Planning an Umrah trip to Saudi Arabia is a dream of every Muslim as it’s too hard to perform Umrah rituals under the sweltering sun. Not only this, Saudi Arabia also offers a number of tourist attractions to explore during the winter season. So, pilgrims can get the benefit of their spiritual journey and discover cool places in Saudi Arabia all in a single trip.
Owing to the growing trend of pilgrims to plan an Umrah pilgrimage in winter, all-inclusive Umrah packages offer special travel plans for the winter season to accommodate pilgrim needs. These packages include additional tours to winter destinations of Saudi Arabia to enhance the overall experience.
So, if you are also going on a winter pilgrimage, go through the following guidelines to plan it perfectly within budget.
Benefits of Performing Umrah in Winter
The climate of Saudi Arabia is usually hot and dry with a longer summer season than winter. And because more and more pilgrims tend to organize their pilgrimage during the winter season, all-inclusive Umrah packages UK offer a special class of winter Umrah deals exclusively for people who are unable to bear the heat of Makkah and Madinah.
Similarly, 12 Nights 5 star Umrah package also brings suitable travel dates at times when the weather in Saudi Arabia is pleasant and mild. Months from November to February are good to plan a short pilgrimage either alone or with family to make the most of your money.
However, avoid planning an Umrah pilgrimage during the winter holidays as it’s the most crowded time when Makkah and Madinah are populated with millions of pilgrims.
Overall, the winter pilgrimage is much more rewarding than the usual one as it allows pilgrims to engage in Umrah rituals better without compromising comfort. It’s also the best time to visit cool places in Saudi Arabia and see snow areas there.
Places to Visit in Saudi Arabia during Winter
1. Tabuk
Tabuk is a city located in the northern province of Saudi Arabia which is popular because of its snowy weather and mesmerizing scenery. It’s the first place that comes into the minds of visitors when comes to finding a winter destination in Saudi Arabia.
This is because Tabuk city transforms into a winter wonderland during the months of November to February providing a perfect heat escape to pilgrims from the heat of Makkah and Madinah.
The giant mountains of Tabuk City receive snowfall during winter which keeps them covered with snow. Therefore, visitors love to capture snow-capped mountains and experience hiking, skiing, and picnics there.
In addition to natural views, Tabuk also holds historical significance providing pilgrims to explore landmarks like Tabuk Castle, Fortress, and Hijaz railway station. Pilgrims who are looking for winter attractions to explore with family can try family-friendly activities in Tabuk like playing with snow, sliding, and camping to unwind the stress of pilgrimage.
2. Abha
Abha is another wonderland of the winter season which is located in proximity to Madinah. Being the capital of Asir Province, Abha holds significance as a main tourist attraction throughout the year. However, it turns into a beautiful land during the months of winter when snowy mountains make the temperature of the surroundings cool and enjoyable.
Abha is a popular attraction because of the beauty of Asir Mountains which allow visitors to engage in different thrilling activities like hiking, climbing, and skydiving.
Other must-see landmarks in Abha include Souq al-Thulathy for shopping, the Abha Museum to learn about history, and Ain al-Nass to explore the historical well there. Abha cable car rides at Al Haramain Park of Abha are a few of the family-specific activities you can experience in Abha during winter.
3. Thar Desert
Deserts are true marvels of nature having unique ecosystems and rare plant species. However, the unbearable temperature range of deserts is what holds visitors from planning their tours to the desert in Saudi Arabia. However, if you are in Saudi Arabia to perform Umrah rituals during winter, it’s the best time to have an adventure in the desert.
The Thar Desert is a diverse area filled with sand dunes across the sight. During the winter season, the weather in the Desert becomes pleasant and quite bearable attracting many visitors.
Camel riding is a unique experience to have there and engaging with sand boarding and camping activities with family or fellow pilgrims.
However, it’s great that all-inclusive Umrah packages offer a short trip to the Thar Desert as it’s easier to navigate the desert with guides or even fellows on the way.
In addition to these sites, pilgrims with 12 Nights 5 star Umrah package can also explore Rijal Alma village, Taif city, and Al Ula wonders during the winter season. All you need to do is plan ahead, complete Umrah rituals from the heart, and ask for guidance from your go-to Umrah deals to make the most of your pilgrimage.