SAUDI BY SEASON: a Monthly Guide on Where to Go, When

Wednesday, Feb 11, 2026 0

Saudi is a true year-round destination, where every month unlocks a completely different side of the country- from winter sunshine in The Red Sea and world-class sporting spectacles in AlUla, to springtime rose valleys in Taif, cool mountain escapes in Aseer, and summer forests in Al Baha. Whether you’re chasing adventure, culture, nature, unparalleled luxury or pure relaxation, there is always somewhere in Saudi at its seasonal best, offering travellers a reason to return again and again.

JANUARY

Diriyah Contemporary International Art Biennale

Start your year with a healthy dose of culture and head to Diriyah for the town’s International Art extravaganza. Titled In Interludes and Transitions, this year’s theme draws from a colloquial Arabic phrase which refers to the cycles of encampments and journeys in nomadic communities in the Arabian Peninsula, taking as a point of departure the movements, migrations, and transformations that continue to connect the Gulf region with the world. The exhibition opens on 30^th January and runs until 2^nd May.

Outside the event, you can explore the UNESCO World Heritage site’s historic streets and impressive At-Turaif Fort. 2026 will see a wave of high-profile new properties open in and around Diriyah, such as the Amansamarand the Oberoi Wadi Safar, or you can stay at the much loved and historic Bab Samhan. With increased BA flights to Riyadh over the Winter months, what’s stopping you?

FEBRUARY

Experience the oasis of life: Al-Ahsa

A green jewel in Saudi’s eastern plains, Al-Ahsa Oasis is a UNESCO-recognized wonder and the largest palm oasis in the world, with more than 2.5 million date palms stretching as far as the eye can see. The landscape tells a story of resilience and harmony between nature and people, from ancient canals and springs to traditional farms that have sustained communities for millennia.

Travelers can wander through Al-Qaisariya Souq, explore the historic Qasr Ibrahim Fortress, or sample the region’s famous khalas dates straight from the source. Whether cycling through the groves or watching the sunset over Al-Asfar Lake, Al-Ahsa embodies the calm, authenticity, and warmth that define Saudi’s hidden gems.

MARCH

Mantas and more: Shura Island

March is the perfect time to visit Shura Island, Saudi’s newest destination in the Red Sea, when the weather is warm but not scorching – averaging a blissful 26°C – and the crystal-clear waters come alive with marine life. It’s peak season for spotting majestic manta rays gliding through the reefs, alongside sea turtles and schools of tropical fish in vibrant coral gardens. On land, guests can tee off at The Red Sea’s first championship golf course and the largest in the country, Shura Links, framed by sweeping ocean views, and check in to new world-class hotels including The Red Sea Edition and SLS The Red Sea. Sea. With perfect conditions both above and below the surface, March marks the ultimate moment to experience Shura Island at its most magical. With perfect conditions both above and below the surface, March marks the ultimate moment to experience Shura Island at its most magical.

APRIL

Ultimate whiplash in Jeddah: History and High Speed F1 in Jeddah

Historic Jeddah is a living, breathing slice of the past. Stroll through narrow lanes lined with coral-stone buildings, their wooden rawasheen balconies standing as a reminder of the city’s seafaring roots. Once a bustling port for pilgrims and traders, Historic Jeddah is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site that hums with life. Wander the souks, taste fresh bread from ancient bakeries and lose yourself in the magic of a city that wears its history on its sleeve.

April also sees the return of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, taking place from 17^th-19^th. The race will be the fifth round of the season, the 6.174 km coastal circuit with 27 corners is the longest street-type track on the Formula 1 calendar and the fastest street circuit, offering a striking contrast with the ancient streets of Historic Jeddah.

