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Al-Rahmah Mosque, Jeddah

Season guide · Jeddah · Saudi Arabia

Jeddah in winter

December–February: weather, crowds, prices and the best things to do this time of year.

Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team

Photo: Tahir mq, CC BY-SA 4.0

Quick answer

Warm, sunny days around 29–30°C and pleasant evenings; peak season for sightseeing, beaches and events. Expect highs up to 30°C (86°F) and lows around 19°C (66°F), with about 3 rainy days across December–February. December–February are among the best months of the year to visit.

Key facts

Months
December–February
Temperatures
19°C (66°F) to 30°C (86°F)
Rainy days in the season
About 3
Sea
25°C (77°F) to 27°C (81°F)
Crowds
Busy
Hotel prices
High

Weather in winter

Jeddah in winter: month by month
MonthHighLowRainy daysDaylightCrowds
January29°C (84°F)19°C (66°F)111 h4/5
February30°C (86°F)19°C (66°F)011.4 h4/5
December30°C (86°F)20°C (68°F)210.8 h4/5

Compared with the rest of the year: average highs of 30°C (86°F) against a yearly 34°C (93°F), and 3 of the year's roughly 5 rainy days fall in these 3 months. Crowds rate 4/5 and hotel prices 4/5 on average.

What's on in winter

Recurring events; dates move from year to year, so confirm with the organiser.

  • February: Founding Day — national holiday with heritage events (22 February)
  • December: Red Sea International Film Festival — screenings and events, held in Al-Balad in recent editions (usually December)

Make the most of the weather

King Fahd's Fountain, Jeddah
Photo: Ferdinand Reus from Arnhem, Holland, CC BY-SA 2.0

Landmark · Al Hamra and the Corniche

King Fahd's Fountain

Built in the 1980s just off the central Corniche, this fountain shoots a jet of seawater up to about 300 metres, among the highest in the world.

Time needed
30 minutes
Cost
Free
  • Iconic
  • After dark
  • Free
  • Views
  • Kids
Jeddah Corniche and open-air sculptures, Jeddah
Photo: Tahir mq, CC BY-SA 4.0

Waterfront · Al Hamra and the Corniche

Jeddah Corniche and open-air sculptures

Walk or cycle a section at sunset; the central Corniche near the sculpture museum is the most interesting stretch.

Time needed
1–2 hours
Cost
Free
  • Free
  • Art
  • Outdoors
  • Couples

Waterfront · Al Shati

Jeddah Waterfront

The redeveloped northern section of the Corniche has landscaped lawns, walking and cycling paths, children's play areas, fishing piers and public beaches.

Time needed
1–2 hours
Cost
Free
  • Free
  • Kids
  • Outdoors
  • After dark
Al-Rahmah Mosque, Jeddah
Photo: Tahir mq, CC BY-SA 4.0

Religious site · Al Shati

Al-Rahmah Mosque

Photograph it from the shore at sunset; if you go inside, dress modestly and avoid prayer times.

Time needed
30 minutes
Cost
Free
  • Architecture
  • Free
  • Photo spot
  • Views

Aquarium · Al Shati

Fakieh Aquarium

On the Corniche, this aquarium displays Red Sea marine life including sharks, rays, moray eels and reef fish in a series of tanks and tunnels.

Time needed
1.5 hours
Cost
Mid-priced
  • Kids
  • Rainy day
  • Nature

Day trips in winter

  • Taif (About 2–3 hours by car) — At about 1,800 metres in the Sarawat mountains, Taif is noticeably cooler than Jeddah.
  • Al Shafa (About 3 hours by car) — South of Taif, the mountain villages of Al Shafa sit above 2,000 metres among terraced fruit farms growing pomegranates, figs and grapes.

What to pack

  • Light, breathable clothes, a sun hat and high-factor sunscreen
  • Comfortable walking shoes

Other times of year

Questions travellers ask

+Is winter a good time to visit Jeddah?

Yes: December–February are among the best months. Warm, sunny days around 29–30°C and pleasant evenings; peak season for sightseeing, beaches and events.

+What is the weather like in Jeddah in winter?

Highs of up to 30°C (86°F) and lows around 19°C (66°F), with about 3 rainy days over the season.