Best Weekend Getaways From Riyadh This Summer

Oct 17, 2026

Share this article

Best Weekend Getaways From Riyadh This Summer

Riyadh summers are no joke — daytime temperatures regularly push past 45°C, and the smartest move most weekends is simply to leave town. The good news? From the capital you can be breathing cool mountain air, standing beside the Red Sea, or walking among 2,000-year-old tombs within a few hours. Here are the best weekend getaways from Riyadh this summer, with real costs, drive times and the timings that keep you out of the worst of the heat.

We've grouped them by what makes each one work in summer: high-altitude mountain escapes where the air actually cools down, a Red Sea coastal break where you swap dry heat for water, heritage road trips best visited around dawn and dusk, and quick getaways within easy reach of the city.

Cool mountain escapes (worth the longer drive or flight)

If your main goal is to escape the heat, head for the southwest highlands. The trick here is altitude — these destinations sit high enough that even in peak summer you'll find genuinely pleasant air, greenery and misty mornings instead of furnace-like afternoons. All three feature in the Saudi Summer 2026 programme, which means extra events and seasonal activities through the hotter months.

Abha and Aseer

Abha is the classic Saudi summer escape, and for good reason. Perched high in the Aseer mountains, it stays noticeably cooler than the central plateau, with cloud-draped peaks, cable cars, parks and a strong cultural scene. Fly from King Khalid International Airport for the quickest trip, or make it a longer road journey. Expect nature trails, viewpoints over the escarpment and a lively seasonal events programme.

Taif

Famous for its roses and mountain scenery, Taif is a popular summer bolt-hole that sits higher and cooler than the lowlands, with scenic drives, orchards and family attractions. Taif is part of the Saudi Summer 2026 programme, so expect seasonal activities and a busier events calendar during the hot months — ideal for a Thursday-to-Saturday break.

Al-Baha

Less crowded than Abha or Taif, Al-Baha rewards those willing to go a little further with forests, mountain landscapes and a slower pace. It suits a longer weekend spent wandering trails, visiting old stone villages and enjoying the cooler air. Al-Baha is also included in the Saudi Summer 2026 programme.

Red Sea and coast: head to Jeddah

Jeddah won't be cooler than Riyadh, but it offers something the capital simply can't — the Red Sea. When the dry heat gets too much, swapping it for warm water changes the whole feel of a weekend. Options range from strolling historic Al-Balad and the Corniche to waterfront dining, sailing, snorkelling and world-class diving. Summer sea temperatures sit around 30°C, so the water is warm and inviting.

Red Sea excursions — snorkelling, diving and boat trips typically cost around SAR 260–675 depending on the operator and duration.
Al-Balad — explore the historic district in the late afternoon and evening, once it cools down.
The Corniche — best enjoyed after sunset for walks and seaside dining.

Fly into King Abdulaziz International Airport and base yourself near the coast to make the most of a short weekend.

Heritage and history road trips

AlUla and Hegra

AlUla is Saudi Arabia's showpiece heritage destination, home to the Nabataean tombs of Hegra. Guided Hegra tours typically start at around SAR 95, while hop-on hop-off tours start at around SAR 150. The iconic Elephant Rock has no admission fee. Summer daytime heat here is severe, so book official experiences and visit early in the morning or after sunset — the cooler hours are when AlUla really comes into its own. Fly in for the easiest trip, as it's a long haul by road.

Ushaiqer and Al-Ghat heritage villages

For a closer heritage fix, the restored mud-brick village of Ushaiqer sits about 200 km northwest of Riyadh — roughly 2 to 2.5 hours by road. Daytime summer temperatures can exceed 45°C, so skip the midday sun and plan an early or late visit. Pair it with Al-Ghat, about 230 km from Riyadh (around 2.5 to 3 hours), and you have a natural two-day heritage trip combining old towns, narrow alleys and traditional architecture.

Close to home: day-trip getaways from Riyadh

Short on time? These don't even require a flight — perfect for a quick summer escape, provided you time them around the heat.

Diriyah and At-Turaif

At-Turaif, the UNESCO-listed birthplace of the first Saudi state, is only about 20 km from central Riyadh. Admission is typically around SAR 75–110, depending on the experience. In summer, visit in the late afternoon or evening, when the mud-brick quarter and its restaurants come alive and the temperature finally eases. For more things to do around the capital, browse the Saudi Living events listings.

Edge of the World

One of Riyadh's most spectacular natural sights, the Edge of the World sits about 90 km northwest of the city, where the Tuwaiq escarpment drops dramatically to the plain below. A 4x4 is required for the final unpaved section, so most visitors join a guided trip, typically costing around SAR 500–800 Go at sunrise or sunset in summer and bring more water than you think you'll need.

Red Sand Dunes

Just about 60 km north of Riyadh on the Thumamah road, the Red Sand Dunes are a fast desert fix. Quad-bike rentals typically run around SAR 100–200 and deep-desert driving needs a proper 4x4. In summer this is strictly an early-morning or after-sunset activity.

Qiddiya City

Southwest of Riyadh, Qiddiya is the Kingdom's emerging entertainment hub, home to Six Flags Qiddiya City and the Aquarabia water park — the latter especially appealing when the mercury soars, since water is exactly what a Riyadh summer calls for. Ticket prices and opening hours vary by attraction, so check the current details for whichever park you're visiting before you go, and aim to beat the crowds.

Beat the heat: smart summer planning tips

Time it right — schedule any outdoor activity before 09:00 or after 18:00, and save indoor attractions for the hottest hours.
Hydrate and cover up — carry more water than you think you need, and wear light clothing and sunscreen.
Book experiences in advance — especially guided Edge of the World trips, Hegra tours and Red Sea excursions, which fill up fast on weekends.
Consider flying for the far ones — AlUla, Abha and Jeddah are far easier as flights from King Khalid International Airport than long summer drives.
Riyadh's own indoor gems — if you're staying in town, the National Museum (typically around SAR 20–55) and Al-Masmak Fortress (free) are cool, air-conditioned ways to spend a hot afternoon.

Ready to plan your escape? Browse more things to do across the Kingdom in the Saudi Living events listings.

FAQs

What is the best weekend getaway from Riyadh in summer?

For beating the heat, the Aseer highlands around Abha are the top choice thanks to their cool mountain climate. For something closer, Diriyah in the evening or an early-morning trip to the Edge of the World both make excellent short escapes.

Where can I go to escape the heat near Riyadh?

Abha, Taif and Al-Baha in the southwest offer genuinely cooler mountain air, thanks to their altitude. Closer to home, indoor destinations like Qiddiya's Aquarabia water park and Riyadh's museums are good heat-beating options.

How much does a trip to the Edge of the World cost?

Guided trips to the Edge of the World typically cost around SAR 500–800 usually including transport in a 4x4, which is essential for the final unpaved stretch roughly 90 km northwest of Riyadh.

Is it worth visiting AlUla in summer?

Yes, but plan around the heat. Daytime temperatures are severe, so book official Hegra tours (from around SAR 95) and visit early in the morning or after sunset. Flying in is far easier than driving.

Can I do a weekend trip from Riyadh without flying?

Absolutely. Diriyah (about 20 km), the Red Sand Dunes (about 60 km), the Edge of the World (about 90 km) and the Ushaiqer–Al-Ghat heritage route (about 200–230 km) are all reachable by road for a day or weekend trip.

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates: