The climate of Mecca
A city characterized by a unique subtropical desert climate,
Mecca falls under the BWh climate classification as per Köppen's system. Situated in the heartland of
Saudi Arabia, this city witnesses negligible annual variation in temperature and rainfall.
Analyzing the climatological dynamics, it's apparent that Mecca sees consistently high temperatures throughout the year, with a skinny range from 30.5°C (86.9°F) in
January to a scorching 43.8°C (110.8°F) in
June. The city stays relatively dry most of the year, with the annual rainfall fluctuating between a paltry 0mm (0") in June,
July to a high of 23mm (0.91") in
November. This fluctuations are mirrored in rainfall days, with no rainfall observed in the city for the entire month of June, contrasted by 3.9 rainfall days in November.
Relative humidity values in Mecca shift between 33% in June to a peak of 59% in
December. The city experiences a steady change in daily daylight and sunshine hours over the twelve months. Daylight hours rise from 10.8 to 13.4 hours, while sunshine hours demonstrate a similar pattern, increasing from 8 hours to 10.7 hours. The UV Index in the city remains consistently high, peaking at 12 from
March through
September, indicating a substantial risk of harm from unprotected sun exposure.
The best time to visit Mecca
Given the predominantly hot desert climate, the suggested time to visit
Mecca would be during the period of
January to
March. During these months, temperatures are more tolerable, with daily average highs ranging from 30.5°C (86.9°F) in January to 34.9°C (94.8°F) in March. Sunshine duration remains generous, amplifying between 8.4 hours to 9.1 hours, and daylight hours extending from 11 to 12 hours. The UV Index also remains lower during this period as compared to other months, with a reading of 7 in January, moving up to 12 come March, implying visitors should take adequate precautions to protect themselves from sun damage.
The worst time to visit Mecca
Considering the scorching heat and intense UV radiation, visiting
Mecca from
June to
August is least advisable. During these torrid summer months, temperatures reach extreme highs, from 43°C (109.4°F) in June to 43.8°C (110.8°F) in
July and slightly dipping to 42.8°C (109°F) in August. The UV index also hits the topmost rating of 12, indicating a substantial risk from unprotected sun exposure. The negligible rainfall of 0mm (0") in July and only 1mm (0.04") in August make these months unusually dry, adding to the uncomfortable conditions.
Spring weather in Mecca
The spring season in
Mecca, typically from
March to
May, sees steadily rising temperatures. Average high temperatures move from 34.9°C (94.8°F) in March to a blistering 42°C (107.6°F) by May. This period also brings a decrease in rainfall, falling sharply from 10mm (0.39") in
April to just 1mm (0.04") in May, along with corresponding decrease in rainfall days. Consistent sunshine hours prevail, rising from 9.1 hours in March to 9.8 hours in May. Relative humidity sees a downward trend, reducing from 48% to 36%. Notably, these months also pull a UV index of 12, suggesting extreme risk from sun exposure.
Summer weather in Mecca
June to
August is characterized by extreme temperatures and scorching sunshine. With sizzling temperatures peaking at a searing 43.8°C (110.8°F) in June and even the coolest nights hovering at a warm 29.5°C (85.1°F) in August, the summer months bring punishing heat. Rainfall is nearly non-existent, with 0mm (0") recorded in June and only 1mm (0.04") in August. The amount of daylight is consistently high hovering around 13 hours, as are sunshine hours at a peak of 10.7 hours in June. The UV index stands at a maximum of 12, requiring significant skin protection measures.
Autumn weather in Mecca
Autumn in
Mecca, encompassing
September to
November, witnesses a gradual decrease in temperatures. The highest daily average temperature reduces from 42.8°C (109°F) in September to a relatively more bearable 35.2°C (95.4°F) in November. Meanwhile, the lowest temperature drops from 28.9°C (84°F) to 23°C (73.4°F). A slight increase in rainfall, to 23mm (0.91") in November, brings a welcome change. Sunshine hours range between 9.4 hours to 9.7 hours, daylight hours reduce from 12.3 hours in September to 11.1 hours by November while the UV index decreases from 12 to 8.
