Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia — 2026 Season Guide
Season Overview
Winter (Peak)
Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb
Best time — comfortable for AlUla, Jeddah, Riyadh sightseeing.
Spring
Mar, Apr
Last comfortable window; sandstorms possible.
Summer
May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Dangerous heat in most regions. Hajj pilgrimage period (date varies).
Autumn
Oct
Heat subsiding; Riyadh Season entertainment festival begins.
Month-by-Month Guide
Best weather, AlUla season
Founding Day celebrations
Ramadan (varies), warming
Eid al-Fitr (varies)
Heat begins, indoor activities
Extreme heat across the country
Hajj period (varies)
Hottest month, 50°C possible
Saudi National Day (Sep 23)
Riyadh Season begins, cooling
Pleasant weather returns
Peak tourism, MDLBeast festival
Plan from Your Country
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See which of your holidays align with the best months to visit Saudi Arabia.
IraqYour holidays in January (New Year's Day, Army Day) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
TibetYour holidays in February (Losar (Tibetan New Year)) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
SyriaYour holidays in January (New Year's Day) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
TurkeyYour holidays in January (New Year's Day) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
SudanYour holidays in January (Independence Day, Coptic Christmas) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
EthiopiaYour holidays in January (Timkat (Epiphany), Ethiopian Christmas (Genna)) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
VietnamYour holidays in January (New Year's Day) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
YemenYour holidays in November (November 30 Independence Day) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
MongoliaYour holidays in January (Constitution Day, New Year's Day) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
MalaysiaYour holidays in February (Chinese New Year, Isra Mi'raj, Thaipusam) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
United Arab EmiratesYour holidays in December (National Day) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
IndonesiaYour holidays in February (Isra Mi'raj, Chinese New Year) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
IndiaYour holidays in January (Makar Sankranti, Republic Day) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
PhilippinesYour holidays in December (Last Day of The Year, Rizal Day, Christmas Day, New Year's Eve, Christmas Eve, Feast of the Immaculate Conception) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 6 long weekend(s) available.
LaosYour holidays in January (Army Day, New Year's Day) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
MyanmarYour holidays in November (National Day, Full Moon of Tazaungdaing) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
SingaporeYour holidays in January (New Year's Day) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 1 long weekend(s) available.
ThailandYour holidays in January (New Year's Day) align with Saudi Arabia's travel season. 2 long weekend(s) available.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the best time to visit Saudi Arabia in 2026?
- November to February offers mild temperatures (15–25°C) ideal for exploring AlUla, Jeddah's historic district, and Riyadh. The Riyadh Season entertainment festival runs from October to March.
- How hot does Saudi Arabia get in summer?
- Summer temperatures regularly exceed 45°C (113°F) and can reach 50°C in Riyadh and the eastern desert. The coastal city of Jeddah is slightly cooler but extremely humid. Summer travel is not recommended.
- Do I need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia?
- Saudi Arabia launched tourist e-visas in 2019 for 49+ nationalities. The visa allows 90 days per visit (multiple entry, valid 1 year). GCC residents can enter visa-free. Check the Visit Saudi website for current eligibility.
- Which countries have holidays during Saudi Arabia's best season?
- Travelers from Iraq, Tibet, Syria, Turkey, Sudan, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Yemen have public holidays that overlap with the best months to visit Saudi Arabia.