MAY

Passionate for petals? Rose Festival in Taif

The Taif Rose Festival is a vibrant annual celebration held each spring in the city of Taif, marking the harvest of its famed Damask roses through floral displays, traditional performances, and community events. At its heart lies a massive rose carpet and showcases of rose-based products, such as locally made perfumes, beauty products, food and drinks. Culturally, Taif’s roses have been used for centuries in medicine, cuisine, beauty, and religious rituals, with families passing down rose cultivation and distillation skills across generations. In recognition of their deep-rooted importance, UNESCO inscribed Taif’s rose-related practices on its Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2024, highlighting their role in preserving identity, economy, and social cohesion. Taif is just a two hour drive up into the mountains from cosmopolitan Jeddah, making it a perfect contender for a twin destination trip.

JUNE

See Ancient Rock Art: Hail

Tucked between volcanic plains and sandstone peaks in Saudi’s northwest, visitors can get a sense of Saudi’s history in Hail. Once a vital stop on ancient trade and pilgrimage routes, the region is rich with stories etched into its landscapes – nowhere more so than at Jubbah and Shuwaymis, its UNESCO-listed rock-art sites. Here, travellers can stand before thousands of ancient petroglyphs carved into sandstone: hunters, ibex, ostriches, lions, early Arabic inscriptions, and even some of the oldest depictions of dogs on leashes in Arabia. Jubbah lies on an ancient lakebed ringed by dramatic outcrops, while remote Shuwaymis reveals millennia-old scenes that feel unexpectedly alive.

Travellers can wander the lively Barzan Market, trace the footsteps of explorers at Al Qishlah Palace, or venture into the rugged countryside for hikes among sculpted rock formations and star-filled night skies of astrological discovery, thanks to the region’s recent Dark-Sky accreditation*. Whether sipping traditional Saudi coffee (gahwa) with local hosts or exploring its timeless diverse scenery, Hail offers a serene, soulful glimpse into the heart of northern Saudi.

JULY

Al Baha: Forested Valleys and the New Face of Highland Luxury

Nestled between Aseer and Taif, Al Baha is an oasis city in the Sarawat mountains, defined by pine-clad hills, hidden waterfalls and terraced farms. Known for its cool climate, rich biodiversity and peaceful forests, it’s fast becoming a favourite for nature-led escapes. Nearby, the Shada Mountains hide ancient cave markings, while the 10th-century village of Thee Ain offers a striking glimpse of historic mountain life. Khairah Forest and Raghadan Park provide shaded trails alive with birdsong, where twitchers may spot Arabian Waxbills, , Philby’s Partridges and even the tiny Saudi Treefrog. Soon, the sustainably designed Mantis Al Baha Hotel will add a new chapter to the region with mountain trails, wellness experiences and dining rooted in local ingredients.

AUGUST

Beat the heat and experience one-off wildlife encounters: Aseer

Tucked in the southwest highlands, Aseer provides respite from the Summer heat and is home to Al Soudah, Saudi’s highest peak at 3,000 meters. Aseer is home to several national parks, all with plenty of hiking trails to suit all levels, such as Aseer National Park, making it the ideal getaway for nature lovers who want to try something different.

As well as captivating mountain views, the region is characterised by its diversity of vegetation, with steep slopes dominated by juniper forests, wild olives, acacia trees, and various other species of cacti. Aseer is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as the Arabian wolf, Rock hyrax, Caracal, Mongoose, and several species of birds, including Arabian woodpeckers and the Aseer magpie.

SEPTEMBER

An authentic taste of Saudi at the annual Date Festival, Qassim

Fancy yourself a dab hand at haggling? Time to learn from the pros: Buraydah’s annual Date Festival which takes place every August and September in Qassim region’s capital is rooted in historic trade route heritage, and allows visitors sample Saudi’s top date varieties while witnessing traditional auctions and haggling over kilos of the harvest’s finest produce. Nearby, local vendors whip up date molasses and Kleija, a date-filled pastry typical of the region., but there is more to Buraydah beyond its famed fruit: the city is also home to the world’s largest Camel Market, which offers another authentic link the region’s history and trading culture, and is worth witnessing for the electric atmosphere, even if you are not in the market for a dromedary. Visitors can learn more about Qassim’s ancient trade ties at the Al Oqiylat Heritage Museum, which charts ancient merchant journeys that once connected Qassim across Arabia. Travellers can also explore Ushaiqer Heritage Village and Al Mithnab to see how communities along these routes once lived.

