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.
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.
Best time to visit
Best: November to February
Best Reason: 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.
Peak Season: Ramadan and Hajj season (dates vary by Islamic lunar calendar); December-January for expatriate holiday travelers
Avoid: June to August
Avoid Reason: 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.
Month-by-month weather
Typical conditions throughout the year.
January
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.
February
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.
March
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.
April
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.
June
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.
July
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.
August
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.
September
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.
October
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.
November
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.
December
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.
The seasons
What to expect in each part of the year.
Spring
Months: 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.
Summer
Months: 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.
Fall
Months: 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.
Winter
Months: 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.
Crowds & peak times
When to expect tourists and when to avoid them.
- High Season
- Hajj week, Ramadan, December-February, Saudi national holidays (Eid Al-Fitr, Eid Al-Adha)
- Shoulder Season
- October-November and March-April
- Low Season
- May, June, September — hot weather keeps most leisure tourists away
Major events & festivals
Time your visit around what matters.
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.
Ramadan
Month of fasting transforms the pace of life. Special iftar events, night markets, and Tarawih prayers. Spectacular atmosphere.
Taif Rose Season
Rose farms bloom across the Taif region; rose festivals and distillery tours available.
Saudi National Day Events
Various cultural events and celebrations across Jeddah and the province.
Jeddah Season
Major entertainment festival with concerts, performances, and cultural events in Jeddah.