Last updated: January 18, 2025
The Medina Region of Saudi Arabia is characterized by a BWh or desert climate, marked by significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winters can be quite mild, with minimum temperatures dropping to 0°C (31°F) in February, while summers can be intensely hot, reaching maximums of 50°C (122°F) in August. The region experiences an average annual temperature of 28°C (83°F), highlighting its extreme climatic conditions and the unique challenges faced by its ecosystems and inhabitants.
The temperature patterns in the Medina Region of Saudi Arabia reveal distinct seasonal trends characterized by mild winters and scorching summers. January and February see cooler temperatures, with minimums dropping to around 0-1°C (31-34°F) and average highs of 19-20°C (67-69°F). As spring approaches, March and April experience a noticeable warming trend, with maximum temperatures rising to 40°C (104°F) in March and 42°C (108°F) in April. By May, summer begins to assert itself, reaching an extreme peak in August, where temperatures soar to 50°C (122°F). The oppressive heat continues into September before gradually decreasing in October and November, with temperatures returning to more temperate levels. Year-round, the region showcases a dramatic range of temperatures, underscoring its desert climate.
Medina experiences a wide temperature range, with a minimum of 4°C (40°F) in January and a scorching maximum of 46°C (116°F) in August monthly temperatures in Medina. In contrast, Al-Ula sees its coldest month in February, hitting a low of 0°C (31°F) and reaching up to 45°C (114°F) in July [monthly temperatures in Al-Ula](/climate/saudi-arabia/medina-region/al--ula.html). Meanwhile, Yanbu maintains milder temperatures, with a January minimum of 15°C (60°F) and a June maximum of 39°C (103°F) monthly temperatures in Yanbu.
Precipitation in the Medina Region of Saudi Arabia exhibits a starkly arid pattern, typical of its desert climate. Throughout the year, rainfall is minimal, with January recording the highest amount at 6 mm (0.2 in), followed closely by November and December with 12 mm (0.5 in) each. The months of April, May, June, July, August, September, and October receive almost no rainfall, contributing to the region's classification as a hyper-arid environment. Notably, only one day of rain is reported in November, while the rest of the year experiences virtually no precipitation.
This low precipitation trend emphasizes the seasonal droughts characteristic of the region, as the dry months stretch from late spring through summer, with rainfall almost non-existent from June to October. Even the winter months see limited rainfall, helping to illustrate the challenges for water resources and agriculture in the Medina Region. The overall scarcity of rain reinforces the importance of water conservation efforts in this desert landscape, where occasional rainfalls can briefly alleviate arid conditions but are unlikely to support sustained moisture or agricultural practices.
In the Medina Region of Saudi Arabia, sunshine duration shows a striking seasonal trend, characterized by a steady increase from winter through summer. Starting the year with 252 hours of sunshine in January, the region experiences gradual growth, reaching 294 hours in February and peaking at 351 hours in April. May marks a significant shift as sunshine hours climb to 375 hours, signaling the approach of the scorching summer months. This upward trajectory continues into July and August, where sunshine duration reaches its pinnacle at 376 hours and 369 hours, respectively, providing an abundance of light and warmth.
As the summer wanes, sunshine hours begin to taper off, with September and October both recording 330 hours each, reflecting a transition into the cooler months. Despite a decrease, November and December still maintain respectable figures of 306 and 304 hours, respectively. This pattern underscores Medina's reputation for abundant sunlight, making it a region where the sun plays a central role in daily life and the ecosystem. The extensive sunny periods juxtaposed with minimal cloud cover create a climate conducive to outdoor activities, while also posing challenges for water management and heat stress during the peak summer months.
The UV Index in the Medina Region of Saudi Arabia demonstrates a pronounced fluctuation throughout the year, reflecting the region's intense solar exposure. Beginning with a UV Index of 7 in January, labeled as "high," residents should be mindful of sun exposure, as the burn time is only 25 minutes. As winter transitions to spring, February sees an increase to a 9, categorized as "very high," and subsequent months deliver a marked escalation in UV levels. March through May peak at an extreme UV Index of 11-13, where the burn time decreases drastically to just 10 minutes, necessitating heightened sun safety measures for outdoor activities.