Not just known for trade, Qassim’s location on Wadi al-Rimah and its ancient water channels and rich soils enabled bountiful farming for centuries. For a breath of fresh air, leave the city for the date orchards, citrus groves and thriving farms which provide Qassim with the produce it is famed for- Derity Farm Resort welcomes guests to sample rural life and Qassim’s agricultural legacy.

OCTOBER

Refresh and Reset for Autumn in AlUla

In the heart of Arabia’s ancient landscape, AlUla rises as a destination defined by breathtaking natural wonders and extraordinary experiences. Over the years, it has become a destination for wellbeing, and October 2026 sees the annual AlUla Wellness Festival. It invites visitors to discover your inner calm surrounded by the awe-inspiring sandstone cliffs of AlUla, where the arid beauty of the ancient landscape offers the perfect backdrop for healing and self-discovery. On offer are invigorating yoga flows, calming meditation sessions, expert-led workshops on nutrition, mindfulness, and holistic health. Open to amateurs and seasoned wellness enthusiasts alike, this festival invites guests to relax, recharge, and reconnect.

The new design-led Sharaan by Jean Nouvel opens in 2026 – carved into the iconic rock formations, this will be the ultimate place to retreat for serenity amid the breathtaking natural landscapes.

NOVEMBER

Riyadh Season takes centre stage

Opening in late October 2026, Riyadh Season, one of the world’s largest entertainment and events festivals will be in full swing by November- transforming the Saudi capital with dedicated pop-up zones, like Boulevard City, and a packed calendar of world-class events, ranging from WWE’s Smackdown and the Women’s Tennis Association Finals to Soundstorm. But beyond its headline shows and mega zones lie another side to the city: rooftop cafés, easy access to adventures in nature and creative spaces that reveal Riyadh’s cool, contemporary spirit. Riyadh Seasons runs until March 2027 and as it unfolds, visitors can delight in marquee events and the city’s evergreen entertainment offerings alongside an alternative side to the capital – one that blends heritage with innovation, and tradition with creativity in a way that is unmistakably Saudi.

November in particular sees the launch of the Noor Light festival – previous editions have seen record-breaking installations illuminate the city, and 2026 promises to be a feast for the eyes.

DECEMBER

Give yourself the gift of wellness in AMAALA, the Red Sea

Set against a harmonious blend of awe-inspiring mountainous landscapes, sparkling seas, and vibrant coral reefs, Triple Bay, AMAALA is poised to be the ultimate wellness escape to gift yourself at the end of a busy year. By December 2026 three world-leading resorts – Clinique La Prairie, Jayasom and Miraval – open within its tranquil bays. With La Prairie bringing its science-driven longevity programmes, Jayasom offering holistic healing rooted in both Eastern and Western therapies, and Miraval introducing its signature mindfulness-led wellbeing experiences, Amaala will combine cutting-edge rejuvenation with pristine nature, warm winter sunshine and a deep sense of seclusion, making it the perfect place to reset and restore at the end of the year.

With warm temperatures even in the middle of winter, the Saudi Red Sea is an ideal escape from cold weather. Expect clear skies, balmy breezes, and perfect sea-swimming conditions. The celestially curious will love stargazing in unrivalled dark skies, or hike to Wadis and along the sandstone paths where sandy expanse meets sea brilliance. With just 1% of the entire Saudi Red Sea footprint being developed, the rest will be left untouched, a testament to this commitment to a more conscious conservation.

*Al Nafud Desert, which covers much of Hail, received Dark Sky status in December 2025. Spanning 13,416 km², it will be the largest Dark Sky Park in the MENA Region. (DarkSky)