape the soaring inland heat and retreat to the mountains.

Cool off at private resorts along Jeddah’s coast or explore Half Moon Bay near Dammam. Water sports, jet skiing and sunset dhow cruises offer perfect summer distractions.

On 23 September, the kingdom erupts in green and white, with parades, fireworks and concerts. Diriyah and Jeddah’s waterfront host particularly lively events.

As the heat subsides, head to the Red Sand Dunes or camp near the Edge of the World. Enjoy sunrise treks or 4×4 tours through dramatic landscapes.

A months-long celebration of art, entertainment and sport, Riyadh Season transforms the city with pop-ups, international concerts and immersive attractions.

Cool mornings invite you to explore Hegra’s Nabatean tombs or hike through the Madakhil canyons. AlUla’s luxury desert camps offer stargazing, fine dining and helicopter tours over the rock formations.

Enjoy art installations, concerts and wellness retreats amid sandstone cliffs. Take a guided tour of Hegra or visit the open-air Maraya concert hall, the world’s largest mirrored building.

Riyadh’s historic heart comes alive with heritage performances, traditional crafts and culinary showcases. Visit At-Turaif, then unwind at one of Diriyah’s upscale restaurants.

Winter is perfect for camel treks across golden dunes, followed by evenings in luxury desert camps. Enjoy Arabian hospitality, traditional music and breathtaking starlit skies.

Meet with members of this traditionally nomadic Arab tribe, learning their stories, poetry, music and crafts.