Taif, high in the Sarawat Mountains above Mecca, is Saudi Arabia’s city of roses and a summer resort for the Hejaz since long before air conditioning. At about 1,500 m (4,900 feet), and nearly 2,000 m (6,600 feet) at Al-Hada and Al-Shafa, it is several degrees cooler than Jeddah and Mecca, and every spring its farms bloom with the fragrant Taif rose, whose petals are distilled into rose water and precious oil; about 550 million roses are harvested each year. The city has old palaces and markets, the site of the pre-Islamic Souq Okaz fair, granite hills, fruit orchards and baboon-dotted escarpments, and the switchback Al-Hada road and a 4.2 km (2.6-mile) cable car connect the mountain top with the valleys below. More than half a million people live in Taif, about 90 km (56 miles) from Mecca and 170 km (106 miles) from Jeddah. Taif has a mild, dry highland climate: summer highs are about 34–36 °C (93–97 °F) with cool nights, and winter days are about 23–25 °C (74–78 °F), with nights around 9–10 °C (48–50 °F).
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Taif at a glance
- Best months: March and April for the rose harvest; June to September for cool summer escapes from the coast; October to February for crisp, sunny days.
- Time needed: one day from Jeddah or Mecca for the cable car and a rose farm; two or three days to add Al-Shafa, the markets and the palaces.
- Getting there: Taif International Airport (TIF) has domestic flights; by road it’s about 90 km (56 miles) from Mecca and 170 km (106 miles) from Jeddah.
- Costs (as of October 2026): Saudi tourist e-visa SAR 535 including health insurance; rose water and oil are sold at farm shops and markets.
- Before you go: visas, the dress code, alcohol prohibition and medicine rules are covered in our Saudi Arabia travel guide.
Taif areas and who each one suits
Central Taif
The old center has the traditional souqs, the Shubra Palace and mid-range hotels, with restaurants and cafes busy in the evenings. Good for a short stay without a car.
Al-Hada
The mountain area on the escarpment above Mecca, with the cable car’s upper station, amusement parks, viewpoints, resorts and family chalets. Cooler than the city and popular in summer.
Al-Shafa
South of the city, at nearly 2,000 m (6,600 feet), Al-Shafa has farms growing roses, fruit and honey, with mountain views, small resorts and a rural feel.
Al-Wahbah and the outskirts
The outer districts have newer hotels, malls and the road to the airport, and access to the Souq Okaz site.
Top things to see in Taif
Rose farms and the rose harvest
Taif is one of Saudi Arabia’s leading centers for growing roses, and the rose harvest in spring, roughly March and April, is the best time to visit. Farms in Al-Hada and Al-Shafa open to visitors to see the pink blossoms picked at dawn and distilled in copper stills into rose water and rose oil. During the harvest, farmers keep up the tradition of Taasheer, rhythmic chants and singing in the fields, sometimes with a performance using the traditional Al-Maqmaa rifle. In 2025, Al-Hada hosted the Rose and Aromatic Plants Global Forum in early April. Buy rose water and oil directly from farms, and check the quality before you pay.
Al-Hada cable car
The cable car runs from the summit of Al-Hada down to the Al-Kar tourist village in the valley, 4,200 m (2.6 miles) each way, in a 17-minute journey with views of the Sarawat Mountains and valleys. Its 52 eight-person cabins carry up to 1,000 people per hour in each direction. Al-Kar has rides, ziplines and family activities, and the cable car is a major summer attraction; check operating hours and prices locally.
The Al-Hada road
The road from Al-Hada down toward Mecca is one of Saudi Arabia’s most spectacular drives, with dozens of hairpin bends and views of granite cliffs; Hamadryas baboons often gather at the roadside viewpoints. The lower section leads into Mecca’s restricted area, so non-Muslim visitors should turn back at the viewpoints and use the signed routes that bypass the city.
Al-Shafa mountains
South of the city, the road to Al-Shafa climbs to nearly 2,000 m (6,600 feet) through terraced farms, juniper and acacia, with views over the escarpment toward the Tihama plain. Its farms grow roses in spring and pomegranates, figs, grapes and apricots in summer, and families picnic at the viewpoints on summer evenings. Small resorts and chalets make it a quieter base than Al-Hada, and the drive is best in the morning, before afternoon clouds build over the peaks.
