Where Expats Escape the Saudi Summer Heat
Let us be honest, summer in Saudi Arabia is hot. By July, much of the Kingdom sits well above 40C, and if you are new here, that first proper heatwave can feel like a wall. But here is the secret every seasoned expat learns quickly: summer is not something to simply endure, it is something to plan around.
The first trick is to flip your day. Life shifts later in the warm months. Early mornings and the hours after sunset are for being outside, while the blazing middle of the day is for staying cool indoors. Malls, cafes, and indoor play areas turn into social hubs, and you will soon see why the late-night gathering is such a Saudi art form.
The second trick is to head for the hills. While the coastal cities bake, the southern highlands stay wonderfully mild. Abha and the wider Asir region, high up in the mountains, draw families from across the Kingdom every summer for cool air, green terraces, and misty evenings that can genuinely call for a light jacket. Taif, with its famous roses and gentle elevation, is another favorite within easy reach of Jeddah and Makkah. Al Baha, with its forests and old stone villages, rounds out the trio of green escapes. If you have only known Saudi's deserts, these corners feel like a different country.
The tourism season leans right into this. Visit Saudi's summer campaign spotlights cooler destinations like Asir and Al Baha alongside Red Sea stays, so there are packages and events built around the season if you would rather have things planned for you.
A few gentle habits make all the difference. Drink more water than feels necessary, keep sunshades in the car, and never leave anyone or anything in a parked vehicle. Run errands early, carry a light layer for fierce air conditioning indoors, and lean into the rhythm of the place. Some of the warmest moments here happen after dark, over tea and dates with neighbours. Adapt a little, and summer becomes a season you actually look forward to.
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