Best Weekend Getaways From Riyadh This Summer

Last updated: June 2025

Want to beat the Riyadh summer without a long-haul flight? The short answer: head for the mountains. The best weekend getaways from Riyadh this summer are the cooler highland towns of Taif, Abha and Al-Baha in the southwest, with Jeddah as a reliable air-conditioned city break and AlUla for travellers who plan carefully around the heat. Here's how to reach each one, what to expect, and roughly what you'll spend — so you can book your weekend with confidence.

Where to escape the Riyadh heat this weekend

Riyadh summers are long and dry, so the smartest weekend trips either climb for altitude — the Asir and Hijaz mountains run several degrees cooler — or lean into indoor comfort. A weekend from Thursday evening to Saturday is enough for any of these, and domestic flights on Saudia and flynas make the far southwest an easy hop from King Khalid International Airport.

Whichever you choose, book flights and key attractions early. Summer weekends and school holidays fill up fast.

Taif — the cool mountain classic

Taif is the go-to summer retreat for Riyadh residents, perched high in the Hijaz mountains where evenings turn genuinely pleasant. It's roughly a 2-hour flight, or a long 7–9 hour drive, so most weekenders fly in and rent a car on arrival. The city is famous for its rose farms, fruit orchards and the cable car up the escarpment.

What to do and what it costs

• Taif Safari Park — open daily from 4:00pm to 2:00am, which suits the summer rhythm of heading out once the heat eases. Ticket options are typically around SAR 15 to SAR 60 depending on the activity. Hours can change, so confirm before you go.
• Rose farms — the famous Taif rose harvest peaks in spring, so summer isn't peak season, but the farms and distilleries operate year-round and make a pleasant, fragrant stop.
• The cable car and Al-Hada — dramatic mountain views and cooler air as you climb the escarpment road.

Abha and Asir — the Kingdom's green highlands

For the coolest, greenest escape in the country, Abha in the Asir region is hard to beat. Summer brings mist, mild temperatures and genuinely lush mountain scenery — a world away from the Riyadh plateau. It's a short flight from Riyadh, making it a very doable weekend.

Highlights include Asir National Park, the heritage village of Rijal Almaa with its painted stone houses, and the cable cars that drop toward the Tihama lowlands. Evenings on the mountain cornices are cool enough for a jacket. Prices and hours vary by venue, so confirm directly with each attraction or the official Visit Saudi channel before you travel.

Al-Baha — underrated mountain calm

Between Taif and Abha sits Al-Baha, a quieter mountain region of forests, terraced villages and cool summer air that many Riyadh residents overlook. If you want the highland climate without the busiest crowds, this is a strong pick for a relaxed weekend of scenic drives and short walks. As with Abha, prices and hours vary by venue, so confirm directly with each attraction before you set off.

Jeddah — the air-conditioned coastal city break

Jeddah is humid in summer, but it makes an excellent indoor-focused weekend if the mountains are booked out. A short flight from Riyadh gets you to a city built for a relaxed, air-conditioned break: wander Historic Jeddah (Al-Balad) in the cooler evening hours, stroll the waterfront corniche after sunset, and spend the hottest part of the day in the malls and restaurants. The Red Sea setting and the food scene are the real draw. Venue prices and timings vary, so check ahead for anything you want to lock in.

AlUla — stunning scenery, plan around the heat

AlUla delivers some of Saudi Arabia's most breathtaking landscapes — the tombs of Hegra, the natural landmark of Elephant Rock, and the lantern-lit lanes of AlUla Old Town. The honest caveat for summer: daytime temperatures can climb above 40°C, so this is a getaway for travellers happy to rise early and explore after sunset. Many experiences require advance booking, and admission fees and hours vary by site, so reserve through the official channels well before you arrive.

Staying in Riyadh — an easy indoor weekend

Not every weekend needs a flight. If you'd rather stay put, Riyadh's own indoor venues make a comfortable summer day out. Riyadh Front, near King Khalid International Airport, combines restaurants, retail and cinemas in one air-conditioned complex — an easy option when the heat outside is punishing. It's also worth watching the city's event calendar for indoor shows and seasonal programming. Browse what's on in our Saudi Living events listings before you plan your weekend.

How to plan a smart summer getaway

A few simple habits make all the difference in the Saudi summer:

• Time outdoor activities for after sunset or before midday — the middle of the day is for pools, malls and naps.
• Book flights early — Saudia and flynas southwest routes from King Khalid International Airport sell out on peak weekends.
• Confirm hours and reservations through each attraction's official page or the Visit Saudi booking channel before you travel, as times can change without notice.
• Pack a light jacket for the highlands — Abha, Al-Baha and Taif evenings get cool.
• Hydrate and plan a car — distances between sights can be large, especially around AlUla and Asir.

For more ideas on what's happening around the Kingdom, keep an eye on our events hub and our regularly updated Saudi Living guides.

FAQs

What is the coolest weekend getaway from Riyadh in summer?

Abha in the Asir region is typically the coolest, with misty, mild mountain weather. Taif and Al-Baha are also noticeably cooler than Riyadh thanks to their high altitude.

How long does it take to reach Taif from Riyadh?

Taif is about a 2-hour flight, or roughly a 7–9 hour drive by road. Most weekenders fly and rent a car on arrival.

Is AlUla a good idea in summer?

AlUla is spectacular but hot — daytime temperatures can exceed 40°C. It works best if you explore early morning and after sunset and book experiences in advance.

What does Taif Safari Park cost and when is it open?

It's open daily from 4:00pm to 2:00am, and ticket options are typically around SAR 15 to SAR 60 depending on the activity. Confirm current hours before visiting.

Can I enjoy a weekend without leaving Riyadh?

Yes. Indoor complexes like Riyadh Front offer dining, shopping and cinemas, and the city's seasonal events calendar keeps air-conditioned options open all summer.

Ready to book? Browse weekend stays, flights and things to do across Taif, Abha, Al-Baha, Jeddah and AlUla in our Saudi Living events and travel listings, and find more trip ideas in our Saudi Living guides.

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