How rose oil is made
Taif’s rose distilleries follow a slow, traditional method. The petals, picked in the early morning before the sun reduces their scent, are boiled in large copper stills, and the steam passes through cooling pipes into glass flasks, where rose water collects with a thin layer of oil floating on top. Thousands of roses are needed for a single small vial of oil, which explains its high price, while rose water is cheap and used in cooking, coffee and perfume. Several farms let visitors watch the process during the harvest and sell their products directly; ask to smell and compare before you buy.
Shubra Palace
Built in the early 20th century of stone and wood, with carved balconies and latticed windows, this palace in the city center was used by Saudi kings as a summer residence and later served as a museum. Check its current opening status locally, as heritage buildings in Taif are being restored.
Souq Okaz
North of the city, the site of the great pre-Islamic market and poetry fair of Okaz is commemorated by a festival ground that hosts cultural events, poetry, crafts and performances in some years.
Al-Rudaf Park and the granite hills
The park among the smooth granite boulders on the southern edge of the city is a favorite picnic spot, with paths and viewpoints.
Other things to do in Taif
- Al-Hada amusement parks: more than 100 rides, from water slides to an adventure train, in the parks around Al-Hada, according to local tourist guides.
- Fruit and honey: buy pomegranates, figs, grapes and honey from farm stalls in Al-Shafa in summer and autumn.
- Old souqs: browse spices, perfume, rose products and traditional clothing in the central markets.
- Mountain drives and hikes: explore the escarpment roads around Al-Shafa and Al-Hada, stopping at viewpoints.
- Ziplines and adventure parks: ziplines have become a draw alongside the cable car.
A short history of Taif
Taif has been a mountain retreat for the people of the Hejaz for centuries, valued for its cooler air, water and fertile soil when Mecca and Jeddah sweltered. Before Islam, the fair of Okaz nearby drew poets and traders from across Arabia, and in the 20th century the Saudi royal court and government moved to Taif for the summer months, which is why the city has palaces, old government buildings and villas from that period. Today it remains a favorite summer destination for families from Jeddah and Mecca.
Food and drink
Taif’s cooking is Hejazi: try mandi and madhbi (grilled lamb on hot stones), saleeg, and breakfasts of foul and tamees bread. Rose appears everywhere, in tea, ice cream, sweets and rose water drinks. In summer, roadside stalls sell fresh fruit from the mountain farms, and cafes with views line the Al-Hada and Al-Shafa roads. Alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia.
Day trips from Taif
Mecca (for Muslims)
About 90 km (56 miles) via the Al-Hada road. Only Muslims may enter Mecca’s sacred area; Umrah requires a permit in the Nusuk app. See our Mecca guide.
Jeddah
About 170 km (106 miles), two to three hours by road; non-Muslim travelers use the signed route that bypasses Mecca. See our Jeddah guide.
Al-Shafa
The mountain farmland south of the city makes an easy half day, with rose farms, fruit orchards and viewpoints.
Getting there and getting around
By air
Taif International Airport (TIF) has domestic flights from Riyadh and other Saudi cities. Around the Hajj, the authorities stop visitors who aren’t performing Hajj from flying to Taif, Jeddah and Medina, and you may need a Hajj visa to board. Since early 2026, regional tensions have led to periodic airspace closures across the Gulf, so flights can be delayed, rerouted or canceled at short notice; check your flight with the airline before you travel.
By road
From Jeddah, the drive takes two to three hours. From Mecca, the Al-Hada road climbs the escarpment in a series of hairpin bends. There is no train to Taif; the nearest Haramain station is in Mecca, and non-Muslim travelers arriving by train must use Jeddah.
Getting around
There is little public transport for visitors, so rent a car or use taxis and ride-hailing apps. The mountain roads are steep, with sharp bends and baboons near viewpoints; drive slowly, use low gears on descents and avoid feeding wildlife.
