Al Hada Travel Guide

City Mountain resort town in Mecca Region, Saudi Arabia

High on the Sarawat escarpment near Ta’if, Al Hada’s hairpin road and cable car offer cliffside viewpoints, cool mountain air and roadside grills where locals roast lamb. People come for winding drives, pine groves and panoramic overlooks.

Al hada hill way.JPG
Al hada mountain - panoramio.jpg
Al shifa road - panoramio.jpg
Al-Hada mountain road, al-Taif region, Saudi Arabia (1).jpg
Al-Hada mountain road, al-Taif region, Saudi Arabia (4).jpg
Al-Hada mountain road, al-Taif, Saudi Arabia (1).jpg
Al-Hada mountain road, al-Taif, Saudi Arabia (2).jpg
Al-Hada mountain road, al-Taif, Saudi Arabia (3).jpg
Al-Hada mountain road, al-Taif, Saudi Arabia (4).jpg
Al-Hada mountain road, al-Taif, Saudi Arabia (5).jpg
Costs
$60-130 - moderate resort prices
Mountain hotels and roadside cafés raise costs above city averages.
Safety
Generally safe; watch mountain roads
Low crime, but the winding mountain roads demand cautious driving.
Best Time
Spring and autumn (Mar-May, Sep-Nov)
Cooler mountain climate is most pleasant outside the hottest months.
Time
Weather
Population
6,885
Infrastructure & Convenience
Good scenic highway and cable car; limited English signage outside resorts.
Popularity
Popular with Saudi weekenders and road-trippers from Taif and Jeddah.
Known For
mountain road hairpins, Al Hada cable car, cooler climate, panoramic views, resorts and hotels, roses, scenic drives, picnic spots
Al Hada is famous for its winding mountain road with numerous hairpin turns and a scenic cable car connection down toward Taif.

Why Visit Al Hada? #

High on the Hejaz escarpment, Al Hada is a cool mountain retreat prized for dramatic switchback roads and a forested setting above Taif. The Al Hada cable car and the cliffside drives are draws for scenic photo stops, while nearby Taif rose farms and rosewater distilleries add a fragrant, local dimension. Hotels with terrace views make it easy to unwind after winding-road drives. The area suits travelers wanting mountain air and regional hospitality close to Mecca Province.

Top Things to Do in Al Hada

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Al Hada Cable Car - Cable car ride descending steep mountain slopes with sweeping valley views.
  • Al Hada mountain road - Curvy mountain road with roadside viewpoints ideal for photo stops.
  • Shubra Palace, Taif - Historical royal residence with landscaped gardens and a small museum.
Hidden Gems
  • Al Hada Park - Local gardens offering shaded paths, playgrounds, and tea kiosks for families.
  • Taif rose farms - Visit nearby rose farms to learn about Taif rose cultivation and products.
  • Local fruit markets - Small markets selling seasonal mountain fruits and regional preserves from nearby farms.
Day Trips
  • Taif city - Explore Taif's souks, historic architecture, and cooler mountain climate nearby.
  • Al Shafa highlands - Highland area with terraced farms, cedar groves, and easy walking trails.

Best Time to Visit Al Hada #

Al Hada is most pleasant in the cooler months (October-March) when mountain air is comfortable and views are clear. Summers are warmer but remain milder than the coastal plain.

Winter
November - February · 5 to 20 °C (41 to 68 °F)
Cool nights and mild days make sightseeing and mountain drives pleasant; occasional rain improves visibility and keeps gardens and terraces smelling fresh.
Spring
March - May · 15 to 28 °C (59 to 82 °F)
Wildflowers and cooler afternoons make spring delightful; day temperatures climb but hikes and scenic roads remain comfortable and less hazy than summer.
Summer
June - September · 20 to 32 °C (68 to 90 °F)
Summer is warm with hazy skies; still much cooler than coastal lowlands, but afternoons can be hot for long walks.

Best Time to Visit Al Hada #

Climate

Al Hada's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 7°C to 32°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall.

Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyOctober
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
49°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coolest month with highs of 19°C and lows of 7°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°
49%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

11 mm
Rainfall
2.0 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.4
UV Index
High
10.9h daylight

February

February is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 8°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
21°
43%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

6 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.8
UV Index
Very High
11.3h daylight

March

March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
10° 24°
35%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

21 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
11.9h daylight

April

April is mild with highs of 26°C and lows of 13°C. The driest month with just 5 mm and mostly sunny skies.

