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Weather Guide

Makkah Weather & Climate Guide 2025

Plan your trip with detailed weather information and seasonal tips for Makkah.

Makkah Province (Makkah al-Mukarramah) is the spiritual heartland of Islam and one of Saudi Arabia's most significant regions, encompassing the holy city of Makkah, the cosmopolitan port city of Jeddah, the mountain resort city of Taif, and the Red Sea city of Yanbu. The province draws millions of Muslim pilgrims annually for Hajj and Umrah, while Jeddah welcomes all visitors with its UNESCO-listed Al-Balad district, vibrant Red Sea coastline, and modern urban culture.

Best Time to Visit

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Best Months

November to February

Winter months bring pleasant temperatures of 20-28°C in Jeddah and 15-22°C in Taif, making sightseeing comfortable. The Red Sea is warm enough for swimming year-round.

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Months to Avoid

June to August

Summer is brutally hot with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C in Jeddah and 43°C in Makkah city. High humidity along the coast adds to discomfort. Only Taif (at 1,800m) remains tolerable in summer.

Climate Overview

Makkah Province has a hot desert climate (Köppen BWh) characterized by very hot summers, mild winters, and minimal rainfall. Jeddah on the Red Sea coast experiences high humidity in summer while Makkah city is drier. Taif, at 1,800 meters elevation, is significantly cooler year-round with temperatures 5-10°C lower than coastal cities. Annual rainfall across the province averages just 80-110mm, mainly from November to January.

Month-by-Month Guide

What to expect each month of the year.

Jan

21°C/70°F avg (Jeddah); 14°C/57°F (Taif)
Coolest month of the year — ideal for sightseeing and beach visits. Occasional light rainfall. Busy season with Saudi nationals and tourists.

Feb

22°C/72°F avg (Jeddah); 15°C/59°F (Taif)
Excellent weather continues. Taif rose farms begin to bloom in late February. Low crowds compared to Eid holiday periods.

Mar

25°C/77°F avg (Jeddah); 18°C/64°F (Taif)
Warming up but still very pleasant — an excellent time to visit. Taif roses in peak bloom March-April. Green and vibrant mountain landscapes.

Apr

28°C/82°F avg (Jeddah); 22°C/72°F (Taif)
Good conditions early in the month but warming towards uncomfortable heat by late April. Taif still excellent in April.

May

32°C/90°F avg (Jeddah); 26°C/79°F (Taif)
Getting hot — outdoor sightseeing becomes challenging in the midday heat. Early mornings and evenings still pleasant.

Jun

35°C/95°F avg (Jeddah); 29°C/84°F (Taif)
Hot and increasingly humid. Outdoor activities only possible early morning or after sunset. Hajj season may occur in June.

Jul

38°C/100°F avg (Jeddah); 30°C/86°F (Taif)
Very hot and humid in coastal areas. Makkah city can hit 43°C. Taif becomes the escape destination for Saudi families.

Aug

38°C/100°F avg (Jeddah); 30°C/86°F (Taif)
Peak summer heat with extreme temperatures and high humidity. Only recommended for those accustomed to desert heat, or specifically visiting Taif.

Sep

35°C/95°F avg (Jeddah); 28°C/82°F (Taif)
Still very hot but beginning to ease. September is challenging for sightseeing but manageable with early morning plans.

Oct

30°C/86°F avg (Jeddah); 24°C/75°F (Taif)
Noticeably more pleasant — a good transitional month with comfortable evenings. Tourist activity begins to pick up.

Nov

26°C/79°F avg (Jeddah); 20°C/68°F (Taif)
Very pleasant weather — ideal for all outdoor activities. Fewer tourists than December-February peak. Occasional light rain.

Dec

22°C/72°F avg (Jeddah); 15°C/59°F (Taif)
Excellent weather — one of the best months to visit. Cool evenings require a light jacket. Festive atmosphere in malls and public spaces.
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Seasonal Planning Guide

Complete weather data, packing lists by season, and event calendars.

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Seasonal Breakdown

Detailed information for each season.

🌸 Spring

Mar-May

Temperatures rise quickly from March — comfortable in March but very hot by May (40°C+). Taif rose farms bloom beautifully in February-April. Good time to visit before the intense summer heat.

Tips: Visit Taif rose farms in February-April for peak bloom; in coastal cities, early March is ideal; carry sun protection

☀️ Summer

Jun-Aug

Extremely hot throughout the province — 40-44°C in Makkah and Jeddah with significant humidity along the coast. Only Taif remains relatively comfortable at 25-32°C. Hajj takes place in summer some years.

Tips: Avoid outdoor activities between 10AM-5PM; stay hydrated with at least 3 liters water daily; Taif is the summer escape for Saudis

🍂 Fall

Sep-Nov

Gradual cooling from October onwards — September is still very hot but November becomes pleasant. Humidity decreases from October. A transitional period with improving conditions.

Tips: October-November is a sweet spot — fewer crowds than peak winter season with increasingly pleasant temperatures

❄️ Winter

Dec-Feb

The best season for visiting Makkah Province. Jeddah enjoys temperatures of 18-26°C — perfect for beach, sightseeing, and outdoor activities. Taif can be cool at night (10-14°C). Rain is most likely in December-January.

Tips: Pack a light jacket for evenings; book accommodation well in advance as this is high season; rain gear for occasional showers

What to Pack

Seasonal packing recommendations.

Year-Round Essentials

  • Modest clothing (cover shoulders and knees)
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
  • Light scarf or shawl (for religious sites)
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Power adapter
  • Basic first aid kit

Hot Weather Additions

  • Lightweight, breathable fabrics
  • Extra sun protection
  • Cooling towel
  • Light colors to reflect heat
  • Sandals with back straps

Cool Weather Additions

  • Warm layers (fleece, sweater)
  • Light jacket or coat
  • Rain gear (umbrella, waterproof jacket)
  • Closed-toe shoes
  • Warm accessories (if winter)

Events & Crowd Levels

Plan around busy periods and special events.

🔴 High Season

Hajj week, Ramadan, December-February, Saudi national holidays (Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha)

Higher prices, advance booking essential, crowded attractions.

🟡 Shoulder Season

October-November and March-April

Good balance of weather and crowds. Reasonable prices.

🟢 Low Season

May, June, September — hot weather keeps most leisure tourists away

Best deals, fewer tourists. Some services may be limited.

Major Events & Holidays

Varies (Islamic lunar calendar)
Hajj Season

Largest annual pilgrimage in the world — 2-3 million Muslims descend on Makkah. Non-pilgrims should avoid Makkah area entirely during this period.

Varies (Islamic lunar calendar)
Ramadan

Month of fasting transforms the pace of life. Special iftar events, night markets, and Tarawih prayers. Spectacular atmosphere.

February-April
Taif Rose Season

Rose farms bloom across the Taif region; rose festivals and distillery tours available.

December
Saudi National Day Events

Various cultural events and celebrations across Jeddah and the province.

March-April
Jeddah Season

Major entertainment festival with concerts, performances, and cultural events in Jeddah.

Plan Your Perfect Makkah Trip

Get our complete seasonal guide with detailed packing lists, event calendars, and month-by-month planning tips.

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