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Arab Countries in Winter: A Travel Bucket List Beyond the Beach

Arab countries in winter are often overlooked when people plan their cold-season escapes. While many travelers automatically think of tropical beaches or ski resorts, winter is actually the most rewarding time to explore this part of the world, especially if you care about culture, landscapes, history, and everyday life rather than just lounging by the sea (but this is also an option). Cooler temperatures completely change the experience, turning cities, deserts, and archaeological sites into comfortable, walkable, and deeply engaging destinations. This is also the time, when the event calendar is full and you’ll have a change to attend world class sport events, concerts and all kind of events.

After living in Qatar for over eight years and traveling extensively around the Middle East and North Africa, I’ve experienced firsthand how different, and better, this region feels in winter. From wandering ancient ruins without heat exhaustion to road-tripping through deserts and mountains, winter opens doors that summer firmly shuts.

This bucket list focuses on Arab countries in winter that offer far more than beaches, with a few bonus side trips at the end if you are curious to learn beyond the obvious. I’ve added to the some top rated tours and activities, but please note, that the ratings are dynamic and are constantly changing. Make sure you know what you are booking.

Morocco

Morocco is one of the most complete winter destinations in the Arab world. Located in the north of Africa it blends different cultures. From November to March, temperatures are ideal for exploring imperial cities like Marrakech, Fes, and Meknes without the exhausting heat. The medinas feel alive rather than overwhelming, and long walks through souks become enjoyable instead of a test of endurance.

Winter is also perfect for combining very different landscapes in one trip. You can wander through blue Chefchaouen, head into the Atlas Mountains where snow caps the peaks, and finish with a desert journey to the Sahara. Morocco works beautifully for travelers who want variety, culture, and visual drama – all without beach resorts.

I visited Morocco twice and it was first trip I ever took to an Arab country. If I remember right, it was my first trip outside of Europe (or was it Tobago?…I don’t quite recall). I had nothing to compare it to and it was like a feast for my senses. The chaos of Marrakesh, the fragrance of the food and mint tea, the colours and the ride to Sahara…really it is one of the most memorable countries you can visit. But not in summer, unless you want to scorch.

Morocco best tours:

  • Marrakech: Agafay Desert Quad & Camel Ride with Dinner Show: Highly rated 4.9/5 with 22,000+ reviews, this tour includes quad biking, camel riding, desert scenes and a sunset dinner show — a must‑do desert experience.
  • Ourika Valley & Waterfalls Day Trip from Marrakech: Immerse in Atlas mountain scenery with waterfalls, local villages and lunch — rated 4.8/5 with ~14,000 reviews.
  • Chefchaouen Day Trip from Fes (Blue City Magic): Day trip to the blue streets of Chefchaouen from Fes — rated 4.7/5 with ~1,900 reviews.
  • Marrakech Hot Air Balloon Ride with Berber Breakfast: Spectacular sunrise balloon flight over countryside near Marrakech (4.8/5 with over 7,000 reviews) and very shareable on social media. I haven’t tried this tour myself but it is supposed to be great.
  • Merzouga 3‑Day Tour to Sahara Dunes (4.9/5): A multi‑day desert adventure visiting dunes, sunset views, camel rides, and Berber camps — highly rated experience for deeper Morocco exploration. It was a very memorable experience for me. I travelled to Africa for the first time and booked this tour without doing much research. While it was quite demanding (mainly because I did not pack my clothes appropriately and was freezing cold at night), I still remember the coulurs changing in the desert and starry sky. It’s not something you easily forget.

Jordan

Jordan truly shines in winter. Petra, one of the most iconic archaeological sites in the world, is infinitely more pleasant to explore without summer heat (believe me, you don’t want to be surrounded with millions of flies). Long walks through the Siq and across the ancient city become part of the magic rather than a struggle.

Petra is extended and you’ll do a lot of walking…for hours. There’s no shade anywhere and there’s lots of dust. In winter though, it can be quite cold, but still more enjoyable and without crowds.

Wadi Rum is another winter highlight. Days are cool and clear, nights are cold but atmospheric, and the desert feels almost otherworldly. Add the Dead Sea  (which works year-round) and Jordan becomes a compact but powerful winter destination focused on history, nature, and adventure.

Top tours in Jordan:

Egypt

If there is one season to visit Egypt, it’s winter. Cairo, Luxor, and Aswan are far more comfortable between November and February, making it possible to fully appreciate temples, tombs, and museums without rushing from shade to shade. I know that Egypt is a popular holiday destination for Europeans, who book their all-inclusive trips in July or August. While it might be ok for the beach, it definitely is not the most pleasant time for history tours.

Most people use winter as a perfect time for a Nile cruise, however, I would not recommend it at all. It has nothing to do with the weather, I just think that the Nile cruise is a trap. I did not enjoy it at all, but if it is your cup of tea- go for it.

