It won’t come as a surprise to anyone that Saudi Arabia gets hot in the summer months. From May to September, temperatures in Jeddah creep above 30°C but its location next to the Red Sea makes this a much cooler location than big brother, Riyadh.
What might come as a surprise is how well-equipped the city is to manage the heat. From air-conditioned malls and restaurants to late-night events and activities, plus plenty of seaside fun, you won’t need to compromise on having a great time during summer. This coastal city enjoys cool breezes and plenty of shade in the hotter months – start planning your trip now with our round-up of the best things to do in Jeddah during the summer.
1. Stay out late at Jeddah’s theme parks
Jeddah has two giant theme parks, perfect for summer family fun. Both feature plenty of indoor activities but also stay open late so you can still make the most of the outdoor attractions in the cool evenings. Al Shallal features air-conditioned bowling alleys and arcades as well as a raft of adrenaline-pumping rides and rollercoasters. There’s even an ice skating rink for those keen to beat the heat.
Further north, Atallah Happy Land Park also has a rink and lots of rides, including an ever-popular Ferris Wheel. There’s a ‘6-D’ cinema here, meaning the audience sits in motion simulation seats, while anything from rain and wind effects to strobe lights could be part of the movie experience. Al Shallal is open from 4.30pm to 1.30am from Saturday to Wednesday, and 4.30pm to 2am on Thursday and Friday. Atallah Happy Land Park is open daily from 5pm to midnight.
2. Take a day trip to the mountains
Many Saudis find respite in the cooler mountain regions during the hottest part of the summer, and the closest escape from Jeddah is Taif. It’s most famous for producing sweet-scented roses, but when the flower season finishes in April, the city becomes a haven for those craving fresh air and daytime outdoor activities.
A day trip here gives you enough time to wander the old souq, visit the Shubra Palace, a beautiful white 20th-century palace-turned-museum and ride the cable car up Al Hada Mountain.
3. Spend a day at the mall
If you’re travelling with kids who are struggling with the heat, a trip to one of Jeddah’s air-conditioned mega malls could be just the ticket. These sprawling entertainment zones have far more than just shops and enough facilities to spend the best part of a day here without getting bored. Mall of Arabia has a branch of Kidzania, the miniature city designed for kids to learn and play, and Billy Beez, an enormous soft play area.
The Red Sea Mall features Sparky’s, a sprawling indoor amusement park with video game arcades, rides and soft play, plus an 8000-sq-metre indoor karting circuit. Both malls also have cinemas showing many movies in English, and enough cafes and restaurants to keep everyone well-fed and watered all day long.
4. Hit the beach
Sometimes you just need to be beside the sea, and Jeddah’s beaches are the perfect place to catch a cooling breeze. Some of the most popular public beaches are in Obhur, in Jeddah’s far north. Swimming is allowed at Alexandria Beach, where there are lifeguards on duty until 6pm and a dedicated play area for children.
Obhur Waterfront Beach has clean facilities, chairs to rent and is lined with pleasant walkways and cycling paths. If you’re visiting a public beach, remember that sunbathing is not the done thing here and there are dress code expectations. Women can wear loose trousers and t-shirts for swimming and men should wear long shorts.
If you'd like a little more luxury during your time on the shore, book a stay at Narcissus Obhour Resort & Spa to enjoy the beautiful private beach, and make the most of the watersports activities on offer, including jet skiing and windsurfing. A more exclusive option is the Oia Beach Resort – it's a membership-based club that's renowned for peaceful, stylish surrounds and excellent service.
5. Make a splash at Cyan Waterpark
Chilled water, relaxation areas, flumes, wave pools, and a lot of wild rides can be found at Cyan Waterpark. Definitely one of the best outdoor activities for kids during a hot Jeddah summer, there are watery attractions and activities galore here. All ages (and temperaments) are catered for, from the high-octane Tornado, Spinner and Black Hole to the gentler splash pools and Lazy River, where you can relax and float along the flowing water – it doesn’t get much cooler than that.
Changing facilities are clean and well-maintained and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes on site for a refuel should you need them. The park is open from 4pm to 12am daily and Wednesdays are for women only. There is dress code guidance for the whole family – check their website for details before you go. Adult tickets are SAR165 for guests of 1.2 meters and above, SAR135 for those shorter. You can also purchase an express pass if you want to avoid waiting in long queues.
6. Explore Jeddah’s past in historic museums
During the warmest time of the day, beat the heat by exploring some of Jeddah’s most fascinating museums. Wander the cool corridors of the Al Tayebat Museum for the perfect intro into Jeddah’s 2500-year-long history, and learn about its past as an international seaport and the gateway to Makkah. The building itself also provides a glimpse into the city’s heritage, with traditional Hijazi architecture, wooden lattice windows and beautiful coral masonry.
Continue the educational experience with a visit to the Nassif House Museum in Al Balad. This family home-turned-museum and cultural centre is one of the best-preserved buildings in the old town and has some fantastic material on display, including historic photographs of Jeddah, Islamic artworks and old maps of the routes pilgrims would take to Mecca from surrounding countries.
