Best Time To Visit Almasjid Annabawi

Best Time to Visit Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina, Saudi Arabia

Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, also known as the Prophet's Mosque, is the second holiest site in Islam and is located in the city of Medina, not Mecca (Makkah). The best time to visit Al-Masjid an-Nabawi largely depends on the individual's tolerance for large crowds and hot weather. The mosque and the city of Medina experience a desert climate with extremely hot summers and mild winters. To experience the mosque with more pleasant weather and less crowd congestion, it is advised to visit during the cooler months from November to February. Temperatures during this period are moderate, ranging from 15°C to 30°C, which allows for a more comfortable experience for prayer, reflection, and exploring the mosque's beautiful architecture and the city’s attractions.

Faithful Muslims often choose to visit during the last 10 nights of Ramadan to seek the rewards of Laylat al-Qadr, or during the Islamic pilgrimage of Hajj, which occurs annually in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah. It should be noted that these periods see an immense influx of pilgrims, and the area becomes incredibly crowded. Although this offers a unique and spiritually enriching experience, it requires visitors to deal with immense crowds and the hot summer temperatures which can often exceed 40°C. For those looking to perform Umrah, a non-mandatory but highly recommended Islamic pilgrimage, the months following Hajj – from September to November – tend to be less crowded and can offer a more serene experience at Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, as well as at the holy sites of Mecca for those extending their visit there.