Book cheap flights to Jeddah

The best times to visit Jeddah are the periods between January and April, or November and December. During this time, average temperatures are on the cooler side for the city, ranging between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius. Outdoor activities are best enjoyed in milder temperatures. From May to October temperatures can soar up to 40 degrees and over. Most buildings in Jeddah have indoor air-conditioning, so the hotter months are the ideal time to go if you are looking to avoid the tourists and take advantage of the fabulous shopping opportunities in Jeddah’s high-end malls.

South Africans do require a visa to enter Saudi Arabia. In order to qualify for a visa, South Africans are required to possess a valid passport with at least six months’ validity after intended duration of stay, and a blank page for an official visa stamp.

For more information on South African visa requirements for Saudi Arabia, please contact the Saudi Arabian Embassy in South Africa (Telephone: 27 12 362 4230).

As part of the United Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the city of Jeddah is governed under Islamic Law. As such, crime is a rare occurrence and the crime rate in Jeddah is extremely low, making the city one of the safest in the world. The large influx of visitors can, however, bring petty crime into the city. Visitors should practise vigilance when carrying expensive items, such as cameras, cellphones and watches.

Visitors should be mindful of the local Islamic customs as a sign of respect. Men and women are required to dress modestly and avoid shorts, skirts and other revealing clothing. Couples (married or unmarried) should refrain from public displays of physical affection and alcohol is forbidden, except for in designated drinking areas.

Jeddah offers a multitude of different types of accommodation to suit every traveller’s taste and budget. With accommodation ranging from five-star hotels to bed and breakfast houses, visitors are not short on choice for where they would like to stay. Visitors looking to be near landmarks and the beach should look no further than Corniche, Jeddah’s premier resort area. Those looking to be nearer to malls and shopping areas should consider Al Hamra, located a stone’s throw away from the best malls, restaurants and cafés.

Public transport is not extensive in Jeddah and most visitors hire rental cars during their stay. Meter and fixed-rate taxis are also a popular choice for getting around. Visitors are encouraged to negotiate a fixed rate with a taxi rather than using a meter, as the price is usually far cheaper. Many hotels utilise water taxis which transport locals and tourists around to nearby malls and restaurants.