Visiting Mecca, known as Makkah in Arabic, is an important spiritual journey for Muslims worldwide. Mecca's climate is generally hot and arid, but the city becomes particularly crowded during the Hajj, which is the largest annual gathering of Muslims. Hajj occurs in the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah, which can vary each year on the Gregorian calendar due to the Islamic calendar being lunar-based. Those planning to perform the Hajj should be prepared for extremely high temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F), and large crowds, as this pilgrimage is a religious obligation for all adult Muslims who are physically and financially capable of undertaking it.
If you are not planning to participate in the Hajj, the best time to visit Mecca for milder weather conditions is during the winter months, from November to February. During this period, temperatures are cooler, ranging from a pleasant 18°C (64°F) to 30°C (86°F), making outdoor activities much more comfortable. Moreover, this season also sees less congestion, providing a more serene experience for Umrah, the non-mandatory lesser pilgrimage that can be performed at any time of the year. However, it is important to note that even during these cooler months, the afternoons can still be quite warm, so visitors should dress appropriately and stay hydrated.
| Month | Min Temp | Max Temp |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18 °c | 30 °c |
| February | 19 °c | 31 °c |
| March | 21 °c | 34 °c |
| April | 24 °c | 38 °c |
| May | 28 °c | 42 °c |
| June | 30 °c | 44 °c |
| July | 31 °c | 44 °c |
| August | 31 °c | 44 °c |
| September | 29 °c | 43 °c |
| October | 26 °c | 40 °c |
| November | 23 °c | 35 °c |
| December | 20 °c | 31 °c |
