Winter in Riyadh: 12 Things To Do For Locals & Expats
Activities You Can Do During Winter in Riyadh
As a new expat, winter is officially my favorite time of the year in Saudi Arabia!
Now that I have lived in Riyadh for a year, I want to share exactly what you can expect during the winter season.
I’m also sharing the best activities you can do to make your life here much more fun while creating beautiful memories.
Saudi Arabia Weather & Season
If you have just moved to any city in Saudi Arabia, one thing that will take some time to get used to is the weather.
First, it is important to understand that the weather in Saudi Arabia varies depending on which region you are in.
Because Saudi is so huge, different cities have different levels of cold, heat, and humidity.
For example, Jeddah (on the west coast) is usually warmer and humid even in winter.
What Does Winter in Riyadh Feel Like?
Riyadh is unique because it is located in the central region. Riyadh is basically surrounded by desert, which means the climate is dry.
During summer, Riyadh feels extremely hot.
Meanwhile, in winter, it can get extremely cold (reaching 0°C).
Since the humidity level in Riyadh is very low, you will feel a “dry cold” rather than a wet cold.
In winter, the temperature in Riyadh drops significantly. During the day, it might be a pleasant 15°C to 20°C.
But at night, it can easily drop to single digits (around 5°C to 9°C).
When I first landed in Riyadh, it was during peak winter, and the temperature reached 5°C. I was honestly surprised because I never thought Saudi Arabia could get this cold!
What Do People Wear During Winter in Riyadh?
You will see everyone bringing out their winter clothes. I’m talking about puffer jackets, trench coats, boots, and scarves.
Most locals will wear the kind of abaya and thobe that is specifically made for winter.
For local women, most will wear specific winter abayas made of heavier fabrics (like velvet or suede) or wear coats over their abayas.
And for men, you will see darker-colored winter thobes and fleece-lined jackets.
Everyone loves winter because it is the only time you can dress up in layers and spend time having outdoor picnics and strolls.
The city truly comes alive in winter. Everyone looks so happy and smiling.
In summer, people stay indoors with the AC, and even if they go outside, you will likely frown from the sun.
But in winter, you will experience a totally different vibe.
If you are an expat who just moved here, don’t just stay at home alone. Believe me, there are so many activities you can do to connect with your community and just have fun!
Outdoor Activities During Winter in Riyadh
Go to Boulevard World
During winter, we have Riyadh Season which usually runs from October to May. There are a couple of events under Riyadh Season, including the popular BLVD World.
BLVD World is like a massive outdoor entertainment zone featuring different “countries” like Italy, France, Thailand, and more.
Imagine the Global Village in Dubai, but the Saudi version.
Each country zone features authentic food, music, live performances (my favorite!), and shops specific to that culture.
There is also a massive man-made lake in the center where you can take boat rides, and there is even a cable car that glides over the whole park.
My tips is go to BLVD World more than once, which I personally did. I shared my experience visiting Boulevard World and some tips and guidance for first-timers.
The place is so huge that you literally cannot finish seeing everything in one night.
I spent a minimum 3 hours on my first trip here, and we didn’t even finish exploring everything!
- Ticket Price: 40 SAR per person on weekends.
- Website: Book your ticket
Pro Tip: The easiest way to book a ticket for BLVD World is to install the “Webook” app, it’s one of the must-have apps if you’re living Riyadh.
Hot Chocolate Hunting
Once the winter season sets in, a lot of cafes start to sell their signature hot chocolate, and you can’t miss out on trying them all.
You will see long lines at drive-thrus just for a warm cup of cocoa. It is the perfect way to warm up your hands while walking around.
I am still on the hunt for the perfect hot chocolate, but for now, I have found a few high-quality ones at a very affordable price:
Visit Winter Markets & Bazaars
Since everyone tries their best to spend time outdoors during winter, you will find a lot of winter markets and bazaars in Riyadh.
If you go to any shopping mall, the outdoor area will most likely be filled with winter bazaars selling abayas, perfumes, handmade crafts, and even traditional sweets.
The malls that have outdoor winter markets (and the ones I’ve been to) are:
There are also other winter markets, such as the one at Tahlia Street, which is only open on Saturdays from 4pm to 11pm . It is very pedestrian-friendly and festive—you will experience a whole winter vibe here.
Location: Basta Winter Market Riyadh
There are also winter lounges in Riyadh where you can enjoy outdoor seating areas full of cafes and restaurants and just spend time chatting.
