Are you searching for a winter destination with snow and mountains, even though it is in a desert? Search no more; our Umrah packages make it accessible for pilgrims to get around Saudi Arabia with an informative guide to help you escape the mundane city life and experience snow and chilly nights amidst the desert. As the temperature drops and cooler winds arrive in Saudi Arabia, the country has become an ideal destination to spend winter vacations.

Cooler winds kick in Saudi Arabia in December and stay there till February. Jeddah and Riyadh are two major cities in Saudi Arabia that experience the lowest temperature drop. Covering vast areas with beautiful landscapes, Saudi Arabia offers a plethora of options to select from based on your budget, time of the year, and convenience.  Here is a list of the top 6 breathtaking destinations in Saudi Arabia to spend winter holidays with family and friends.

1. Snow-Covered Mountains in Tabuk

When one thinks of a winter destination to spend winter vacations, the Tabuk region in the northern part of Saudi Arabia comes first. Allous Mountains in the Tabuk region are one of the coldest peaks, receiving heavy snow in the winter season. Tabuk's snow-covered mountains become an ideal skiing spot where kids enjoy skiing and snow sledding. Tabuk's towering mountains receive snowfall every year during the winter season. With more than 15 mountains in the region, Jebal Al-Lawz is the tallest one, 2,549 m above sea level. This mountain is also known as 'the Mountains of Almonds' and is located near the Jordanian border.

Travelers can reach Tabuk province from Madinah via road in 7 hours or by booking a flight. In winter, Tabuk offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, camping, skiing, picnics, and much more. Visitors can also learn about the different plants and animal species of the region. Tabuk, being a winter destination, is the home to many restaurants and hotels, allowing tourists to enjoy local dishes for a memorable experience.

2. Abha: The Capital of Aseer Province

Abha, the 'City of Fog,' is a picturesque landscape surrounded by lush greenery and mist-covered mountains. Abha offers a unique charm that is enhanced by its pleasant weather climate in winter, making it one of the top winter destinations. Aseer is famous for its tall mountain peaks, cold weather, and lush greenery. If you are in Saudi Arabia to enjoy the winter season, Abha is a must-visit place to experience the pleasant weather and snowfall. The entire town is blanketed with snow in the winter season, drawing tourists' attention across the country.

Tourists can also visit Aseer National Park, home to over 300 bird species. If you are a nature lover and an adventurer, Aseer is the perfect destination for you, with its stunning trails and hiking treks that will leave you in awe. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey and explore the breathtaking beauty of this region.

3. Rawdat Khuraim: A Serene Oasis

Escape the mundane city life and discover the tranquility and serenity of Rawdat Khuraim, the outskirts of Riyadh. It is one of the perfect winter destinations that allows its visitors to fully immerse themselves in the beautiful landscape with its lush palm trees, stunning lakes, and serene walking trails. Most visitors in Saudi Arabia are not aware of this hidden gem; just a 1.5-hour drive from Riyadh, this breathtaking sojourn is an access location for the winter freaks. Rawdat Khuraim is also known as 'the King Abdul Aziz Forest' as he owns a private farm here to spend time in the spring season.

As winter approaches, Rawdat Khuraim blooms with unique flowers unseen in other parts of the country. Visitors can see various rare animals, plants, and other local vegetation that are hard to find in other parts of the country. Spring is the ideal time to visit the oasis, where a desert turns into a lush green carpet, an aura of forest, chirping of birds, and stunning mountain views.

4. Al Bujairi Heritage Park

Nestled in the heart of Riyadh lies a breathtaking park, a cultural oasis that comes to life in the winter season. The beautiful park boasts traditional architectural style, ancient walls, and lush green lawns, highlighting the culture and tradition of the Kingdom. Tourists can enjoy various outdoor activities, from children's rides to markets and roadside food stalls. The park is also famous for hosting various workshops, light shows, night markets, and many more. Spanning 60,000 square meters with various jogging tracks, cycling tracks, and green carpeted lawns, Al Bujairi Heritage Park in Riyadh is a wonderful destination to unwind with family and friends.

5. Edge of the World

It's a place for adventure buffs. If you are seeking a trail that leads you to the end of the world, then Edge of the World is a must-visit destination. The edge of the world is 90 Km from Riyadh; the Tuwaiq mountain range is a rugged, narrow-elevated mountain that stretches 800 Km from Jordan to Saudi Arabia's central region and cuts through the plateau of Najd. Among the diverse mountain ranges, Jibal Fihrayn is the tallest one, which is also known as the 'Edge of the World.' The mountain was formed due to the natural weather changes, forming different rock layers that have been shaped into a mountain.

6. Thumama Desert - Winter Camp Retreat

Embrace the tranquillity of the Thumama desert in winter. While the deserts become extremely hot during summers, they come to life during winters, offering a retreat to the eyes with stunning desert landscapes and lush valleys covered in white snow. Tourists seeking to discover what deserts look like in winter take advantage of the cold weather. Many tourists prefer to spend a night in the desert gazing at stars in the vast sky, witnessing mesmerizing sunsets and sunrises, and participating in desert activities like dune bashing and camel riding. When you are in Riyadh in the winter season, don't forget to explore the Al-Thumama desert.

Final Thoughts

Saudi Arabia is lesser known as a winter destination due to its vast deserts. Saudi Arabia has a lot to offer with its extensive deserts and rugged mountainscapes. From the snow-covered mountains of Tabuk to the stunning beauty of Rawdat Khuraim and the adrenaline thrill escapades at the Edge of the World, these are some of the top destinations that tourists can visit in winter. As you plan your Umrah pilgrimage in winter, consider adding these popular winter stations to your itinerary.