Looking for a snowy, mountainous winter vacation destination? We at Umrahme are always looking for methods to keep you amused and happy, which is why we’ve put together this helpful guide so you may get away from the monotonous city life and enjoy the winter in the great outdoors.
Saudi Arabia is the ideal location to realize your winter travel fantasies, with temperatures dropping and cooler breezes beginning to blow. From December to February, it officially welcomes winter, with Jeddah and Riyadh seeing the coldest temperatures.
You have a wide range of options to choose from for your ideal holiday depending on convenience, price, and number of travel days thanks to the huge terrain and breathtaking vistas.
Here is a list of the top 6 stunning places in Saudi Arabia to spend time with family and friends while enjoying the winter months amid snow-capped mountains and foggy sky.
- Visit the snowy mountains in Tabuk region
The Tabuk Mountains, which are situated in Saudi Arabia’s northwest, are renowned for their gorgeous valleys and towering mountains, where it snows every winter.
There are more than 15 mountains in this area, with Jebal Al-Lawz being the tallest peak. This mountain, which is more closely located to the Jordanian border and rises 2,549 meters above sea level, is commonly referred to as “the Mountain of Almonds.”
A 7-hour drive on the road or a flight to Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz Airport, the airport’s international and domestic terminal, are the two ways to get to Tabuk province from Medinah.
The province of Tabuk offers lots of options for outdoor activities like hiking, camping, skiing, picnics, and learning about the local flora and fauna. There are numerous hotels to pick from and eateries where you may sample the local fare for an unforgettable experience.
- Play with snow in the capital of Aseer province
One of Saudi Arabia’s top winter vacation destinations, Aseer is known for its high mountain peaks, cold temperatures, and unspoiled wilderness.
Drive down to Abha, the capital city of Aseer during the months of January and February to experience snowfall. The entire town turns white at this time of the year drawing tourists from all over the country and abroad.
You can visit the Aseer National Park, home to over 300 species of birds, and hike through the trails for an adventurous day. Go camping with your family at the many camping sites available for tourists or hop on to the Abha cable cars to enjoy the panoramic views of the Sarawat mountains.
- Be mesmerized by the gardens of Rawdat Khuraim near Riyadh
The lesser-known side of Saudi Arabia is this hidden green oasis amidst the dry, sandy desert. Rawdat Khuraim is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Just a 1.5-hour drive from Riyadh, this little sojourn is the most convenient and easy-to-reach destination for the ultimate winter getaway.
The oasis is also known as ‘the King’s Forest’ because King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz owns a private farm there where he usually retreats during the springtime.
During winters, Rawdat Khuraim starts teeming with specific flowers known to blossom particularly in that region only, rare animal species, trees, bushes, and other local vegetation. It is an ideal time for an overnight stay or a weekend trip where the desert is transformed into a carpet of lush greenery. Wake up to the smell of forest air, chirping of birds, and misty mountain views.
- Enjoy a family picnic at Al-Bujairi Heritage park
Once winter sets in, family picnics and outdoor parties are a must. If you don’t prefer long road trips or hiking through the mountains, then this lovely park is the ideal location to enjoy the cooler months. It is the perfect place to keep everyone entertained, including children located in the city of Riyadh.
There is a lot to enjoy at Al Bujairi Heritage Park with its buzzing and vibrant vibe. Tourists can enjoy a variety of attractions, from rides for children to food stalls and markets. The park also hosts variety of workshops, light shows, night markets, and story nights highlighting the culture and tradition of Saudi Arabia.
The park covers an area of 60,000 square meters and is replete with facilities such as jogging tracks, cycling tracks, lush-green lawns to cater to the health of its visitors. A visit to Al Bujairi Heritage Park in Riyadh is a wonderful way to relax and spend quality time with family and friends.
- Reach the Edge of the World at Jibal Tuwaiq
If you’re an adventure buff, then this place is a must-visit destination. Located 90 km from Riyadh, the Tuwaiq mountain range or Jibal Tuwaiq is a narrow-elevated platform that cuts through the plateau of Najd and stretches 700 km from Jordan to Saudi Arabia’s central region.
Among the mountain range, there lies the highest peak called the Jibal Fihrayn which has earned the title as the ‘Edge of the world’ due to the formation of different rock layers and fascinating geological features that nature has shaped it into.
Thousands of tourists visit the landmark each year to hike to the top of the cliff and take in its scenic beauty. A word of caution here is, there are no proper roads to reach the cliff. If you are planning a day trip, we would highly recommend visiting with a group, preferably in an SUV and a good GPS device.
- Hop on for an adventure at Thumama desert
When you think of deserts, you conjure up images of hot sun and rugged sand dunes with dusty winds. While these places can be extremely hot during the summers, they transform into striking landscapes, cooler temperatures, and lush valleys covered in snow during the winter season.
Taking advantage of declining temperatures, locals and tourists flock to the desert during winter and indulge in activities like camping, gazing at the mesmerizing sky during sunrise and sunset, and hopping on for desert activities like dune bashing.
One such way to enjoy desert life is to visit Al Thumama desert which is a 24 min drive from the city center of Riyadh. It is the largest and most popular desert in the Kingdom.
Pack all your desert essentials like snacks, meals, tents, sleeping bag, first-aid kit, and items required for a bonfire or barbecue night and get ready for an adventurous trip.
Drive through the enormous sand dunes for a fun ride, enjoy the breathtaking sunsets while sipping on Arabic coffee, or indulge in other desert activities such as camel riding, dune bashing, quad biking, etc. During your stay in the desert, you’ll also find a variety of restaurants and shacks selling delectable snacks.
When you are in Riyadh during winter, a desert safari and a weekend getaway at Al-Thumama desert is something that you cannot miss!
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Whether it’s hiking to the edge of the world, enjoying the pleasant weather at Rawdat Khuraim, or escaping the city life into a more tranquil place at Al-Bujairi Heritage Park without traveling much, people can choose their ideal winter getaway with the help of this guide.