- Coldest city: Turaif (record low around –12°C)
- Coolest year-round: Abha & Al-Sooda (high-altitude Sarawat range)
- Snowfall hotspots: Tabuk (most reliable), Rafha; occasional snow in Turaif
- Best months to visit: December – February (peak winter)
- Notable altitudes: Abha ≈ 2,270 m; Al-Sooda ≈ 3,000 m
- Typical winter lows: North (Turaif/Sakaka/Rafha) sub-zero; Riyadh ~0–5°C on cold nights
- What to pack: insulated jacket, gloves, waterproof shoes; carry chains/4×4 for Tabuk snow trips
- Nearest airports: Abha (AHB), Tabuk (TUU), Arar (RAE), Hail (HAS), Rafha (RAH)
Saudi Arabia is often seen as a land of scorching deserts and endless heat. But beyond the dunes, the Kingdom hides some of the coldest and most scenic places in the Middle East. From snow-covered mountains in Tabuk to freezing nights in Turaif, winter in Saudi Arabia surprises both locals and expats.
Whether you’re a traveler chasing snow or simply looking for a cooler getaway from the desert heat, these cities offer a winter experience you wouldn’t expect in the Kingdom.
1) Turaif – Coldest City in Saudi Arabia
Located near the Jordanian border, Turaif is the coldest place in the Kingdom.
- Lowest Recorded Temperature: –12°C
- Climate: Freezing winters, occasional snowfall.
- Why Visit? For those who want to see the harshest winter in Arabia.
2) Sakaka – Capital of Al Jawf
In the north of Saudi Arabia, Sakaka offers cold, windy winters.
- Known for its heritage sites and winter farming lands.
- Temperatures regularly dip close to zero.
3) Abha – The Summer Escape That’s Cool in Winter Too
Set at an altitude of 2,270 meters in the Sarawat Mountains, Abha stays cool year-round.
- Winter Temperature: Drops below 5°C at night.
- Highlights: Al-Sooda Park, mountain forests, cable cars.
- Why Visit? Best mix of cool climate + tourism attractions.
4) Al-Sooda – Coldest Mountain Retreat
Just 30 minutes from Abha Airport, Al-Sooda sits at 3,000 meters above sea level.
- Covered in lush forests of juniper and Araar trees.
- Famous for the cable car ride to Tahama village.
5) Rafha – Snowfall Near Iraq Border
Located in the north, Rafha is one of the few Saudi cities that regularly sees snowfall.
- Winter Temperature: Close to 0°C with heavy snow in some years.
- Why Visit? To enjoy a real snowy landscape without leaving Saudi Arabia.
6) Tabuk – Saudi Arabia’s Snow Capital
Known for its regular snowfall, Tabuk is a favorite for tourists and photographers.
- Lowest Recorded Temperature: –4°C
- Highlight: Snow-covered desert views.
- Best Time: January & February.
7) Riyadh – Cold Nights in the Desert
Surprisingly, the capital also experiences freezing nights in winter.
- Winter Low: Around 0°C on some nights.
- Why Visit? The contrast of modern skyscrapers with chilly desert nights.
8) Arar – Plateau Winters
Located on a limestone plateau near Iraq’s border, Arar has mild snowfall.
- Known for its camel and sheep grazing lands.
- Cool winters but rarely sub-zero.
9) Hail – High-Altitude Cold
At 950 meters above sea level, Hail is known for its agriculture and chilly winters.
- Temperature: Can drop to –10°C.
- Famous for its dates and historic forts.
Coldest Places by Category
- Coldest City Overall: Turaif
- Most Snowfall: Tabuk
- Coolest Year-round City: Abha & Al-Sooda
- Unexpectedly Cold: Riyadh
FAQs about the Coldest Places in Saudi Arabia
A: Turaif, near the Jordan border, is the coldest with record lows of –12°C.
A: Abha and Al-Sooda, due to their high altitude, stay cool even in summer.
A: Tabuk is the most famous, but Rafha and Turaif also get snow.
A: December to February is the peak winter season.
A: Yes, mainly in Tabuk during January–February.
Conclusion
Saudi Arabia isn’t just dunes and heat—its northern plateaus and high-altitude towns deliver real winter. From the sub-zero nights of Turaif to snow-tipped scenes around Tabuk, and the cool mountain air of Abha/Al-Sooda, the Kingdom offers plenty of chilly escapes.
If you’re planning a trip, brush up on local basics like how to buy a SIM card in Saudi Arabia and make sure your address details are set via the National Address Locator.
For a broader context on where you’ll be headed, see our list of major cities in Saudi Arabia. If your route passes through the holy cities, check timings and fares in our Haramain High-Speed Train guide.
DISCLAIMER: This blog post is intended solely for informational purposes. While we strive to ensure the information provided is accurate, up-to-date, and well-sourced, we cannot guarantee its completeness or absolute accuracy. All images, videos, and logos featured on this page are the property of their respective owners. We make every effort to provide proper credit and references. If you are the rightful owner and would like your image, video, or logo removed, please contact us.
I’m Soha Owais, a law graduate with an LLB (Hons), blending my legal background with a passion for storytelling. As an author and writer at Saudiscoop.com, I craft engaging narratives that connect with both local and international audiences, bringing a fresh and informed perspective to the stories that matter.
