Home to numerous historical sites and natural tourist spots, Hail is an ideal location for a vacation. There are lots of exciting things to do in Hail for children as well as adults with varied sightseeing and adventure preferences. There are many ways to spend a good day in Hail — the Al Nafud Desert is the hub of adventure activities, there are historical ruins that narrate the history of the region, and there are bustling souqs that offer a glimpse of the traditions and the local life of Hail.
Weather in Hail
Hail is further north of Saudi Arabia, so it is relatively colder than other parts of the kingdom. It experiences very little precipitation. The best time to visit Hail in Saudi Arabia is between March and November. The weather during these months is pleasant, ranging between 20 to 26 degrees Celsius (68°F – 79°F).
Temperature in Hail
The temperature in Hail can drop to as low as 4 degrees Celsius in winter. In summers, the maximum temperature can be around 40 degrees Celsius. Historically, August is the hottest month of the year, where the temperature reaches up to 38°C (100°F). The coldest month is January, which sees around 15°C to 16°C (60°F) temperature.
How to reach Hail
The nearest airport is Qassim Airport, just 2 hours away from the place. Travelers can also reach Hail by road as it is connected to all the major cities via highways.
Most popular things to do in Hail
1. Explore the petroglyphs of Jubbah and Shuwaymis
The city of Hail has two primary rock art locations dating at least 7000 to 9000 years back in history. The Jabal Umm Sinman of Jubbah has popular Neolithic petroglyphs. Whereas, the Jabal Al-Manjor and Jabal Raat at Shuwaymis have oldest inscriptions which are nearly 1000 years old. These inscriptions and rock arts are a beautiful showcase of life of ancient arabs. The petroglyphs have raw drawings of clothes, human activities and past life during natural calamities. Both the sites have made their way into UNESCO world heritage site in 2015. The sites have hints of freshwater lake and of running water all around the locations. The lake’s margin has several human settlements and archeological sites from the middle paleolithic period.
Suggested trip duration: Half day tour
Tour highlights: Jabal Umm Sinman, Rock Art site, Jabal al-Manjor, Jabal Raat at Shuwaymis
How to reach Jubbah: The Jabal Umm Sinman at Jubbah is located 90 km from the northwest of the city of Hail. Tourists can book a short trip with local taxi tour operators.
2. Take a trip to the Al Nafud Desert
Located to the north of the Hail, the Al Nafud desert consists of beautiful red sand dunes perfect for an action-packed adventure. The desert covers one-third of the region’s area and is an essential part of the region’s cultural identity. Hail and other provinces organize a Desert Festival in Al Nafud every spring, celebrating the region’s heritage with poetry events, traditional craft markets, food, desert life shows, and more. The desert is also an excellent location for campers and stargazers.
Suggested trip duration: Full day tour, or 1 Night, 2 days tour
Tour highlights: Night camping and dune bashing are quite popular activities in the Al Nafud desert.
Best time to visit Al Nafud Desert: The best time to visit Al Nafud is during the spring season as the temperature remains moderate, and the desert festival is organized at this time.
Suggested Read: Saudi Arabian Deserts: For An Unusual Adventure In The Arid Dunes
3. Go sightseeing at the Shammar Mountains
Situated near the Al Nafud desert, Shammar Mountains have green patches with desert-like grounds. The mountains are named after the hero and heroine in the tragic love tale of Aja and Salma. Tourists can take a walk through granite peaks and domes, passing springs and palm trees. The place is also famous for wildlife spotting, such as the Nubian mule deer, and caracal. Those who prefer not to climb can try the northwestern ramp. It preserves the remains of the palace of Hatim Al Tai, a 6th-century Arab poet known for his good deeds and generosity and his appearance in Thousand and One Nights.
Suggested trip duration: Half day tour
Tour highlights: Nature walks, wildlife spotting, and the palace of Hatim Al Tai
How to reach Shammar Mountains: In the northwest of the Hail Province, tourists can find the two twin peaks of the Shammar region, Aja and Salma. The mountains are a 30-minute drive from the city.
Best time to visit Shammar Mountains: The best time is from April to July, as the mountains provide a cooler getaway from Saudi heat during these months.
4. Tour the historical forts and castles
Ancient ruins of Hail are popular among local tourists and worldwide. Aarif Fort is one of the oldest forts in Hail constructed by the Al Ali family during the 17th century. The fort is popular for its mud structure and offering panoramic views of the city. In past, people gathered at the fort in the month of Ramadan for iftar. Barzan Fort and Al Qishla Castle in the region are also quite a sight. They preserve the ruins of the past, narrating a long and fascinating history about the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. It is recommended to take a guided tour with someone who can walk you through the historical significance of each site.
Suggested trip duration: Half/Full Day tour
Tour highlights: Aarif Fort, Barzan Castle, and Al-Qishla Castle
Best time to visit: Dusk is the best time to visit these castles, as the sky looks beautiful at sunset, and the weather also gets soothing.
5. Shop at the traditional souks
Souks in Hail is where tourists can buy local fruits and vegetables, the Kingdom’s special dates, and unique local handicrafts such as urns and wicker mats. The market offers a window into the traditions and culture of the Hail region of Saudi Arabia. One can head east of the city center to reach Hail Flea Market. Tourists can explore the flea market and find something unique and worthy of showcasing in their home. The market is predominantly run by women selling handicrafts, colorful hand woven mats, and Hail’s traditional attire.
Tourism in Hail
Located between Mount Salma in the south and Mount Shammer in the north, Hail served as the capital of the Arabian desert in the past. Today, it is the capital of Saudi Arabia’s north-central region. Tourists can easily reach the city via Hail International Airport. The city provides excellent stays and restaurants for locals and international tourists alike. As mentioned there is a lot of things to do in Hail to feel the essence, culture, and tradition of the Kingdom.
Things to do in Hail FAQs
Why is Jubbah famous?
Jabal Umm Sinman in Jubbah has rock carvings going back to 7000-9000 years from the porcelain Neolithic period. It houses the most well known Neolithic petroglyphs in the Middle East.
How is the climate in Hail?
This city is further north of Saudi Arabia, colder than urban cities like Jeddah. Since it is a region having deserts, it receives less rainfall. In winter, the temperature can drop as low as 4 degrees Celsius and reach 19 degrees Celsius maximum, and in summer, it can be as blistering as 40 degrees Celsius.
Why is the desert festival popular?
Conducted annually by the government, Hail desert festival is famous for organizing various poetry functions, desert shows and rallies.
Which are the top castles to visit in Hail?
Al Qishla Castle, Aarif Fort and Barzan Castle are the most popular castles in the city.
What is the best time to visit Al Nafud Desert?
Spring (March and April) is the best time to visit Al Nafud Desert when the temperature remains pleasant.
Can we see snowfall in Hail, Saudi Arabia?
No. There is snowfall in Hail, Saudi Arabia in any of the seasons.