One of them is Avindar Winter.
Outdoor Picnic the Saudi Style “Keshta”
One activity that is very famous during winter in Saudi Arabia is the Keshta.
This isn’t the usual sandwich picnic.
People usually drive out to the dunes, set up a tent or a rug, start a fire (or use an electric cooker), and cook their food right there.
Yes, you will cook your own food out in the desert, sort of like having a BBQ night outdoors but the menu isn’t limited to BBQ only.
It is such a cool experience, and it’s definitely on my wish list. As I’m writing this article, I’m planning to have one with my girl friends in Riyadh!
Try the Best Burger in Town
Winter usually means you want to have comfort food more often.
As for me, I think this is the best time to eat all the meat you can to warm up your body.
For some reason, a juicy, cheesy beef burger just tastes better when it’s cold outside.
As a big fan of the burger scene in Riyadh, I had to try some that have been on my wishlist for a while.
One of them is First Street Burger, a very popular smashed burger in Riyadh.
Romantic Dinner with Your Partner
Since the weather is so nice, many restaurants open their outdoor terraces.
It is the perfect time to book a table outside, enjoy the breeze, and have a romantic dinner with your loved ones.
Unlike summer, where you rush from the car to the AC, winter allows you to really linger and enjoy the ambience.
I have just the list for romantic dining spots in Riyadh if you need recommendations for your anniversary or Valentine’s Day!
Indoor Activities During Winter in Saudi Arabia
During winter, it is also the perfect time to stay cozy at home and just relax.
I have been spending some time indoors, so let me share a few activities I did that made my winter very wholesome.
Make Your House Winter-Ready
First things first, you need to make sure your house is winter-ready. Winter in Riyadh can get a bit harsh if you’re not fully prepared.
Install a dual-function AC or buy a separate heater to keep you and your family warm.
Most houses in Riyadh have tiled floors and stone walls, which trap the cold.
Your apartment will feel like a freezer without a heater!
And don’t forget about your water heater. It must stay on if you want your daily hot shower (just be mindful that this can impact your electricity bill)
Some other things that might help you enjoy being cozy with your partner or pet at home:
- Buy warm fuzzy socks.
- Get yourself winter pajamas
Host a Ladies Gathering
Another popular indoor activity is to have a small gathering at home.
I first learned about gender-segregated gatherings when I was living in the UAE and was introduced to my Arab friends from the Levant.
They invited me to ladies’ gatherings that took place at their houses.
That is when I learned how fun and cozy it is to gather with women only, with full privacy.
My husband and his friends also do this sometimes, where they just hang out, men-only, watching football while drinking tea.
If you’d like to feel connected in winter without leaving the house, you can gather your girlfriends for a game night or a tea party at home.
It is intimate, private, and you can stay warm while catching up.
Winter Movie Marathons & Reading
For me, winter is the perfect time for my annual Harry Potter rerun.
There is just something about marathoning holiday movies or nostalgic series that fits the vibe perfectly.
Or, you can finally grab that book that has been on your TBR list for months.
Since the nights are longer, you have plenty of time to read.
It is the perfect slow, indoor winter activity.
Connect with Family Back Home
Winter can sometimes feel a bit lonely for expats, especially if you miss the Christmas or New Year celebrations back home.
It is so easy to just keep yourself isolated from everyone, but that is not going to help with the loneliness.
I find that video calling my family and friends helps a lot with homesickness.
Since people stay up later here in Riyadh, the time difference might even work in your favor!
Baking and Cooking Comfort Food
There is nothing better than the smell of freshly baked cake or cookies filling your home.
You can try out new recipes or cook comfort food from your home country. It is definitely going to help you cope with the holiday season better.
Plus, turning on the oven actually helps warm up the kitchen.
Journaling & Self-Reflect
Since winter coincides with the start of the New Year, I love taking this time to reflect and journal.
I usually sit down with my coffee and create a vision board for my goals and resolutions.
Living abroad as an expat sometimes feels like you’re in constant survival mode.
But during this time of year, you are allowed to take a step back.
Use this time to evaluate how your year has been, decide what you want to keep or remove from your plate, and focus on adding things that bring you more joy in your expat life.
Being an expat teaches you to cherish every moment abroad and to spend as much time with people you enjoy, because you never know how long you’ll be there.
Are you spending your first winter in Riyadh?
Let me know in the comments what surprised you the most about the weather!
