Cheapest Time to Fly to Saudi Arabia (and Most Expensive)
The cheapest time to fly to Saudi Arabia is often May and late August–October—while December–February and major holiday weeks (like Eid and Hajj-season travel) are usually the priciest.
Flights to Saudi Arabia can swing a lot by season—especially for US travelers on long-haul routes. The biggest price jumps usually happen when weather is best (winter), when holiday weeks hit, and when religious travel demand spikes.
If you’re flexible, it’s worth price-checking multiple arrival cities—Riyadh (RUH) and Jeddah (JED) are the two most common gateways, and sometimes one is hundreds cheaper than the other.
Quick Take
- Cheapest time to fly to Saudi Arabia: May, late August–October, and parts of early November
- Most expensive time to fly to Saudi Arabia: December–February, spring break weeks, and peak religious holiday travel (dates shift each year)
Cheapest Time to Fly to Saudi Arabia
The cheapest time to fly to Saudi Arabia is usually when demand drops—meaning more open seats and better odds of a real price dip.
May (shoulder-season value)
May often prices better than winter and early spring. It’s a common “sweet spot” month where you can still plan a great trip without paying peak airfare.
Money-saving tip: Midweek departures: Tuesday–Thursday often have better pricing odds than weekend-heavy trips.
Heads-up: Memorial Day timing: if your dates overlap the holiday weekend, fares can jump.
Late August to October (heat-season deals)
This is often one of the most deal-friendly stretches for flights. Many travelers avoid the hottest part of the year, and that lower demand can work in your favor.
Money-saving tip: Try a one-stop: some routings price noticeably lower than the “best looking” itinerary.
Heads-up: Early October: prices can start creeping up as winter travel approaches.
Early November (pre-peak window)
Early November can be a solid compromise—better timing than summer, while still often cheaper than December and January.
Money-saving tip: Fly before mid-month: early-to-mid November frequently prices better than late November.
Heads-up: Thanksgiving week: US holiday travel can push international fares up.
Most Expensive Time to Fly to Saudi Arabia
The most expensive time to fly to Saudi Arabia is when demand stacks up fast and the cheapest seats disappear early—especially during winter and major holiday travel.
December to February (winter peak)
This is typically the toughest window for cheaper flights. Weather is at its best, travel demand is strong, and premium pricing becomes common.
Peak within peak: Late December: departures near the holidays and returns in early January often cost the most.
Spring break weeks (March to April)
Some March and April weeks run expensive depending on school break timing and weekend travel patterns.
Peak within peak: Friday–Sunday flights: weekend departures and returns often price higher than midweek-to-midweek trips.
Eid and Hajj-season travel (dates shift each year)
Religious holiday travel can tighten availability and push prices higher—especially if you’re locked into exact dates.
Heads-up: Islamic-calendar dates move each year: pricing spikes depend on when these weeks fall on the Western calendar.
Want Better Timing Without Peak Flight Prices?
If you want Saudi Arabia when it still feels like a great time to go—without paying top-dollar airfare—these windows often land well:
- Early November: often cheaper than December and January
- Late February: sometimes prices better than peak winter weeks
- May: a strong “value timing” month for flights
Money-saving tip: Build the trip around the cheaper flight week first—then lock hotels and activities after you’ve got the airfare.
Best Booking Window for Cheap Flights to Saudi Arabia
Because Saudi Arabia is usually a long-haul trip from the US, the best deals tend to go to travelers who track early and jump when a drop hits.
- Lower-demand periods: Start tracking: 3–7 months ahead
- Peak periods (Dec–Feb, holiday weeks): Start tracking: 6–10+ months ahead
- Religious travel weeks: Book earlier: if your dates are fixed, earlier is usually safer than waiting
Money-saving tip: Compare airports: checking both RUH and JED can be the difference between a “normal” fare and a really good one.
Seasonal Flight Demand Chart for Saudi Arabia
Use this chart as a quick guide to the cheapest vs. priciest months to fly.
| Month | Demand Level | Price Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | High | High | Winter peak pricing |
| Feb | High → Medium | High → Medium | Can soften late month |
| Mar | Medium → High | Medium → High | Spring break weeks can spike |
| Apr | Medium → High | Medium → High | Mixed pricing, some peak weeks |
| May | Medium → Low | Medium → Low | Often strong value |
| Jun | Low → Medium | Low → Medium | Heat-season deal potential |
| Jul | Low | Low | Often deal-friendly |
| Aug | Low | Low | Many cheaper weeks |
| Sep | Low | Low | Often one of the best deal months |
| Oct | Low → Medium | Low → Medium | Prices start trending up late month |
| Nov | Medium | Medium | Early value, late-month climbs |
| Dec | Medium → Very High | Medium → Very High | Early deals; late holiday surge |
Not A Member? ✈️
Save 40%-95% with Jetsetter Alerts - Airline Mistake Fare & Flash Sales Alerts!
Other Articles
Jetsetter Alerts