When to go and how long to stay
March and April bring the rose harvest and pleasant weather of about 28–31 °C (82–87 °F). June to September is the summer resort season, with highs of about 34–36 °C (93–97 °F), dry air and cool evenings, several degrees cooler than the coast and much cooler at Al-Hada and Al-Shafa. October to February is sunny and quiet, with highs of 23–31 °C (74–88 °F) and cool nights. Rain is most likely in April, May, October and November, often in short thunderstorms.
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rain | Highest recorded |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 23 °C (74 °F) | 9 °C (48 °F) | 10 mm (0.4 in) | 32 °C (90 °F) |
| Feb | 25 °C (78 °F) | 10 °C (51 °F) | 1 mm (0 in) | 33 °C (91 °F) |
| Mar | 28 °C (82 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 12 mm (0.5 in) | 34 °C (93 °F) |
| Apr | 31 °C (87 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 34 mm (1.3 in) | 35 °C (95 °F) |
| May | 34 °C (93 °F) | 19 °C (67 °F) | 35 mm (1.4 in) | 39 °C (102 °F) |
| Jun | 36 °C (97 °F) | 23 °C (73 °F) | 4 mm (0.1 in) | 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Jul | 36 °C (96 °F) | 24 °C (74 °F) | 2 mm (0.1 in) | 41 °C (106 °F) |
| Aug | 36 °C (97 °F) | 24 °C (75 °F) | 17 mm (0.7 in) | 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Sep | 35 °C (95 °F) | 21 °C (70 °F) | 9 mm (0.4 in) | 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Oct | 31 °C (88 °F) | 16 °C (61 °F) | 16 mm (0.6 in) | 36 °C (97 °F) |
| Nov | 27 °C (80 °F) | 13 °C (55 °F) | 23 mm (0.9 in) | 33 °C (91 °F) |
| Dec | 24 °C (76 °F) | 10 °C (50 °F) | 5 mm (0.2 in) | 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Year | 31 °C (87 °F) | 16 °C (62 °F) | 169 mm (6.6 in) | 41 °C (106 °F) |
Figures are the 1991–2020 climate normals for the Taif station (1,453 m, or 4,767 feet, above sea level) that Saudi Arabia’s National Center for Meteorology submitted to the World Meteorological Organization; “highest recorded” is the hottest day in each month over those 30 years. Al-Hada and Al-Shafa are cooler.
Events worth planning around
- Rose harvest (roughly March and April): farms open for picking and distilling, with Taasheer chants in the fields.
- Taif summer season (June to August): family events, festivals and busy parks.
- Souq Okaz festival (some years, usually summer): poetry, crafts and heritage shows at the Okaz site.
- Hajj season: in 2027 expected in mid-May; flights to Taif are restricted to Hajj pilgrims around the pilgrimage.
- Ramadan: in 2027 expected from about 8 February to 9 March.
Dates change each year; check with the organizers.
How long to stay: 1, 2 and 3 days
- One day: the cable car from Al-Hada, a rose farm and a sunset at a viewpoint.
- Two days: add the central souqs, the Shubra Palace and Al-Rudaf Park.
- Three days: add Al-Shafa’s farms and mountain roads and the Souq Okaz site.
Where to stay in Taif
- Central Taif: mid-range hotels near the souqs and restaurants.
- Al-Hada: resorts and chalets near the cable car, cooler in summer.
- Al-Shafa: small resorts and farm stays among the orchards.
- Airport road and the north: newer hotels with easy road access.
Prices rise in summer and during the Eid holidays, when Taif fills with visitors from the coast; compare total prices, as VAT and municipality fees are added.
Typical costs in Taif
| Item (as of October 2026) | Saudi riyals | About US dollars |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist e-visa, including health insurance | SAR 535 | $143 |
| Bottle of rose water (farm shop) | about SAR 15–40 | about $4–11 |
| Small vial of Taif rose oil | about SAR 100–500 and up | about $27–133 and up |
| Car rental, per day | about SAR 150–300 | about $40–80 |
| Casual restaurant meal | about SAR 25–60 | about $7–16 |
| Mid-range hotel room, per night in summer | about SAR 300–800 | about $80–213 |
The visa price is official; the other items are typical ranges, and genuine rose oil is very expensive. The riyal is pegged at about SAR 3.75 to US$1.
Safety in Taif
Taif is a calm city with low crime. Most risks come from the mountain roads and the weather.