Winter weather in Mecca
Winter months (
December to
February) provide a respite from the unyielding heat. Although daily high temperatures remain significantly warm, they drop down to a daily average high of 30.5°C (86.9°F) to 32°C (89.6°F). The rainfall sees an uptick to 22mm (0.87") in December and daylight hours diminish slightly to a low of 10.8 hours. Winter months flaunt comparatively lower sunshine hours decreasing from 8 hours in December to 8.4 hours in February. The relative humidity also increases peaking at 59% in December.
Weather in January
January in
Mecca,
Saudi Arabia typifies a desert winter. It is cooler compared to other months with a high temperature reaching up to 30.5°C (86.9°F) and a low settling at 18.8°C (65.8°F). This month might just be the best time to visit Mecca if one is used to more temperate climates.
Weather in January » Weather in February
The weather in
February is an extension of
January's mildness, but with very minor differences. The city begins to warm up, although it is still quite mild and pleasant for outdoor activities. The dryness of the air is retained with a relative humidity of 54%.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March ushers in a salient shift from winter to summer. The sun continues to dominate the sky, leading to a noticeable escalation in temperature that reaches a high of 34.9°C (94.8°F). However, nights still offer cooler relief with temperatures dropping significantly.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
For locals,
April is a month to brace for the impending summer heat. The temperature spirals upwards, breaching new highs of up to 38.7°C (101.7°F). It is a daunting transition for those not used to such intense temperatures. The daylight hours start to definitively outpace the night, necessitating more indoor respite during the afternoon hours.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May accustoms inhabitants to the intense summer heat, preparing them for the impending peak summer months. Characteristics of this month include a soaring temperature scale, each day warmer than the last. Despite this, increased sunshine hours make daylight vivid, adding an allure to the city.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the advent of the peak summer months. It is dry and incredibly hot, with the average high temperature reaching up to 43.8°C (110.8°F). This is a notable juncture, as it is the month with the longest daylight hours. The relentless heat of the month makes it less ideal for visitors, increasing the need for indoor air conditioning.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July maintains
June's fierce weather conditions. The month does however reveal an interesting pattern-the intensely hot days are balanced with slightly cooler nights. This makes the early mornings and late evenings more bearable. Despite the intimidation of the heat during the day, sparse rainfall and increased sunshine hours enrich the urban desert landscape. July brings an average high-temperature of a still scorching 43°C (109.4°F) in
Mecca, showing a slight difference from June's 43.8°C (110.8°F).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August is the last of the intensely hot summer months. The weather remains as unforgiving as in the previous month. But temperatures observe a markable shift from the extreme heat to a slightly more bearable range. The humidity in the city begins to increase and clouds conceal the sun more than in the previous months, offering some much appreciated shade. The average high-temperature in
Mecca during August is a still scorching 42.8°C (109°F), almost matching the conditions of the preceding month.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September brings a sigh of relief as the scorched city of
Mecca,
Saudi Arabia starts to cool down. The temperatures slide down the scale, moving closer to comfort. The city senses the arrival of autumn, and a semblance of balance emerges between day and night.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October marks a clear shift from the lingering summer heat towards a more moderate temperature range. The whole city seems to breathe a sigh of relief as temperatures continue their descent into comfort. Despite the lower temperatures, the sun still graces the sky for an extended duration.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November experiences an even greater dip in temperature, while retaining the characteristics of a desert landscape. Throughout the city, people begin to prepare for the coming winter. November's relative humidity rises to 58%, together with a generous rainfall of 23mm (0.91").
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings with it the mild and pleasant winter weather that
Mecca,
Saudi Arabia is known for. The city features cooler nights and warm days with low humidity levels. The longer nights and low UV index present a contrast to the harsh summer months.
Weather in December »