Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia

About Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia's Riyadh and Jeddah are iconic cities that attract visitors with stunning views and modern architecture. In 2023, Saudi Arabia welcomed millions of visitors worldwide, including 1.5 million from India. Riyadh offers luxurious shopping malls and cultural landmarks like the Kingdom Centre Tower and Al Masmak Fortress. Jeddah is known for its beautiful Corniche, historic Al-Balad district, and the impressive King Fahd Fountain.

Indian citizens need a visa to visit Saudi Arabia. Required documents include a valid passport, completed application form, and passport photo. If you're travelling for work, an appointment booking confirmation and an invitation letter are required.

Here are some quick facts you should know about Saudi Arabia before you pack your bags:

Must Know Before You Travel to Saudi Arabia

A visit to Saudi Arabia is a journey to one of the world's most historic, exciting, and diverse regions. The variety of things to do, sights to see, and enjoyable experiences make it one of the most visited places on earth. However, before visiting Saudi Arabia from India, here's a handy list of things that you must know:

1. Visa Procedure

   You will require a visa, which will be processed in 3 to 5 working days. Also, secure travel insurance for medical emergencies, cancelled trips, and missing baggage.

2. Currency Information

   The Saudi Riyal (SAR) acts as the official currency of Saudi Arabia. When entering or leaving, you must declare any cash exceeding INR 1,34,0126 to Saudi Customs.

3. Common Visitor Concerns

   Follow local laws and pay attention to health advisories because Saudi Arabia is particularly strict about enforcing them.

4. The Climate and Weather of Saudi Arabia

   The temperature in Saudi Arabia can fluctuate significantly depending on the season, with cooler temperatures from November to February and peak summer temperatures reaching up to 45°C.

5. Network and Connectivity

   The excellent internet coverage in Saudi Arabia is thanks to the widespread availability of secure, free Wi-Fi in practically every public area, hotel, and restaurant.

6. Advance Bookings

   Pre-purchase entrance tickets for famous destinations such as AlUla, Diriyah, and the Red Sea Project to obtain favourable prices and skip lines at tourist attractions.

7. Popular Festivals and Events

   Saudi Arabia has exciting festivals and events. The recommended ones are the Riyadh Season in October, the Jeddah Season in June, and the AlUla Winter at Tantora Festival in December.

Best Months to Visit Top Saudi Arabia Cities

Saudi Arabia is a year-round destination with vibrant cultural events, lush greenery, and modern attractions. Here are the best times to visit Saudi Arabia from India, highlighting key cities, events and activities:

High Season for Saudi Arabia

Between October and February, Saudi Arabia offers visitors the best climate conditions to visit, especially during the cool months of November to February. It is the perfect moment for honeymoons, your family adventures, and checking out the local festival scene, with temperatures at this time of the year between 19°C and 29°C in coastal areas popular with tourists.

For those not accustomed to the heat, it is best not to visit Saudi Arabia during the peak summer months of June to August, when temperatures can soar to uncomfortable levels.

Saudi Arabia has a notably significant increase in visitors during March, the Saudi Arabia National Day in September, and the celebrations at Eid, which brighten Riyadh with a stunning celebratory atmosphere. Another important event that pulls visitors from India is Shaandaar Saudi.

For couples, Saudi Arabia offers desert landscapes, lovely resorts, and attractive dhow tours during their honeymoons, anniversaries, or other special occasions.

Best Time to Visit Saudi Arabia for Budget Travellers

The low season in Saudi Arabia starts in April and lasts until September, when the usually large tourist crowds decrease, and prices for flights and accommodations fall. In the off-season, marked by warmer weather and a downturn in tourism, huge savings on hotels, attractions, and flights present an excellent opportunity for budget-minded travellers.

Travellers on a budget will find that Saudi Arabia has many free or inexpensive experiences. Some recommended ones include visiting Al Masjid and Nabawi, exploring Al-Balad, and hiking at the Edge of the World.

Money-Saving Tips:

Here are some tips to help you make the most of your Saudi Arabia trip without overspending:

• Public Transport: Use Saudi Arabia's efficient public transport system for affordable transportation. The bus network operated by the Saudi Public Transport Company (SAPTCO), in particular, is extensive and covers most of the major cities and towns.
• Free attractions: You can visit the beautiful Khobar Corniche in Jeddah and the Al-Masmak Fortress in Riyadh.
• Visit museums: The National Museum in Riyadh has special free admission days or discounts for students and groups.
• Book Early Flights: Booking your flight early, around 60-90 days in advance, can help secure lower fares.

When visiting Saudi Arabia, always purchase travel insurance, even if you are a budget traveller. It provides coverage for medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost baggage, and more, ensuring unexpected costs don't derail your budget. Always compare travel insurance policies online to find the best coverage for your Saudi Arabian adventure at an affordable premium.