When planning a trip to the Kingdom, choosing the best time of year to visit is a major factor as it impacts almost everything you do – the type of weather, the size of the crowds, local events and festivals, and the cost of…well, everything. Makkah is one of the most visited cities in the world because of its religious significance and has months when temperatures reach extreme highs, so it’s important to prepare carefully before booking. Our useful guide can help you figure out the best possible time to visit the beating heart of Islam.
How hot does it get in Makkah?
Makkah is known for its relentless heat. There is warm weather year-round, but the summers are particularly sweltering. Temperatures often go above 40°C, and sometimes as high as 47°C, especially from late July to early September. And like many other cities in the GCC, there’s that dry desert climate and the possibility of sandstorms to anticipate, in addition to the heat.
If you’re visiting to perform Hajj in June, the weather will be a struggle but there are some self-care tricks to help you deal with the unforgiving conditions. Keep in mind that the hottest part of the day is from 10am to 8pm, so the evenings and early mornings are the best times to get out and about.
Seek shade or use an umbrella, apply a cooling spray and SPF regularly, and stay well hydrated while queuing for long hours. Thankfully, all indoor spaces and accommodations are usually air conditioned.
The great news is that Hajj in 2025 will be the last during summer for 16 years. Hussein Al-Qahtani, spokesman of the Saudi National Center for Meteorology, said that 2026 sees the start of Hajj happening in spring for eight years in a row. Then there will be another eight years during which the pilgrimage will be performed during winter.
Is Makkah cool during winter?
Relatively speaking, it is, but the weather can be described as mild rather than cool. From November to February, temperatures dip and become more bearable, making it the most comfortable season for visitors. The average temperature during the day is around 25°C and that can go down to around 17°C when night falls. There is some rainfall during the winter months, as well as occasional storms and strong winds.
The pleasant weather means winter is the best time to be out and about in Makkah and it’s a very popular time for visitors to the city – booking in advance is highly recommended.
When is the best time to avoid visiting Makkah?
The unparalleled Hajj pilgrimage is, unsurprisingly, the busiest time in the city’s calendar, so if you’re not partaking and prefer a quieter, easier and more comfortable spiritual experience, this is the time to avoid. Millions of pilgrims descend upon the city (over 1.83 million in 2024), [RA4] causing massive crowds everywhere, especially around the Grand Mosque and other pilgrimage sites like Mount Arafat, Mina and the hills of Safa and Marwah.
The huge numbers also make it challenging to find accommodation, transport, bookings for restaurants and Makkah’s various attractions. The price hikes, sometimes dramatic, are another reason to avoid this time of year. If you’re visiting as a pilgrim during Hajj, book everything at least six months before you travel. Some pilgrims prefer to stay in nearby Madinah or Jeddah and travel into Makkah as needed.
When is the best time to visit Mecca for Umrah?
Umrah is a deeply personal experience to renew faith, rejuvenate the soul, and seek repentance for sins. For those wishing for a serene experience, the best time to head to Makkah is during the off-peak or shoulder seasons. Between Muharram and Rajab (the first half of the Islamic calendar), the crowds in Mecca become diluted. Subsequently, you’ll find shorter queues at the Haram, as well as a more tranquil atmosphere for prayer and reflection.
Another excellent window is between Shawwal and Dhul-Qi’dah, just after Ramadan but before the Hajj season begins, when there’s a calmer environment but the spiritual energy of the city hasn’t been compromised.
Can I visit Makkah during Ramadan?
Yes! In fact, Ramadan sees a significant influx of worshippers, as many come to pray and perform Umrah during the holy month, which is especially spiritually rewarding. It’s a unique experience and the atmosphere is electric – charged by nightly prayers, spiritual reflection, communal gatherings and events. The annual Fawanees Festival, for example, features live shows and entertainment zones. However, it is also incredibly busy, and the crowds, which can get overwhelming, cause rituals to take longer, especially during the last 10 nights of Ramadan and the highlight of Laylatul Qadr. But if you can brave the throngs, traffic and price increases, Ramadan in Makkah is an experience like no other.
Is Makkah busy during Eid?
The short answer is absolutely. Both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha see an uptick in visitors, particularly from those performing Umrah or extending their stay post-Hajj. Praying in one of Makkah’s renowned, beautiful mosques (or outside when reserving a spot hours in advance isn’t possible), enjoying some delicious food and taking in the beautifully decorated streets and festive atmosphere, all help make Eid memorable. Being in a blessed land during a blessed time is truly special.
