Makkah Weather & Best Time to Visit: Full Guide

Makkah sits in a hot desert climate zone, which means long, intensely hot and dry summers, short and mild winters, and only modest rainfall spread across a few months of the year. Whether you're planning Umrah, a family visit, or simply relocating to the Makkah region, understanding the weather patterns helps you pack smart, time your trip, and stay comfortable. This guide from سعودي ليفنج breaks down the climate month by month and pinpoints the most comfortable windows to visit.

Makkah's climate at a glance

Across a typical year, average daytime highs hover around 37–40 °C, while nighttime lows settle near 24–25 °C. Annual rainfall is low, usually somewhere between 90 and 160 mm, and it is concentrated in the cooler months. To put the heat in perspective, Makkah sees roughly 230 days a year at 30 °C or above and around 265 days at 25 °C or above — so warmth is the default here, not the exception.

Month-by-month weather

• January: The coolest month, with highs around 26–28 °C and lows of 18–22 °C. It's also relatively cloudy and one of the wetter months, with rainfall around 40 mm and several rainy days.
• February–March: Warming steadily, with highs of 29–33 °C and lows around 19–21 °C. Rainfall stays low (roughly 6–11 mm).
• April–May: Heat builds quickly, with highs of 35–40 °C and lows of 24–27 °C. Rain becomes limited (about 7–11 mm).
• June–August: The hottest stretch, with highs of 40–42 °C or more and lows around 28–29 °C. Rain is virtually absent, often under 2 mm for the whole month.
• September–October: Slowly easing, with September highs of 38–40 °C and October around 36–37 °C, lows of 25–27 °C, and light rain (5–7 mm).
• November–December: Comfortable again, with November highs near 31–32 °C and December around 29–30 °C, lows of 19–22 °C. Rainfall picks back up, and November is often the wettest month of the year.

Recent extremes and 2026 outlook

Weather can push beyond the averages. Recent records include a scorching day near 48 °C in August 2026 and a cool low of about 14 °C in December 2025. Looking ahead, forecasts for summer 2026 suggest June–August could run roughly 1.5–1.6 °C above normal in parts of the Makkah region, pointing to a hotter-than-average season.

The best time to visit for comfort

For weather comfort, November through March is the standout window. Temperatures are milder, evenings are pleasant, and daytime conditions are far more tolerable for walking and extended outdoor activity. If you prefer the coolest possible weather, aim for December or January — just be aware these are also the wettest months, so occasional rain is possible.

Tips for visiting in the heat

If your trip falls in the hot season, plan around the sun rather than fighting it:

• Do your outdoor movement in the early morning or after sunset when temperatures drop.
• Stay well hydrated throughout the day, and carry water wherever you go.
• Wear lightweight, breathable, light-coloured clothing and use sun protection.
• Take regular breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas, especially at midday.
• Watch for signs of heat exhaustion and pace yourself, particularly if you're fasting or performing rituals on foot.

Planning ahead

Because temperatures shift so dramatically between seasons, always check a current forecast in the days before you travel. Conditions can vary from year to year, and cooler-season rain can occasionally be heavy. With the right timing and a little preparation, a visit to Makkah can be comfortable in any season — but the November-to-March window remains the easiest on the weather.

---

Stay updated with the latest news, events, sports updates, business insights, real estate and lifestyle stories on Saudi Living — the leading online platform for residents, expats, and visitors in Saudi Arabia.

Follow Saudi Living for daily updates:

• Instagram - @saudiliving
• X - @saudiliving
• Facebook - @saudiliving
• YouTube - @saudiliving