Exploring the pyramids, Valley of the Kings, or Karnak Temple becomes immersive rather than exhausting. It was cold at times, even. Egypt in winter is intense, fascinating, and unforgettable, in the best possible way. Nonetheless, I strongly believe that Egypt is not only a bucket list destination, but an absolute must. Travelling there is one of the best history lessons you can find. It is like an open-air museum.

Top tours and activities in Egypt:

  • Cairo: Pyramids & Great Sphinx Private Tour with Camel Ride: One of Egypt’s most popular excursions — 4.9/5 with ~5,800 reviews. I did not join this tour as we stayed in Giza and decided to see the pyramids on own own (it is not that difficult).
  • Luxor Hot Air Balloon over Ancient Relics: Iconic sunrise balloon ride over Luxor’s temples — 4.9/5 with ~1,600 reviews.
  • Hurghada White Island & Ras Mohamed Snorkel Tour: Highly loved Red Sea marine adventure — 4.8/5 with ~400 reviews.
  • Luxor: Nile West & East Bank Tour: Explore Karnak, Valley of Kings and more — 4.9/5 options available. We did this as part of our Nile cruise, but I would recommend it booking a separate tour. The places are incredible and you want to have a bit more time to explore it.
  • Cairo: Grand Egyptian Museum & Pyramids Tour: Modern museum + iconic pyramids — 4.7/5 with ~1,700 reviews. We did everything in Cairo independently because we are that kind of tourists. When I travel a lone, I’m more likely to book yours, but with my husband we rarely do. However, visiting Cairo and Giza can be tiring and confusing and it’s a good idea to have a look at tours (although you can definitely visit everything on your own).

Oman

Oman is a dream destination for winter road trips. Cooler temperatures make it possible to explore wadis, mountains, deserts, and coastal roads without dealing with extreme heat. Muscat feels calm and elegant, while the interior reveals forts, palm-filled oases, and dramatic landscapes.

However, there’s one place in Oman that is better to visit in summer (August and September), because due to the rains, the area becomes a green oasis. It is Salalah. Apart from this area, Oman is best between November and April. I went there at the beginning of April and it was already quite hot (for my birthday as I do every year).

Winter is ideal for hiking in Jebel Akhdar, swimming in wadis, and camping in the desert. Oman suits travelers who value nature, authenticity, and slower travel over big-city attractions.

Top Tours & Activities

Tunisia

Tunisia is often overlooked, which makes it even more appealing in winter. Roman ruins such as El Djem and Dougga can be explored comfortably, medinas feel less crowded, and desert excursions become realistic rather than dangerous.

Winter is also a great time to experience Tunis and Sidi Bou Said without peak-season crowds. I went in February. It was a bit chilly some days, when I needed to wear a cardigan, but at the same time, it was a good weather to visit all the historical sights quite comfortably. On the other hand, Tunisia is not the best beach destination in winter as it is a bit too cold for suntanning and swimming. For anything else, it is perfect.

See also: 6 days in Tunisia: what to see and do in winter when traveling solo

Top tours in Tunisia:

Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has quickly become one of the most intriguing winter destinations in the Arab world. Winter is the only season when places like AlUla can be explored comfortably, revealing dramatic rock formations, ancient tombs, and vast desert landscapes.

Cities like Riyadh and Jeddah are far more pleasant in winter, and historic sites such as Diriyah add cultural depth. Saudi Arabia feels like a true bucket-list destination, still raw, still evolving, and best experienced when temperatures are mild. I wouldn’t dare to go there in summer knowing how hot it can get, but winter is amazing.

Top tours in Saudi Arabia

  • AlUla Hegra (UNESCO) Guided Tour. Explore the ancient Nabataean tombs of Hegra (Madain Saleh), Saudi Arabia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site — one of the country’s most iconic cultural experiences, consistently rated around 4.8–4.9/5 with hundreds of reviews. Although you can get to the area independently, you won’t be allowed to drive around- you always need a guide.
  • Edge of the World Day Trip from Riyadh. One of the most popular outdoor experiences in the country, featuring dramatic cliffs and vast desert views — very highly rated around 4.9/5 with 1,000+ reviews.
  • Jeddah Old Town (Al-Balad) Walking Tour. Discover coral-stone houses, historic mosques, and traditional souks in Al-Balad.

United Arab Emirates (Beyond the Beach)

Winter is the only time of year when the UAE becomes walkable and enjoyable outside air-conditioned spaces (similarly to Qatar). This is the season to explore old Dubai, wander through Al Seef and the historic Bastakiya district, and appreciate the cultural side of Abu Dhabi.

Desert safaris, heritage sites, mosques, and long urban walks suddenly make sense. If you move beyond malls and resorts, the UAE in winter offers far more depth than many travelers expect.

