Despite being the twelfth largest country in the world, Saudi Arabia is almost untouched as a tourist destination and, consequently, is full of potential for fresh adventure and discovery. And with winter temperatures dipping low enough for snow on the beautiful southern mountains, while remaining sunny and pleasant in the major cities, it's the perfect time to get out and explore. Home to six UNESCO-listed sites, the country boasts thousands of square miles of desert and mountains alongside almost 1750km of coastline bursting with coral reefs and desert islands. This, alongside its year-round warmer climes, is perhaps why Saudi is fast becoming a destination of intrigue for travelers looking to escape winter weather at home. With so much on offer in Saudi, visitors can cherry-pick their adventure from an endless list of activities, from simply relaxing and fine dining to more exhilarating, out-of-the-ordinary pursuits. This is possible even in winter, thanks to the consistently pleasant temperatures. In just one trip, explorers can experience everything from the tranquil beaches of Jeddah and the bustling culture-rich capital of Riyadh to the desert oasis of AlUla and the mountainous vistas of Aseer. A winter break of limitless possibilities Visitors should begin their trip in the well-connected hub of Jeddah. This port city is home to some of Saudi's best beaches, and where sculptures line a seafront promenade anchored by the iconic King Fahd's Fountain. Expect an average low of 65°F and high of 83°F, even during its coldest month of January, enough to enjoy the warmth of the Red Sea, or dive deeper into the depths of untouched coral reefs with a host of scuba-diving or snorkeling activities. A one-hour flight north of Jeddah is the historic city of AlUla. As one of the oldest cities in the Arabian Peninsula, boasting an abundance of rock formations, canyons, and cliffs, it is an extraordinary display of human and natural heritage. The winter months of December to February are arguably the ideal time to explore the surrounding deserts and artifacts, such as ancient tombs etched into towering sandstone rocks. Without the incredible heat of summer, visitors can take their time immersing themselves in the area, and discover the secrets hidden in the sands. The historical city of AlUla A short plane ride away from AlUla is the capital of Riyadh, a place for culture lovers to indulge in luxury hospitality and entertainment, before enjoying the remarkable history of the city. During the milder winters, when the temperature gauge averages out at a very pleasant 70°F, sightseers can take their time to explore. Make the most of world heritage sites without the crowds, such as the ruins of At-Turaif, the original home of the Saudi royal family, or take a jeep safari across the undulating dunes of the Al Thumama Desert, a place only recommended to visit during the cooler months. At night, Noor Walk offers an opportunity to take a Stargazing Tour to witness incredible constellations scattered across the sky. Visitors that prefer to spend their trip surrounded by nature should hop on a plane to visit the Aseer province, a mountainous region located in the southwest of the country – just over an hour from Riyadh or Jeddah. Known for its pleasant year-round temperate, Aseer is an idyllic spot to take in awe-inspiring views from atop snow-capped mountains, traverse nature trails in the unspoiled wilderness of Aseer National Park, or spend some time exploring the province's capital of Abha. With daily winter temperatures of around 64°F, the mountainous retreat of Abha is ideal for hiking, where you can visit remote places like the Habala Hanging Village, known for its "flower men" – inhabitants whose custom it is to wear tribal garlands and dried herbs in their hair. In safe hands As the world opens back up, Saudi Arabia's many outdoor and wide-open spaces make it ideal for exploring without the worry of crowds. The country is rated as one of the best in the world for Covid safety by the Deep Knowledge Group. In fact, it was recently ranked by the Institute for Environment and Human Security as among the top three safest places in the world, due to few occurrences of natural disasters and constant efforts by the government to improve health, security, and infrastructure.
