Saudi Arabia in December 2025: Ultimate Winter Travel Guide & Top Experiences

One of the most thrilling months to travel to the Middle East is December. This Saudi Arabia Travel Guide can assist you in getting ready for a vacation that will never be forgotten. You will discover that the winter season offers festivals, cool weather, dune excursions, and cultural events if you are looking at the area from a travelers point of view. If you want to compare seasonal experiences, Saudi Arabia in December is a popular month to visit Saudi. This is because of the holiday mood of Christmas and the New Year.

Why Go to Saudi Arabia in December 2025?

You can enjoy the best of both worlds when you visit in December 2025: the excitement of encountering new things happening around the country and the warmth of mild winter weather. Many of the significant cultural and entertainment projects associated with Saudi Arabia Vision 2030 strategy will be completed by this point. As a result, there will be more events, new resorts, and improved infrastructure. Winter is the best time of year to explore the outdoors, whether you’re traveling through the desert, hiking in the mountains, or taking a vacation along the coast. Additionally, both locals and visitors embrace the festive spirit during this time, making your trip unforgettable.

Weather in Saudi Arabia During December

• The weather in December is great for travel.
• The average temperature in Riyadh ranges between 12 and 23 degrees Celsius.
• The weather is also colder in Jeddah and Dammam, two seaside cities. The temperature fluctuates between 18 and 28 degrees Celsius.
• During the day, temperatures in the northern areas, such as Tabuk and Turaif, range from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius. It can be as low as five degrees Celsius at night.
• Temperatures are lower in the highland areas of Taif and Abha. The average temperature range is 10 to 22 degrees Celsius.
• December gets slightly more rainfall than the other months. There is about 20 mm of precipitation on average.

Top Destinations to Visit in Winter

These are a few of the noteworthy locations you should think about visiting in December.

1.  Riyadh – The capital, Riyadh, is a futuristic city. You can explore traditional souks and arrange trips through the desert.
2.  Jeddah – There are diving locations, seafront promenades, and historic old town quarters.
3.  Al-Ula – Visit Al-Ula to take in the sandstone cliffs. You can enjoy the winter at the Tantora Festival or take balloon rides. You can also go to Hegra to see the rock-cut tombs that are more than two thousand years old.
4. Taif – Taif is a popular hill station featuring cable car rides, zip-lining, cold mountain air, and rose fields.
5. The Red Sea Project and NEOM – For futuristic eco-resorts.

Best Things to Do in Saudi Arabia in December

These are some essential activities that you should schedule.

1.  Take a stroll along the Jeddah waterfront.
2.  Take a hot air balloon ride in Al-Ula.
3.  Go on a hike in the Asir Mountains.
4.  Snorkel or dive the Red Sea coral reefs in the Saudi Red Sea Project area.
5. Have some Arabic coffee.
6. Attend a concert during the Riyadh Season.
7. Tour the Al-Balad UNESCO sites.
8. Book a stargazing and dune-bashing trip in the red-sand desert of Riyadh.
9. Take a Red Sea cruise.
10. Take pleasure in riding hot air balloons over Al-Ula.
11. Wander the souks in Riyadh.
12. Stay in a hotel made of mud bricks.
13. Head to Habala Village in Abha.

Festivals and Events in Saudi Arabia in December 2025

The main festivals that you should attend in Saudi in December are listed here, showcasing the Top Festivals in Saudi Arabia.

1) Winter at Tantora

    ➔  18 December 2025 to 10 January 2026

Amidst the striking rock vistas of Al-Ula, you can go to Winter at Tantora, an iconic event. It features concerts, art installations, cultural acts, and desert excursions.

2) Riyadh Season

    ➔  10 October 2025 to March 2026

During the Riyadh Season in Saudi in November, you can travel to Saudi Arabia. This season features live events, dining zones, exhibitions, and shows.

3) PFL MENA Finals 2025

    ➔  5 December 2025

The Dhahran Expo will host a fast-paced mixed martial arts event with championship titles in many MENA divisions.

4) Riyadh Season WBC Boxing Grand Prix Finals

  ➔  20 December 2025

World-class boxing matches are featured in the grand finale of a boxing tournament. It is held under the WBC banner.

5) Soundstorm 2025

    ➔  11 December to 13 December 2025

As part of the larger cultural movement, the multi-genre event in Riyadh showcases well-known worldwide performers.

6) New Year Eve –

  ➔ 31 December 2025

Towards the end of the month, many international visitors join locals and expats to celebrate the New Year in Saudi Arabia.