See also: Layover in Dubai: what to see and do in 48 hours.

arab countries in winter

Qatar

After living in Qatar for eight years, I can confidently say that winter completely transforms the country. From November to March, Doha becomes a city made for walking – from the Corniche to Msheireb, Katara, and the old port area. I’ve been in Qatar every months of the year- from boiling hot and unbearable July and August to pleasant winter months. If I tell you not to come to Qatar between June and September, please listen. If you want to have a good experience, that is. There’s no way to walk more than 10 minutes outside during those months.

But winter is a different story. Qatar comes alive and is full of amazing events. The other day we attended Monster Jam in the middle of the desert, something that I never thought I would (it was pretty cool to watch the massive trucks do their tricks). There’s also tennis, fashion shows, concerts, film festival and many more. Right now we are having food festival with Steve Harvey hosting a show (and it’s free).

Winter is also the best time for desert experiences. Khor Al Adaid (the Inland Sea), where dunes meet the sea, is at its most beautiful and accessible. Cultural institutions like the Museum of Islamic Art and National Museum of Qatar are enjoyable year-round, but winter allows you to combine them with outdoor exploration.

Qatar may be small, but it offers a surprisingly rich mix of culture, desert, architecture, and calm, especially when explored slowly and beyond the obvious highlights.

Top tours in Qatar:

See also:

arab countries in winter

Lebanon – Mountains, Food & History

(A unique winter destination with Mediterranean charm.)

Lebanon is one of those rare countries where winter lets you experience everything at once. I visited at the very end of winter (it was my birthday trip) and was surprised to still find snow lingering in the mountains, while the coast already felt almost spring-like. One day we were walking through ancient ruins by the sea, and the next we were driving up into the mountains past snow-covered peaks. We explored the country on a road trip, which is hands down the best way to see Lebanon: distances are short, scenery changes fast, and you can easily combine cities, nature, and historical sites in a single itinerary.

What really makes Lebanon special in winter is the balance: ski resorts like Faraya and the Cedars are still active, hiking trails are quiet, and cities like Beirut, Byblos, and Tripoli are comfortable to explore without the summer heat. Add to that some of the best food in the region, from casual street eats to long, social mezze lunches, and Lebanon becomes one of the most rewarding Arab countries to visit in winter, especially if you enjoy slow travel, history, and getting off the beaten path.

Bahrain (Side Trip)

Bahrain works best as a short side trip from Qatar, Saudi Arabia or UAE rather than a main destination. Winter temperatures make it pleasant to explore Manama, visit the Bahrain Fort, and experience the country’s laid-back atmosphere. Many cruise operators include Bahrain as one of their stops.

While there isn’t a long list of must-see attractions, Bahrain pairs well with nearby destinations and offers an easy introduction to Gulf culture in a compact format. I’ve been to Bahrain twice already, but for a tourist, I would recommend one or two days to see the main attractions. If you come in November or April, the weather would be hot enough for beach holidays as there are a few cool resorts that you might like, like Hawar by Mantis (on a private island near Qatar) with overwater rooms or Four Seasons in Manama with a waterpark (I really like this one and has outstanding reviews).

Kuwait (Side Trip)

Kuwait is another destination best approached with modest expectations. Winter is the most comfortable season to visit, allowing for city walks, museum visits, and coastal views.

There isn’t a huge amount to do for leisure-focused travelers, but as a cultural and urban stop — especially for those interested in Gulf life beyond tourism — Kuwait can be an interesting addition to a regional trip.

Top activities in Kuwait:

Please note that this post included affiliate links, when you decide to purchase anything through these links I get a small commission at NO extra cost to you, it helps me to keep running this blog! I only promote products and services I use or would use myself. All images are the property of Postcards from the World and cannot be used without permission.

Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

  • Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
  • AirHelp helps to get compensation for cancelled or delayed flights.
  • Travel Payouts is my favourite platform for monetizing the blog.
  • Discover Cars is a great website as they search both local and international car hire services, so you can choose the best deal for yourself. Make sure though, that the company has a good reputation and reviews.
  • Get Your Guide is my place to go for searching and booking tours and excursions, especially when I travel solo.
  • World Nomads and EKTA travel insurance. I like them because they have quite extensive coverage of different activities.
  • WeGoTrip sends you audio guides to your mobile, so you can visit places while learning history and interesting facts easily and for little money.
  • Go City is a perfect site for booking bucket list experiences and attractions all in one to avoid paying for multiple tickets. Easy and saves money. You can even save 50%.
  • Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
  • Skyscanner is a perfect website for searching flight routes and comparing prices.
  • Airalo is my eSim choice for alternative data abroad.

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Ania is a founder of Postcards from the World, a place where she wants you to be inspired to travel and visit new places This is also a place where you can find tips and honest travel guides to help you with you plan your dream trips with ease.

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