Want to see the real Saudi Arabia this winter? Then ditch the mainstream guidebooks and follow the locals instead!
Saudi residents are quietly enjoying their backyard, and the numbers tell a story visitors shouldn’t miss. Fresh data from Wego shows a whopping 64% YoY surge in domestic flight bookings across the Kingdom this winter. What does this mean? Simply that Saudis know exactly where the magic is, and they’re keeping it close to home.
For anyone else coming for a visit and look-see, this is your golden ticket to experience Saudi Arabia the way residents actually do.
Why everyone is staying local
With cooler temperatures and a growing line-up of festivals, outdoor adventures and cultural experiences, winter has become Saudi’s prime travel season. Instead of flying out, residents are opting for short, experience-led escapes that tap into the Kingdom’s cultural depth, natural beauty and fast-evolving entertainment scene.
Big energy and bigger numbers in Riyadh
At the top of the locals’ hit list is Riyadh, which continues to dominate as the Kingdom’s number one domestic winter destination. Flight bookings to the capital are up 59.44% YoY, powered by the headline-grabbing Riyadh Season 2025–2026. From international concerts and major sporting events to pop-up dining and mega entertainment zones, the capital city in winter is anything but subtle, nd that’s exactly the point.
Where Saudis go to switch off
When it’s time to escape the city buzz, locals are heading for scenery, space and fresh air.
- Taif recorded a 67.97% surge in flight bookings, confirming its appeal as a cool-climate mountain retreat.
- Tabuk followed with a 40.90% YoY increase, driven by demand for outdoor-led trips ideal for long weekends and family breaks.
The stats are basically indicating that these destinations are the Kingdom’s winter reset buttons.
Book smart, move fast
Interestingly, Saudi travellers are embracing flexible travel habits. While most domestic trips are booked just over two weeks in advance, a striking 21% of bookings happen within a day of travel, indicating growing confidence in spontaneous, digitally enabled trips.
Digital is doing the heavy lifting
Planning has gone fully digital. Today’s travellers can compare hundreds of flights and hotels in seconds, making it easier than ever to find the right deal, at the right price, with minimal effort.
Why should international visitors pay attentions
Saudi’s mild winter climate and diverse regions are cementing the season as peak travel time. As domestic travel becomes easier to discover and book, especially through Wego with its incredibly intuitive tools such as fare calendars, price alerts and flexible date searches, the Kingdom’s most compelling experiences are no longer hidden. They are simply being enjoyed by those who know where to look.
So don’t just visit the usual hot spots in Saudi Arabia, the key here is experience the Kingdom like a local.
Read more: Unlocking efficiency: How WegoPro empowers travel agents
