Last updated: January 18, 2025
The Mecca Region in Saudi Arabia exhibits a BWh climate classification, characterized by its arid and hot conditions. With a substantial temperature range, the region experiences minimum temperatures of 3°C (37°F) in January, which starkly contrasts with the peak summer heat, where average temperatures soar to 28°C (82°F) and can reach a searing maximum of 50°C (122°F) in July. This climatic profile underscores the extreme weather variations that define Mecca, influencing both its ecological and socio-cultural dynamics.
In the Mecca Region of Saudi Arabia, temperature patterns exhibit marked seasonal trends driven by the intense climate. The year begins with cool winter temperatures in January, where minimums dip to 3°C (37°F) and average highs reach 34°C (94°F). As spring progresses into March and April, temperatures rise steadily, with March averaging 25°C (77°F) and April peaking at 43°C (110°F). By late spring, particularly in May and June, the region experiences a swift transition to summer, characterized by much higher averages of 31°C (88°F) and 33°C (92°F), respectively, escalating to extreme maximums exceeding 48°C (118°F) in June. The peak of summer in July and August brings maximum temperatures that can reach 50°C (122°F) and49°C (120°F), with nighttime minimums remaining milder. As autumn arrives, temperatures gradually decline, with September and October witnessing averages settling around 32°C (90°F) and 29°C (84°F), before the cooler winter sets in again by December with minimum temperatures around 6°C (43°F). This cyclical temperature pattern underscores the region’s stark contrasts, from chilly winters to blistering summers.
Mecca experiences a minimum temperature of 11°C (52°F) in January, soaring to a maximum of 50°C (122°F) in July monthly temperatures in Mecca. In contrast, Jeddah has a slightly warmer minimum of 16°C (61°F) in January, peaking at 44°C (111°F) in June monthly temperatures in Jeddah. Ta'if, known for its cooler climate, sees a minimum of 3°C (38°F) in January and a maximum of 39°C (102°F) in July monthly temperatures in Ta'if.
Precipitation in the Mecca Region is characterized by its minimal annual accumulation, primarily occurring in the winter months. January typically sees the least rainfall with only 5 mm (0.2 in), while February marks a slight increase to 13 mm (0.5 in) over just 2 days. The trend continues into early spring with March receiving 6 mm (0.2 in) and April escalating to 17 mm (0.7 in) as the region approaches the hotter months. May experiences the highest rainfall at 19 mm (0.8 in), though the overall number of rainy days remains limited, indicating sporadic downpours.
As summer approaches, precipitation significantly declines, with June and July recording only 4 mm (0.2 in) and 2 mm (0.1 in), respectively. The late summer and autumn months see a modest uptick in rainfall, with August, September, and October accumulating 7 mm (0.3 in), 9 mm (0.3 in), and 8 mm (0.3 in). Notably, November stands out with 20 mm (0.8 in) of rain falling over 3 days, marking a peak in the annual precipitation cycle. This sparse but sporadic rainfall reinforces the arid nature of the region, heavily influenced by its desert climate.
In the Mecca Region, sunshine duration demonstrates a distinctive seasonal pattern, with hours of sunlight steadily increasing from winter to summer. Starting the year with 256 hours in January, the region experiences a gradual rise in sunlight as spring approaches, reaching 293 hours in February. The trend accelerates in March and April, where sunshine hours peak at 343 hours and 347 hours, respectively. This growth continues into the summer months, where May stands out as the busiest sunshine month, boasting an impressive 365 hours of sunlight, coinciding with the onset of heat and aridity typical of the season.
As summer transitions into autumn, sunlight hours begin to taper slightly, with June, July, and August maintaining robust sunshine that ranges from 355 to 364 hours. While still abundant, the hours decrease in September to 327 hours, followed closely by October's 330 hours. November and December see a fresh decline, though they still offer 308 and 309 hours of sunshine. Overall, despite minor fluctuations, the Mecca Region consistently boasts high levels of sunshine, making it ideal for activities reliant on clear skies and abundant daylight throughout much of the year.
