Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
Where is it cool in Saudi Arabia in summer?
The Saudi summer destinations most worth the drive sit high in the Sarawat mountains of the south-west, well above 1,500 m. Taif, Al Bahah, Abha and Al Namas stay far cooler than Jeddah, Riyadh or Dammam from June to September, with green valleys, juniper forest, morning fog and fruit farms. Taif alone is about 10 °C cooler than Makkah in summer.
This guide covers each city, the roads between them, what the drives cost and what to expect on mountain roads.
Taif and Al Hada: the closest escape from Makkah and Jeddah
Makkah to Taif is 90 km on the Al Hada escarpment road, about 1 h 30 min. The road climbs steeply with many sharp bends, and drivers take it steady; the alternative via Al Sail is 20 km longer but flatter. Jeddah to Taif is 170 km, about 2 h, and uses the Makkah bypass, so it does not enter central Makkah.
Around Taif, the Al Hada cable car (Al Kar) and its leisure village sit on the escarpment and are cooler than Makkah; bring a light jacket and expect weekend crowds in summer. Al Rudaf Park, among granite boulders on the south side of the city, has cool summer evenings and picnic spots. Al Shafa, about 30 km away, has terraced mountain villages and fruit farms on winding roads. Our Makkah to Taif road guide covers the drive in detail.
Al Bahah: forests and marble villages
Taif to Al Bahah is 220 km on the scenic Sarawat mountain road, about 3 h, with forest stops on the way. Raghadan Forest Park, close to the city, has juniper forest and viewpoints on the edge of the escarpment, and it is cool and misty in summer.
Dhee Ain Marble Village, about 25 km south of Al Bahah, is a village of white stone houses on a marble outcrop, surrounded by banana groves. The road down to it descends steeply, so drivers take it steady, and morning light is best for photos. Al Bahah Airport is about 45 km north of the city on the Taif road.
Abha, Al Soudah and Al Namas
Abha, the cool highland capital of Asir, is the main summer base in the south. Al Soudah, about 25 km away, is an area of misty highlands with one of the highest points in the Kingdom and a cable car. June to September is the best time to go; fog often rolls in by the afternoon, and you will want a jacket even in summer.
Other easy trips from Abha are Rijal Alma, a village of colourful stone tower houses down the escarpment, and Habala, the hanging village reached by cable car; check that the cable car is running before you go. Al Namas is 140 km north along the escarpment, about 2 h, and the road often has fog on summer mornings.
Distances and fares for a summer road trip
Fares are per car, fixed before the ride, and include fuel, tolls and the driver. Rest, prayer and meal stops are included on long routes. An economy sedan takes up to 3 passengers; an SUV takes up to 7 with 6 suitcases.
| Route | Distance | Time | Economy sedan | SUV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Makkah to Taif | 90 km | 1 h 30 min | SAR 160 | SAR 320 |
| Jeddah to Taif | 170 km | 2 h | SAR 290 | SAR 600 |
| Taif to Al Bahah | 220 km | 3 h | SAR 380 | SAR 770 |
| Al Bahah to Abha | 319 km | 5 h 10 min | SAR 550 | SAR 1,120 |
| Abha to Al Namas | 140 km | 2 h | SAR 240 | SAR 490 |
| Jeddah to Abha | 687 km | 8 h 20 min | SAR 1,170 | SAR 2,410 |
Fly or drive from Riyadh and the Eastern Province?
From Riyadh, the mountains are a long way by road: Riyadh to Abha is 946 km, about 12 h 5 min, and Riyadh to Taif is 788 km. Flying to Abha, Taif or Al Bahah and using a driver locally saves a long day on the road.
Abha Airport is about 25 km from the city, from SAR 60, and summer is its peak season, so book flights and pickups early. Taif Airport is about 25 km from Taif, from SAR 60. For sightseeing days, an hourly driver costs from SAR 80 per hour, or SAR 180 in an SUV, with a 3-hour minimum.
What to expect on mountain roads
- Steep escarpment roads, such as Al Hada and the descents to Rijal Alma and Dhee Ain, are taken slowly.
- Fog is common on summer mornings on the Al Namas road and in the afternoons at Al Soudah.
- Cable cars, parks and viewpoints are busiest at weekends.
- Tell us if anyone gets car-sick on winding roads, so we can plan extra stops.
- Bring a light jacket; evenings in the highlands can be cool even in August.
- Rest and prayer stops are included on long drives.
Planning a multi-day trip with one driver
For a loop such as Jeddah, Taif, Al Bahah and Abha, you can book each leg as a fixed-fare transfer and add an hourly driver in each city, or ask for a multi-day quote with one car and driver. A family of up to 7 with luggage is comfortable in an SUV, and groups of up to 11 fit a family van.
Our Abha and Al Soudah summer guide has more ideas for the south.