Saudi Arabia, which was inaccessible to international visitors for so long, has opened itself and its purpose was to make it a must-visit destination. Offering sacred cities, colossal deserts, verdant mountains, as well as stunning beaches, Saudi Arabia provides experiences and memories across all the very different landscapes and experiences. Though it may be important to plan ahead, it can also be important to plan your visit for the right time of the year, too; as climate and cultural happenings such as public holidays, religious holidays, and travel conditions vary from month to month. By planning ahead and preparing, you can eliminate unexpected surprises and etch your trip in your memory with a UK travel agency for a lifetime!
Getting to know Saudi climate between altitude and desert
Saudi Arabia offers a desert climate. This means that with altitude the summer brings warm temperatures and mild winters that can and does make outdoor options difficult in some areas. Central and eastern temperature can reach greater than 45 degrees C, which makes outdoor activities challenging at times. In mountainous regions, around Abha or Taif, the temperatures are lower all year with comfortable temperatures throughout the year. The coastal region can get humid; however, the Red Sea area stays manageable during the worst heat. It is crucial to consider the changing patterns of climate when selecting a time and location to visit based on the specific areas you will visit in the region.
From October to March: The perfect travel time
Typically, travel to Saudi Arabia is best suited from October to March, since the temperatures should normally be between 15 to 30 °C depending on location and so it could make the hiking, sightseeing and outdoor activities more enjoyable without the concern of becoming overheated. Moreover even if most of them happen in Riyadh, Jeddah, Al-Ula, Medina at this time of year you will have cultural festivals, art activities and sporting events, you can also get to more remote deserts and cooler evenings offer an environment that encourages reflection.
Millions who love mountain air and punching fresh air will love December through February.
Typically December and February are coldest times of the year during winter time, during winter decades these months are not totally cold and seasonal lows will eventually dip slightly below 10 celsius in certain spots. A great time of year to discover the southwest mountains like Abha and Taif in this area where vegetation is flourishing and the views are remarkable.
Especially hikers, photographers, hikers and nature lovers enjoy discovering them at this time of the year. It's also the best chance to make pilgrimage Umrah trips and visit holy places during the pilgrimage times with fewer visitors and typically an undersupply of housing and attractive prices, making this month's prime time for exploring these gorgeous provinces.
March through May: Between mildness and the beginning of flowering.
It is believed that the Saudi spring, which lasts from March through May, brings moderate temperatures and a resurgence of nature. The Rose Festival and distilleries that are accessible to the public in Taif deserts, where landscapes are transformed into golden hues, and oases are particularly welcoming, as well as beach activities along the Red Sea coast, where the temperatures of the sea remain pleasant, and beaches are less crowded. Temperatures start to rise gradually in May, but are still comfortable for those who have prepared.
June through September: The time to avoid in the majority of situations.
Saudi Arabian summer temperatures often exceed 45 degrees C in the eastern and central regions. This makes the outdoor activities extremely strenuous, with the risk of heat existing, and the dangers of heatstroke very real. So, this time is not recommended to most travelers, with a few exceptions, for instance, the mountains of the southwest region, in which the climate is still comfortable. Abha, particularly, is getting more popular as a getaway for Saudis seeking ways to beat the heat. Prices are also reduced during this period. Be sure to pack appropriate clothing and limit the time you travel during the day, since prices can drop dramatically.
Religious Holidays: Things to Bear in mind when planning your plans
Since Saudi Arabia is predominantly Muslim, it is a place where religious holidays can have a profound impact on the daily routine and travel within Saudi Arabia. Ramadan particularly can have a profound effect on the daily schedules and restaurants shut early each day, and the ambience becomes more religious; those who are respectful of the local culture can enjoy an amazing opportunity to experience it in person; however, travel can become more complex. Certain activities could be halted during Ramadan. The Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha festive holidays bring produced numbers of pilgrims into the strata which means it produces more numbers of people and leads to more prices and lack of availability. You should be aware of the dates in relation to planning your trip!
Sport and cultural events
Since the implementation of Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia has increased cultural as well as sporting events created to attract visitors to. Most events, including festivals such as the Riyadh festival, shows in the winter at Tantora in Al-Ula, international concerts and contemporary art shows, formula 1, and concerts are going to fall between October and March when the climate is guaranteed to be least adverse. Knowing this is useful to help you maximize your time.
The best destinations according to the season.
Almost every region of Saudi has a different climate and culture. Riyadh, Jeddah, and Al-Ula couldn't be better than winter time. In the same token, Taif and the Red Sea Coast could show green scenery with moderate temperatures in the spring. In the summer months, we can provide climate refuges in places such as Abha, Najran and the mountains of the southwest. Lastly, during the autumn months, you have access to the northern deserts such as Hail or Tabuk. Mapping your trip accordingly, in terms of the seasons, lets you enjoy all the environmental beauty in the region and not restrict yourself with climatic conditions.
Helpful guidelines for the best travel
As the saying goes, "you don't know what you don't know," when it comes to your enjoyment of a new travel destination, it is best to know the local weather, events, and/or cultural customs.
Easy accessed and efficient ways of simplifying your life thus far can include dressing appropriately, following prayer times with respect to food and travel itineraries, and travel during cooler parts of the day such as mid morning or late afternoon times about your excursions. Utilizing local applications for transportation as well as dining reservations can help make your life run more efficiently. Maintaining an open mind allows you to adapt to sudden changes and enjoy genuine umrah and hajj experiences quickly.