WHEN TO TRAVEL to Saudi Arabia

Choosing the right time to travel to Saudi Arabia can make all the difference. It is important to consider weather elements, seasonal events, and peak tourist times to maximize your travel experience.

Photo d'un paysage localisé en Arabie Saoudite

A visa is required to travel to Saudi Arabia. But it is possible with Visamundi to obtain an electronic visa to go there.

Location

Climate

January 8.5→21.4°C
0.16mm
6:42→17:35
February 10.3→23.9°C
0.23mm
6:31→17:55
March 14.5→28.4°C
0.31mm
6:06→18:10
April 18.8→32.6°C
0.78mm
5:37→18:22
May 23.5→37.6°C
0.14mm
5:16→18:36
June 25.8→40.4°C
0mm
5:11→18:49
July 27.4→41.5°C
0.02mm
5:20→18:49
August 26.9→41.1°C
0mm
5:34→18:32
September 24.1→38.4°C
0mm
5:45→18:04
October 19.3→33.1°C
0.06mm
5:56→17:34
November 14.2→26.3°C
0.35mm
6:13→17:16
December 9.5→21.9°C
0.17mm
6:33→17:17
8.5→21.4°C
10.3→23.9°C
14.5→28.4°C
18.8→32.6°C
23.5→37.6°C
25.8→40.4°C
27.4→41.5°C
26.9→41.1°C
24.1→38.4°C
19.3→33.1°C
14.2→26.3°C
9.5→21.9°C
Jan 6:42→17:35
Feb 6:31→17:55
Mar 6:06→18:10
Apr 5:37→18:22
May 5:16→18:36
Jun 5:11→18:49
Jul 5:20→18:49
Aug 5:34→18:32
Sep 5:45→18:04
Oct 5:56→17:34
Nov 6:13→17:16
Dec 6:33→17:17
0.16mm
0.23mm
0.31mm
0.78mm
0.14mm
0mm
0.02mm
0mm
0mm
0.06mm
0.35mm
0.17mm

Understanding the Seasons in Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has two main seasons: the hot season and the cool season. The hot season generally runs from April to September, while the cool season runs from October to March. Here are more details about each of these seasons:

The hot season

The hot season in Saudi Arabia is marked by extremely high temperatures, reaching 50 degrees Celsius in some areas. Weather conditions are particularly harsh during this period, with very little rainfall and very low humidity. It is advisable to avoid traveling to Saudi Arabia during the hot season if you are not used to such weather conditions.

The cool season

The cool season in Saudi Arabia is much more pleasant, with temperatures ranging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Rainfall is also more frequent during this time, although it is still relatively rare. The cool season is generally considered the best time to visit Saudi Arabia, as the weather conditions are milder and allow you to fully enjoy the country's various attractions.

Major cultural events and public holidays

Saudi Arabia is a country rich in traditions and cultural celebrations. Here are some of the major cultural events and holidays to consider when planning your trip:
  1. Ramadan: The holy month of fasting for Muslims occurs around April and May each year. During this time, it can be difficult to find restaurants open during the day and the opening hours of attractions can be changed. However, in the evening, cities come alive with night markets and festivities.
  2. Eid al-Fitr: This holiday marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated for three days. Festivities include communal prayers, family meals and giving gifts to children. Transport and accommodation may be harder to book during this time due to high demand.
  3. The Hajj pilgrimage: Every year, millions of Muslims perform the pilgrimage to Mecca, usually between July and August. If you are planning to visit Saudi Arabia during this time, it is essential to be aware of the travel restrictions that apply to non-pilgrims and to book your accommodation and transport well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
  4. Eid al-Adha: This religious holiday commemorates the sacrifice of Abraham and occurs approximately two months after the end of Ramadan. Festivities include communal prayers, family meals, and animal sacrifices. As with Eid al-Fitr, it may be more difficult to find available transportation and accommodation during this time.

Low and high tourist season periods

In addition to seasons and cultural events, it is important to consider low and high tourist seasons when planning your trip to Saudi Arabia. Here is an overview of these periods:

Low season

The low tourist season in Saudi Arabia is usually the hot season, which is from April to September. During this period, high temperatures and arid climate discourage many visitors. However, if you are prepared to brave the heat, you will be able to benefit from generally lower accommodation and transport rates and less frequented tourist sites.

Mid season

The mid-season is around February, March, October and November. Temperatures are more pleasant and rainfall is slightly more frequent than in the low season. This is an ideal time to visit Saudi Arabia without the crowds and high prices of the high season, while still enjoying mild weather conditions.

High season

The peak tourist season in Saudi Arabia runs from December to January, during the cool season. The pleasant temperatures attract a large number of visitors, which can lead to an increase in accommodation and transportation prices. However, if you plan your trip in advance and book your accommodation and transportation accordingly, you can take full advantage of this ideal time to discover Saudi Arabia.

Insurance

Your credit card does not cover you in all situations, that is whyIt is essential to take out insurance before you leave to avoid any unpleasant surprises. If you need to see a doctor or be hospitalized, in some countries, medical costs are very high and you will then find yourself having to pay several thousand euros.

Our partner Chapka Insurance proposes the contract CAP ASSISTANCE 24/24 with many essential guarantees.

Flights

Your flight has been cancelled or delayed ?
You may be eligible for a compensation of up to €600 ! For this, lawyers are responsible for handling your claim with the airline and are only paid when the reimbursement is effective.

In conclusion, no financial risk for you, only advantages!

Most requested visas in Saudi Arabia

The most commonly requested visas in Saudi Arabia include work visas, family visit visas, pilgrimage visas to perform Hajj or Umrah, and tourist visas. Each of these visas has its own characteristics and requirements, but all are aimed at encouraging cultural and economic exchange with the rest of the world.

Work visas

As one of the leading economic powers in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia attracts many foreign workers. In 2019, the country had approximately 10.5 million expatriates working in various sectors such as oil, construction, health, and education. Employees are often recruited by Saudi companies that provide them with an employment contract and take care of the necessary steps to obtain a visa.

Family visit visas

With an increasing number of expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia, applications for family visit visas have also increased. These visas allow foreign nationals to visit their family residing in the kingdom for a specified period. Applicants must provide proof of relationship with the inviting person (e.g. marriage or birth certificate) and an invitation letter from their Saudi sponsor.

Pilgrimage visas

Saudi Arabia is the birthplace of Islam and home to the religion's two holiest sites: Mecca and Medina. Every year, millions of Muslims from around the world travel to the country to perform the Hajj or Umrah. To facilitate these trips, the Saudi government issues special visas to pilgrims, which are valid for a limited period of time and can only be used for religious rituals.

Tourist visas

In 2019, Saudi Arabia launched its tourist visa program, allowing nationals of 49 countries to enter the kingdom for short-term stays. The program aims to promote international tourism and diversify the Saudi economy. Since its introduction, the program has seen considerable success with nearly 400,000 visas issued in just four months.

Saudi Arabia International Tourism Figures

The Saudi government has implemented various initiatives to attract more international tourists and increase the share of tourism in the country's gross domestic product (GDP). These initiatives include easing visa restrictions, promoting cultural and sporting events, and developing tourism infrastructure such as hotels and theme parks.