- Mountain roads: the Al-Hada road has steep hairpin bends; drive slowly, use low gears and avoid driving in fog or after dark.
- Baboons: wild baboons gather at viewpoints; don’t feed or approach them, and keep food out of sight.
- Heat and sun: summer days are warm and the mountain sun is strong; wear a hat and sunscreen.
- Storms and flash floods: thunderstorms can cause sudden floods in wadis and on roads; never cross flowing water.
- Mecca’s restricted area: non-Muslims should not continue past the checkpoints on the roads toward Mecca.
- Dress codes, alcohol and medicines: cover elbows and knees in public, remember that alcohol is prohibited in Saudi Arabia, and get an SFDA clearance permit for controlled medicines before you travel.
- Photography: ask before photographing people, and don’t photograph military or government sites.
- Flight disruptions: since early 2026, regional tensions have led to periodic airspace closures across the Gulf, and flights can be delayed, rerouted or canceled at short notice. Check your flight with the airline before you travel, and heed the Saudi Civil Defense early-warning alerts sent to phones.
- Emergencies: call 911 for police, ambulance and fire, or 112 from a phone without a Saudi SIM card.
Practical tips for Taif
- Time zone: Arabia Standard Time (UTC+3) all year.
- Weekend: Friday and Saturday; summer weekends are busy at Al-Hada.
- Money and plugs: cards are widely accepted, but carry cash for farm stalls. Sockets are mostly type G (British three-pin) at 230 V.
What to pack for Taif
Pack layers: light clothes for warm days and a sweater or jacket for cool mountain evenings, especially at Al-Hada and Al-Shafa. Bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen and loose clothes that cover elbows and knees. Carry medicines in their original packaging with a prescription.
Taif travel FAQ
When is the Taif rose season?
The roses bloom and are harvested in spring, roughly March and April. Farms around Al-Hada and Al-Shafa welcome visitors.
How long is the Al-Hada cable car ride?
About 17 minutes each way over 4,200 m (2.6 miles), between the summit of Al-Hada and the Al-Kar tourist village.
How far is Taif from Mecca?
About 90 km (56 miles) by the Al-Hada road. Only Muslims may enter Mecca’s sacred area.
Can non-Muslims drive from Jeddah to Taif?
Yes, using the signed route that bypasses Mecca; the direct roads through Mecca are for Muslims only.
Is Taif cooler than Jeddah?
Yes. Taif’s summer highs are about 34–36 °C (93–97 °F) with low humidity, and Al-Hada and Al-Shafa are cooler still.
Is there a train to Taif?
No. The nearest Haramain station is Mecca (for Muslims); others travel via Jeddah by road.
What can I buy in Taif?
Rose water, rose oil and rose products, honey, local fruit and spices.
How many roses does Taif produce?
About 550 million roses are harvested from Taif’s farms each year.
Are there baboons in Taif?
Yes. Wild baboons gather at viewpoints along the Al-Hada road; don’t feed or approach them.
How long should I spend in Taif?
One day covers the cable car and a rose farm; two or three days let you explore the souqs, palaces and Al-Shafa.
Plan your trip
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Sources · last reviewed 5 October 2026
Researched and last reviewed on 5 October 2026. The Al-Hada cable car’s length, journey time and capacity, Al-Hada’s amusement parks, the Taasheer tradition, the rose forum and Taif’s annual rose harvest come from the Saudi Press Agency; Hajj flight restrictions, laws and emergency numbers from GOV.UK’s Saudi Arabia travel information (updated 20 September 2026); airspace disruption from the European Union Aviation Safety Agency; climate from the 1991–2020 normals Saudi Arabia submitted to the World Meteorological Organization; population and coordinates from Wikidata. Altitudes, the rose season’s months, the Shubra Palace, Souq Okaz, Al-Rudaf Park, baboons, the road routes for non-Muslims, distances, events, Ramadan and Hajj dates for 2027 and typical prices are general references and flagged for checking. For entry rules and money, see our Saudi Arabia travel guide.
Data: Weather: MET Norway (CC BY 4.0) · Rates: ECB · Costs: World Bank ICP and price levels · Wikidata (CC0)