In January 2026, Saudi Arabia offers cooler weather, packed event schedules, and comfortable travel conditions. Cities remain active with seasonal entertainment, while heritage destinations and outdoor sites are easier to explore during winter. From large-scale events in Riyadh to cultural programs in AlUla and relaxed coastal outings in Jeddah, January is one of the best months to visit the Kingdom.
Quick Facts
- Travel month: January 2026
- Average temperatures: 9°C to 22°C
- Top cities: Riyadh, Jeddah, AlUla
- Major highlights: Riyadh Season, Winter at Tantora, WWE Royal Rumble
- Suitable for: Sightseeing, festivals, outdoor trips
January Weather in Saudi Arabia
January is among the most comfortable months for travel across the country.
- Riyadh: Around 20°C during the day, dropping to about 8°C at night
- Jeddah: Coastal weather with daytime temperatures reaching 28°C
- AlUla: Mild days and cool evenings, ideal for walking and site visits
Lower temperatures allow visitors to explore cities, deserts, and historical areas without dealing with extreme heat.
Major Events and Festivals in January 2026
WWE Royal Rumble – January 31, 2026 (Riyadh)
The WWE Royal Rumble will be held at Kingdom Arena in Riyadh as part of the winter entertainment calendar. This marks the first Royal Rumble event hosted outside North America. Fans can expect men’s and women’s Royal Rumble matches, with winners advancing toward WrestleMania 42.
Winter at Tantora Festival – AlUla (Until January 10, 2026)
Winter at Tantora is a seasonal cultural festival held in AlUla, running from December 18, 2025, to January 10, 2026.
Festival Highlights
- Old Town Nights with evening performances
- Tantora Sundial tours explaining traditional farming methods
- Wall art walks through AlUla Old Town
- Balcony concerts in AlJadidah Arts District
- AlManshiyah Carnival with family activities and crafts
Several events are free to attend, while ticketed experiences start from SAR 35.
Riyadh Season Continues Through January
Riyadh Season, which began in October 2025, continues throughout January with entertainment zones spread across the city. Visitors can attend concerts, exhibitions, dining experiences, and family attractions.
For zone details and schedules, see Riyadh Season 2025 zone opening dates.
Riyadh Marathon Festival – January 28–31, 2026
The Riyadh Marathon Festival runs over four days and includes:
- 5 km race
- 10 km race
- Half-marathon (21 km)
- Full marathon (42 km)
Marathon Village hosts food stalls, music, and public activities during the event.
AlUla Arts Festival – From January 15, 2026
The AlUla Arts Festival showcases contemporary art installations placed across desert and heritage locations. Desert X AlUla 2026 features international artists presenting outdoor works inspired by the surrounding landscape.
Ithra Winter Season – Khobar (Until January 31, 2026)
Ithra Winter in Khobar includes programs related to:
- Arts
- Films
- Cultural heritage
- Design and architecture
The season offers activities suitable for families and cultural visitors.
Business and Trade Events in January 2026
Several industry exhibitions take place in Riyadh during January:
- IFAT Saudi Arabia (Jan 26–28): Water, waste, and environmental sectors
- Real Estate Future Forum (Jan 26–28): Property and development discussions
- Saudi Franchise Expo (Jan 26–28): Franchise and business networking
Best Places to Visit in January
Riyadh
Riyadh offers a mix of historical landmarks and modern attractions, including museums, old forts, markets, and scenic sites outside the city.
For more sightseeing ideas, see Top 10 things to do in Riyadh.
Jeddah
January is a comfortable time to explore Jeddah’s coastal areas and historic districts.
Popular places include:
- Al-Balad historic area
- Jeddah Corniche
- Museums and waterfront spots
A detailed city guide is available here: Top 10 things to do in Jeddah.
AlUla
January is peak season in AlUla due to mild daytime weather.
Visitors can explore:
- Hegra (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
- Elephant Rock
- Old Town
- Dadan and Jabal Ikmah
Outdoor walks and guided tours are more comfortable during winter.
Medina
Medina remains an important historical city and a travel base for visitors heading toward AlUla. Access to religious sites is limited to Muslims.
Outdoor Activities in January
The winter season is suitable for:
- Desert camping
- 4×4 desert drives
- Hiking and rock climbing
- Camel rides
- Night sky viewing away from city lights
Food and Dining Experiences
January features seasonal dining programs, especially in AlUla during Winter at Tantora. Riyadh and Jeddah also host a wide range of local and international restaurants, with traditional dishes such as kabsa and mandi widely available.
Practical Travel Tips
Clothing: Light layers are recommended, as nights can be cooler than daytime.
Transport: Car rentals and ride-hailing services are widely used.
Hotels: Early booking is advised during major events.
Visa: Tourist e-visas are available for eligible travelers.
Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR).
Cultural Guidelines
Visitors are advised to:
- Dress modestly in public
- Ask before taking photos of people
- Respect prayer times
- Avoid public displays of affection
- Follow access rules for Mecca and parts of Medina
Why January 2026 Is a Good Time to Visit
January 2026 combines mild weather with a full calendar of events across Saudi Arabia. Seasonal entertainment in Riyadh, cultural programs in AlUla, and winter-friendly city outings make travel easier and more enjoyable.
Visitors can experience heritage sites, sports events, and outdoor activities across the Kingdom during one of the most comfortable months of the year.
FAQ
Yes. January offers mild temperatures across most regions, making it suitable for sightseeing, outdoor activities, and festivals.
Key events include Riyadh Season activities, WWE Royal Rumble in Riyadh, Winter at Tantora in AlUla, and the Riyadh Marathon Festival.
Riyadh, Jeddah, and AlUla are popular choices due to winter events, cultural attractions, and comfortable weather.
Light layers are recommended. Daytime weather is mild, while evenings can be cooler. Modest clothing is required in public places.
Yes. Car rentals, ride-hailing services, and domestic flights make it easy to travel between cities and tourist areas.
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Owais Qarni is the co-founder and author at Saudi Scoop. A Dreamer, Explorer, and Optimist! His work focuses on creating informative and engaging content, offering fresh perspectives on topics relevant to both local and global audiences.