Last-Minute Eid Break Ideas from Riyadh (June 2025)

You blinked, and now it’s June. Eid al-Adha is fast approaching, school’s nearly out, and half of Riyadh seems to have vanished to the Med. Meanwhile, you’ve got no plans, no bookings, and a rising sense of panic.

If you’re scrambling to plan a last minute Eid break from Riyadh, you’re not alone. The second Eid holiday always seems to creep up, and somehow half the city is already packed and gone. But the good news? It’s not too late to escape. Whether you’re after culture, coastline or just cooler weather, here’s a round-up of the best last-minute getaways from Riyadh.

We’ve included flight times, weather warnings, drive times, and real talk on how these places actually feel in June. No fluff, no fuss — just helpful info so you can pack and go.

Where to Go for a Last Minute Eid Break from Riyadh

Istanbul: Culture, Kebabs and a Bit of Breeze

Flight time: 4 hours Weather in early June: Warm and sunny, around 27–30°C, with the occasional muggy afternoon

Classic Istanbul moment. Blue skies, Blue Mosque, and four slightly sun-dazed faces trying to take it all in.

Istanbul is a great all-rounder. It’s easy to get to, packed with culture, and has enough variety to keep everyone entertained. Three days is fine, but you’ll thank yourself if you stretch it to five.

Top picks include Hagia Sophia, the Blue Mosque, and Topkapi Palace — just go early to avoid the crowds. The public ferry up the Bosphorus is a winner too. Head to Anadolu Kavağı for lunch and Turkish ice cream, and keep the kids entertained by checking the ship routes on marinetraffic.com.

Stay in Karaköy or Sultanahmet for walkable access to the sights.

Sharm El Sheikh: Easy Red Sea Escape

Flight time: 2.5 hours Weather in early June: Hot but dry, around 36–38°C, with a sea breeze that helps

If you need a break that requires zero thinking, this is it. Sharm is made for families who want pool days, snorkelling, and someone else sorting out the meals.

All-inclusive resorts are plentiful. Expect plenty of aqua parks, coral reefs, glass-bottom boats, and chill-out time. It’s hot, but manageable with shade and slow mornings.

Cairo: Big History, Big Heat

Flight time: 2.5 hours Weather in early June: Dry and intense, peaking around 40°C

It might be surrounded by traffic and juice stalls, but the pyramids are still every bit as epic as you'd hope.

Cairo is best for families who don’t mind a bit of chaos and love their history in bold type. The pyramids, the Grand Egyptian Museum, and the endless hum of the city are worth the heat — if you’re up early and prepared.

This one is more suited to teens and tweens who can handle a full day of exploring without melting. Go with realistic expectations, a hat, and litres of water.

Tbilisi: European Vibes Without the Distance

Flight time: 3 hours Weather in early June: Just right — between 24–28°C

Proof we made it — and loved it. Tbilisi totally charmed us with its wine, winding streets, and warm welcomes.

Tbilisi is underrated. It’s got character, charm, and a relaxed pace that suits families and couples alike. The old town is perfect for wandering, and the mountain views give it that Alpine-meets-Balkan edge.

It’s walkable, welcoming, and the food is fantastic. Cool enough for comfort, and close enough to be convenient.

We’ve written a full post on traveling to Georgia — head here to read more.

Muscat: Calm, Coastal and Classy

Flight time: 2 hours Weather in early June: Hot, usually 38–42°C, but with sea air that keeps things comfortable

Muscat serving up mountains, sea, and serious whitewashed drama. Not a skyscraper in sight — just vibes.

We loved Muscat. There’s a calm elegance to the place, and the sea-meets-desert backdrop makes it feel cinematic. It’s great for early morning hikes, peaceful souqs, and long seafood lunches with a view.

Not ideal for toddlers in the midday heat, but if you plan around the sun, it’s one of the best city breaks in the Gulf.

Salalah: Almost Green

Flight time: 3 hours Weather in early June: Still dry, around 35°C — khareef season hasn’t quite kicked in

Salalah showing off — sweeping sands, moody mountains, and not a single person in sight. Not bad for June, hey?

Salalah is famous for its lush landscapes during the monsoon season, but in June it’s still warming up. That said, it’s a lovely place to unplug. Quieter than Muscat, and good for those looking to get off the grid.

Best saved for July or August, but doable if you want something a little different.

Driveable Breaks from Riyadh

If flights are full or budgets tight, these road trips are all within reach — just check car insurance and border paperwork before setting off.

Bahrain

Drive time: Around 4.5 hours Weather: Hot and humid, low 40s

Great for a quick change of scene — brunches, pools, shopping, and a bit of island breeze. You’ll need to factor in the border queue, but once you’re through, it’s an easy-going weekend. I've written a whole article about adventures in Bahrain here.

Doha

Drive time: Around 6.5 hours Weather: Humid and around 43°C

More cultural than commercial. Think museums, desert excursions, and sleek cafes. A good alternative to Dubai if you want a quieter vibe with just as much polish.

Dubai

Drive time: Around 10 hours Weather: Hot and sticky, 45°C or more

Yes, it’s boiling. But it’s built for it. Waterparks, malls, indoor everything — if you’re planning to spend your days in the AC, it works. Just don’t try to do too much outdoors.

Stay in Saudi — and Still Get Away

You don’t need to leave the country to get a proper break. Here are some solid options for staying put.

Jeddah or KAEC

The Red Sea is always a good idea. Still hot (around 40°C), but there’s something about being near the water that makes it more manageable. Good food, interesting culture, and plenty of sea views.

Abha and the Asir Mountains

Possibly the best kept secret in Saudi summer travel. Daytime temps in the 20s, actual greenery, and even the odd monkey. Perfect if you want mountain air, cooler evenings, and a complete change of pace.

AlUla

Visually stunning, but not at its best in June. Expect highs of 42°C and above. If you must go, do everything early and rest midday. Honestly though? AlUla is better enjoyed when it’s not trying to cook you alive. Save it for the cooler months.

Riyadh Staycation

Book into a hotel, ride the metro to KAFD, explore museums, or just lounge by a pool. You don’t need a boarding pass to take a break.

Still Deciding? Here’s the TL;DR

Last-minute doesn’t mean no hope. With a bit of flexibility and realistic expectations, you can still make the most of your Eid break — whether you’re hopping on a plane, hitting the road, or checking into a hotel down the road.

Travel light, plan loosely, and don’t forget the suncream.

For more inspiration, check out our Weekend Getaways from Riyadh or grab the Relocation Checklist if you’re new to life here.