The UV Index in the Mecca Region reflects the intense solar radiation typical of its arid climate, with values consistently high throughout the year. In the winter months, January and February see a UV Index of 9 and 10, respectively, categorized as very high, necessitating caution due to a burn time of just 15 minutes. As spring arrives, the index rises sharply, peaking during the summer months, reaching a startling 14 in May—the most extreme level of exposure. This trend underscores the necessity for protective measures, especially as March and April also register extreme values of 13, which correspond to a significantly reduced burn time of merely 10 minutes.
The high UV Index persists into the summer, with June and July maintaining values of 12 and 13, while August and September reflect a slight decrease to 12. October shows a subtle decline to 11, before reverting to very high levels in November and December with indexes of 9 and 8. This seasonal progression highlights the urgency for outdoor enthusiasts and residents alike to prioritize sun safety measures, particularly during the peak months of April through September, when exposure to harmful UV rays can pose serious health risks.
UV Risk Categories
The daylight duration in the Mecca Region follows a predictable seasonal pattern, reflecting the shifting sunlight hours throughout the year. Beginning in January, the region experiences approximately 10 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 11 hours in February. As spring arrives in March, daylight reaches 12 hours, remaining consistent into April before peaking in May, where it extends to 13 hours. This pattern of extended daylight continues into June and July, providing ample time for outdoor activities and cultural events.
As summer gives way to autumn, daylight hours begin to taper off. August maintains the 12 hours mark before returning to 11 hours in October and November, signaling the onset of winter. By December, daylight diminishes once again to 10 hours, mirroring the conditions seen at the start of the year. This cyclical variation in daylight duration not only influences daily life in Mecca but also underscores the region's overall climatic stability and the consistent availability of sunlight throughout the year.
Al Hada, Saudi Arabia, experiences a hot desert climate with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winter months, such as January and February, see mild conditions, with average temperatures ranging from 18°C (65°F) to 19°C (66°F) and minimal precipitation. Summers, particularly in June and July, can be extremely hot, with average highs reaching up to 41°C (106°F). The region enjoys abundant sunshine, accumulating over 300 hours of sunlight monthly, peaking at 366 hours in May. For detailed climate information, visit Al Hada climate.
Jeddah experiences a hot desert climate, characterized by high temperatures and minimal precipitation throughout the year. Average monthly temperatures range from 24°C (75°F) in January to a peak of 33°C (91°F) in July and August, with maximum temperatures often exceeding 40°C (104°F) in the summer. Rainfall is scarce, averaging just 2 to 22 mm across the months, with the majority falling between November and January. Sunshine is abundant, particularly during the summer, with over 350 hours of sunshine per month from May to August. For more detailed information, visit Jeddah climate.
Mecca, Saudi Arabia, experiences a desert climate characterized by extremely hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures often soar, particularly from May to August, with July reaching highs of 50°C (122°F). Rainfall is minimal, with July being the driest month, while November sees the highest precipitation at 23 mm (0.9 in). The city enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking at 370 hours in May. For more details on the climate in Mecca, visit Mecca climate.
Ta'if, Saudi Arabia, experiences a moderate climate with distinct seasonal variations. January temperatures range from a cool 3°C (38°F) to a maximum of 27°C (81°F), while summer months see highs reaching up to 39°C (102°F). The area receives most of its rainfall between May and November, peaking at 52 mm (2.0 in) in May. With abundant sunshine throughout the year, particularly from May to April, Ta'if is an appealing destination for those who enjoy warm weather and occasional rain. For more detailed information, visit Ta'if climate.
In conclusion, the climate of the Mecca Region is characterized by extreme heat, limited precipitation, and abundant sunshine throughout the year, making it a unique environment with distinct seasonal patterns. From the soaring summer temperatures and high UV index to the steady increase in daylight hours, Mecca presents both challenges and opportunities for its residents and visitors alike. Understanding these climatic traits is crucial for promoting health and safety, particularly regarding sun exposure and hydration. As the region continues to thrive amidst these climatic conditions, awareness and adaptation will remain key in navigating the complexities of its environment.