The best things to do in Madinah during summer

Medina (locally known as Madinah) in the summer is not for the faint hearted. It is one of the hottest cities in the country and temperatures regularly hit 40°C (104°F) along with draining humidity. With that kind of heat, you can very quickly get into trouble, particularly if you’re not used to it and/or get stuck outside. 

That said, air conditioning is ubiquitous, even inside the sprawling Prophet’s Mosque compound, and if you adjust your schedule to avoid the worst of the heat, 11am through to 3-4pm in the afternoon, there can be benefits to visiting the city in the summer. Less people, cheaper room rates, and the excuse to get into bed at midday and sleep all afternoon, among them. 

Here is a run down of the best summer activities in Medina and how to make the most of them. 

The hot summer weather results in visitors exploring Medina at night. STA

An evening view of the towering minarets outside the Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Medina

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The Prophet’s Mosque is open 24 hours and is climate controlled, meaning that it provides cool respite even during the hottest hours of the day. The mosque covers a large area of central Medina, with multiple entrances and towering minarets. Also air-conditioned are the various museums inside the compound, such as the Holy Quran Exhibition. 

That said, some of the most interesting architectural marvels are outside the mosque building, where you’re at the mercy of the blazing sun. Its open courtyards are surrounded by arcaded pathways with geometric patterns. The green dome is the focal point, visible from a distance and surrounded by other smaller domes. During evening prayers, the mosque’s exterior is illuminated, so actually the cooler evenings are often the most atmospheric times to visit the site. Non-Muslims aren’t permitted to enter The Prophet’s Mosque but you can still get incredible views as the sun sets in the evening.

Dar Al Madinah Museum

Dar Al Madinah museum

During the hottest hours of the day, why not head to one of the city’s sprawling air-conditioned museums, such as Dar Al Madinah Museum, where you can learn about Medina's history. Other good options if you’re looking for cool air and retail therapy are the malls – both Al Rashid Mega Mall and Medina Mall are easy places to while away the afternoons. The Taiba Commercial Centre, close to Gate 20 of the Prophet’s Mosque, is a more authentic bazaar in Medina, with small-holders hawking everything from trinkets and souvenirs to juice. You’ll need to haggle. 

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The burial site of many prominent figures in Islamic history, including the Prophet Muhammad’s family and companions, Al-Baqi Cemetery is located in a vast walled space adjacent to Al Masjid an-Nabawi. It contains hundreds of simple and unmarked graves, in keeping with Islamic tradition, with pathways running through the area for visitors paying respects.

It can be hard going on a sweltering afternoon, but luckily Al-Baqi, like so many other sites in Medina, is open 24 hours, so why not rest during the day and then head to the cemetery at 10pm for a cool(er) nighttime stroll. Like so many of Medina’s sites, Al-Baqi is believed to have been founded by Muhammed himself as a graveyard for early Muslim devotees. 

The site was covered with various tombs and monuments to the dead until the early 19th century, when many were destroyed by the Wahhabi armies. Today, some of the more notable graves – although simple – have been restored and lit and attract the interest of pilgrims. 

Mount Uhud at night. STA

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The site of the Battle of Uhud (625 CE), Mount Uhud is both a natural and historical landmark, with its reddish-brown hue and arid peaks visible from downtown Medina. Uhud was one of two battles The Prophet fought with his rivals, the Quraysh, the first being the Battle of Badr. 

The site is generally part of any pilgrimage tour, and is easily reachable by taxi or private car – although most tourists come on a tour bus. Part of the enjoyment of Mount Uhud is climbing the mountain itself, something that is not possible on a summer afternoon. Luckily, the walkway is open until around midnight, depending on conditions.

The views from the top are well worth it, not least the shimmering green dome of the Prophet’s Mosque in the distance and tens of thousands of twinkling lights. 

Mount Uhud is open to non-Muslims, and includes a number of interesting sites such as the Grave of the Martyrs, located at the base of the mountain and marked by a small walled enclosure. It contains plaques and markers explaining key events of the battle, while a nearby market offers refreshments, souvenirs, and shaded seating areas for visitors.

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Medina is orientated towards pilgrims rather than children, but those who either come to the city on a pilgrimage or live there face the same challenges as any parents in the high summer in hot climates: how to keep kids amused when they can’t go outside. Luckily, many of Medina’s malls (including those above) have sizable play areas and kid-friendly food courts, and are an easy place to let them burn off some energy in an air-conditioned building. 

It isn’t a long trip by any standards, but the King Fahd Glorious Quran Printing Complex has the benefit of being indoors and a free copy of the Holy book is given to everyone who takes the tour. It claims to be the biggest Quran printer in the world, and to see the production line is quite a sight. Be sure to book ahead. 

Worshippers arrive at The Prophet's Mosque. STA

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Timing is everything

Hydrate constantly

Dress appropriately

Sunscreen and shade

Stay indoors as much as possible