What to Pack for Winter Travel in Saudi Arabia

Pack smart to keep yourself comfortable and prepared.

➔  Clothing

• A fleece jacket
• Long-sleeve tops
• A light sweater
• Comfortable pants
• Scarf or shawl
• Comfortable walking or hiking shoes
• Sun hat, sunglasses

➔ Essentials

• Sunscreen
• Lip balm and moisturizer
• Reusable water bottle
• Universal power adapter
• Backpack
• Travel insurance documents
• Copies of your passport and visa

➔ Miscellaneous

• Binoculars
• Camera and tripod
• A compact flashlight or headlamp
• Basic first-aid kit
• Guidebook or offline maps

Winter Travel Tips for Tourists

• Make reservations in advance because lodging in locations like Al-Ula or desert camps fills up fast around holidays and festivals.
• Carry cash when you are visiting traditional markets.
•  Use of ride-hailing apps such as Uber or Careem.
• Go to well-known locations early in the day to avoid crowds.
• Friday is a weekend day in Saudi Arabia. Many stores and attractions can close at noon or have reduced hours.
• Wear modest clothing.
• Refrain from showing affection in public.
• Respect regional traditions.
• Bring water because the weather might be dry even in the winter.
•  Assure that you are accompanied by a reliable guide if you are going into the dunes.
•  Check forecasts and plan accordingly.

Top Outdoor Adventures to Try This Winter

Traveling in Saudi Arabia is all about adventure. Give these exhilarating adventures a try.

• Dune bashing in the Red Sand Desert near Riyadh.
• Hiking in Asir National Park.
• Hot air ballooning in Al-Ula.
• Scuba diving in the Red Sea.
• Paragliding above the Taif mountains.
• Desert camping.
• Stargazing trips.
• Quad biking.
• Sandboarding.

Many tourists also compare places like Salalah in December if they are interested in the winter weather in neighboring areas. The region is renowned for its temperate climate and verdant mountains.

Cultural Etiquette and Local Customs

Saudi Arabia extends a warm welcome to visitors. Additionally, you get a better experience when you appreciate local customs.

• Wear modest clothing. Abayas are no longer necessary for women. However, modest clothing is valued. In public areas, both men and women should cover their knees and shoulders.
• Steer clear of loud public demonstrations of affection.
• It is forbidden to consume alcohol.
• Get consent before taking pictures of anybody, especially ladies.
• Honor cultural customs and prayer times.
• Salam Alaikum and other Arabic salutations are valued.
• It is considered polite to accept Arabic coffee or dates from the hosts.
• A lot of businesses close around noon on Fridays. It is beneficial to schedule prayer times.

Travel Restrictions and Visa Requirements

This is all you should know about entry and travel arrangements in Saudi Arabia in December 2025. Saudi Arabia has made it easier for tourists to enter.

1. The majority of travelers, including GCC expatriates, can apply online for an e-tourist visa. Verify your eligibility well in advance. If you are from the United States, the United Kingdom, or the European Union, you get a visa on arrival.
2. A one-year tourist visa that permits several entries. Each stay is permitted for a maximum of ninety days. Verify the terms of admission and the validity of your visa.
3. You need to have current health insurance.
4. Visit the official website for the most recent information.

Family-Friendly Activities in the Winter Season

 Saudi in Winter is perfect for kids. You can take advantage of these choices in December.

1. You can go to the theme parks in Jeddah and Riyadh. Rides, performances, indoor play areas, and winter-themed events are all available to families.
2. Visits to nature parks or safaris.
3. Children can go on desert safaris, discover camel culture, or explore forts.
4. Winter festivities with live performances, VR areas, and rides.
5. Marine life experiences on the Red Sea coast.
6. Kid-friendly science exploration centres and museums.

Romantic Getaways and Desert Experiences

December is a great month to travel as a couple.

1. Book a luxurious Al-Ula desert retreat.
2. Savor a meal in the dunes while stargazing in private.
3. Take a desert camel ride.
4. Go on a Red Sea sunset yacht cruise.
5. Treat yourself to a spa treatment at a posh hotel near the Red Sea.
6. Enjoy a romantic meal beneath palm trees, lighted by lanterns.
7.  Stay in a boutique lodge in Taif or Asir.

Concluding Remarks – Why December Is the Ideal Month to Travel to Saudi Arabia

If you plan to travel past December, keep in mind that Saudi in January offers plenty of adventure activities.

FAQs

Deepali Karande