Medina has a hot desert climate — summers are extreme, with temperatures regularly exceeding 40°C and sometimes reaching 45°C. The winter months from November to February are significantly milder, with daytime highs around 25°C, and these are the most comfortable months to visit.
For pilgrims, the timing depends partly on religious considerations. The Hajj falls during Dhul Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar, and its Gregorian date shifts by about eleven days each year. Medina draws enormous crowds during Hajj season, particularly around the main mosque complex. Ramadan is another period of intense pilgrimage, with vast numbers of worshippers gathering for night prayers. Outside these peak periods, the city is quieter and accommodation more readily available.
The Umra pilgrimage can be performed at any time of year. For those who want the spiritual experience without the logistical challenges of peak season, the months of Muharram and Safar (after Hajj, before Ramadan) tend to be the calmest.