93 Ideal

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
13° 26°
31%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

5 mm
Rainfall
2.2 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.5h daylight

May

May is mild with highs of 30°C and lows of 17°C. The wettest month with 33 mm of rain and mostly sunny skies.

89 Excellent

Comfort

23°
Feels Like Mild
23°C
Temperature
17° 30°
23%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

33 mm
Rainfall
2.4 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
13.0h daylight

June

June is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 33°
17%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

7 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
13.3h daylight

July

July is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 32°
23%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
2.7 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.7
UV Index
Extreme
13.2h daylight

August

August is the warmest month with highs of 32°C and lows of 20°C. Light rainfall.

93 Ideal

Comfort

26°
Feels Like Warm
26°C
Temperature
20° 32°
29%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

13 mm
Rainfall
2.6 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.6
UV Index
Extreme
12.7h daylight

September

September is warm with highs of 32°C and lows of 19°C. Almost no rain.

93 Ideal

Comfort

25°
Feels Like Warm
25°C
Temperature
19° 32°
26%
Humidity
Dry

Weather

9 mm
Rainfall
2.3 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.3
UV Index
Extreme
12.2h daylight

October

October is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 14°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.

95 Ideal

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
14° 27°
31%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

12 mm
Rainfall
2.1 m/s
Wind
Calm
2.0
UV Index
Very High
11.5h daylight

November

November is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
10° 23°
45%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

24 mm
Rainfall
1.8 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.5
UV Index
High
11.0h daylight

December

December is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 8°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.

85 Excellent

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
20°
50%
Humidity
Comfortable

Weather

10 mm
Rainfall
1.9 m/s
Wind
Calm
1.3
UV Index
High
10.7h daylight

How to Get to Al Hada

Al Hada is a mountainous resort area near Ta'if known for its scenic mountain road and a tourist cable car. The closest practical airports are Ta'if Regional (TIF) and Jeddah (JED); from either you'll complete the trip by road.

By Air

Ta’if Regional Airport (TIF): Ta’if is the closest airport to Al Hada. From Ta’if airport a taxi or private transfer to Al Hada typically takes around 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.

King Abdulaziz International, Jeddah (JED): Jeddah is the largest nearby international hub; the drive to Al Hada (via Mecca/Ta’if direction) takes around 1.5-2 hours by road depending on traffic. Car hire or taxi are the usual options from Jeddah.

By Train & Bus

Train: Al Hada and Ta’if are not served by Saudi Arabia’s high-speed Haramain line; rail options are not practical for the final leg.

Bus: Intercity buses (SAPTCO) operate between Ta’if, Jeddah and other regional cities. From Ta’if bus station you can take a local taxi up the mountain road to Al Hada. Bus schedules vary; confirm times at the station.

How to Get Around Al Hada #

Al Hada is a mountain resort area best accessed by car or taxi from Ta’if; roads are steep and winding, so allow extra time. Once there, the resort strip is walkable for short visits, but getting between dispersed viewpoints and hotels is easier by car.

Taxis and hotel shuttles are the common options for visitors without a car. Carry cash and check with your hotel about pickups-public transport is limited in this mountain setting.

Where to Stay in Al Hada #

Budget
Al Hada foothills - $30-80/night
A few budget inns and seasonal guesthouses serve visitors. Roads steep; some options closed in low season. Check Taif for more choices.
Mid-Range
Al Hada road/peak area - $90-200/night
Mid-range hotels and family-run lodges with mountain views. Better selection along the main Al Hada road; book during weekend getaways.
Luxury
Al Hada resorts - $200-500/night
A few upscale resorts and international-branded hotels operate here. Expect higher prices, scenic drives, and limited terrace dining options in season.

Where to Eat in Al Hada #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Al Hada's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza

Nightlife in Al Hada #

Nightlife in Al Hada is restrained. Saudi regulations mean no bars; evenings typically centre on hotel restaurants, cafés and scenic viewpoints rather than nightclubs. Many hotels offer dining with mountain views and informal social spaces.

For a wider evening scene, plan a trip to Ta’if.

Shopping in Al Hada #

Shopping in Al Hada is limited to small local shops and hotel boutiques that cater to tourists-think snacks, souvenirs and basic necessities. For a fuller retail experience you’ll need to go down to Ta’if, which has larger malls and markets.

Bring what you need for mountain outings, as specialised gear is not widely sold here.

Nearby Cities #