As summer approaches, the UV Index maintains extreme levels, particularly from June to August, where it hovers between 11 and 12, requiring similar caution. The UV Index begins to taper off in September, exhibiting a reduction to 11, and further declines to 8 in November and 10 in October, which are still categorized as "very high." By December, the index drops to a more manageable 6, classified as "high," with a burn time returning to 25 minutes. This seasonal variation emphasizes the importance of sun protection throughout much of the year, especially during the peak UV months, thereby informing residents and visitors of necessary precautions in a region renowned for its extreme sunlight conditions.
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In the Medina Region of Saudi Arabia, daylight duration varies throughout the year, illustrating a clear seasonal pattern. Starting with 10 hours of daylight in January, the duration gradually increases as the region moves towards spring, hitting 12 hours by March and maintaining this length through April. The peak daylight occurs in May, where residents enjoy 13 hours of sunlight, a trend that continues through June and July. This abundance of daylight during the summer months fosters an environment rich in outdoor activities and vibrant community life.
As summer transitions to fall, daylight duration begins to decrease, returning to 12 hours in August and September before dropping to 11 hours in October. By November and December, daylight hours revert to 10 hours, marking the return to shorter days typical of winter. This cyclical pattern of daylight illustrates not only the region's geographical characteristics but also influences daily routines, cultural practices, and energy usage. The consistent progression in daylight duration serves as a reminder of the natural rhythms that shape life in the Medina Region.
Al-Ula experiences a desert climate characterized by hot summers and mild winters. Temperatures can soar to a maximum of 45°C (114°F) in July, with January offering cooler conditions, ranging from 1°C (34°F) to 29°C (84°F). Precipitation is minimal, peaking at 9 mm (0.3 in) in November, while summer months typically see no rainfall. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, with the highest hours recorded in July at 385 hours. For more detailed weather information, visit [Al-Ula climate](/climate/saudi-arabia/medina-region/al--ula.html).
Badr Hunayn, Saudi Arabia experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and low precipitation. From May to August, temperatures regularly exceed 40°C (104°F), peaking at an extreme 50°C (122°F) in August. Rainfall is minimal, with January and November being the wettest months, receiving only 9 mm and 20 mm, respectively. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in late spring and summer, with May boasting up to 375 hours of sunlight. For more detailed information, visit Badr Hunayn climate.
Medina, Saudi Arabia, experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and minimal precipitation throughout the year. January marks the coolest month with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F), while peak summer months of June to August see average highs of 36°C (97°F) and maxima reaching up to 46°C (116°F). Rainfall is scarce, averaging only a few millimeters per month, with June and July typically being the driest months. The area enjoys abundant sunshine, particularly in the summer, with May and July receiving the most hours of sunlight at around 373 hours. For more details, visit Medina climate.
Sultanah, Saudi Arabia experiences a hot desert climate characterized by high temperatures and very little precipitation throughout the year. January temperatures range from a minimum of 4°C (40°F) to a maximum of 32°C (90°F), gradually increasing to scorching levels in May and June, with maximums often exceeding 44°C (111°F). Precipitation is minimal, peaking at just 8 mm (0.3 in) in December, while sunshine duration is abundant, reaching up to 373 hours in both May and July. This extreme climate provides a unique environment, significantly influencing the local lifestyle and agriculture. For more details, visit Sultanah climate.
Yanbu, Saudi Arabia, experiences a warm desert climate with temperatures ranging from mild winters to hot summers. January sees average temperatures of 23°C (73°F), while May to September can reach highs of 38°C (100°F) or more. Precipitation is minimal throughout most of the year, with January and November being the wettest months, recording 7 mm and 22 mm respectively. The region enjoys abundant sunshine, peaking in July with 376 hours. For more details on the climate, visit Yanbu climate.
In conclusion, the Medina Region of Saudi Arabia exhibits a climate marked by extreme temperatures, minimal precipitation, abundant sunlight, and significant variations in UV index and daylight duration throughout the year. The seasonal trends reveal intensifying heat from winter to summer, matched by a corresponding increase in sunshine hours and UV exposure, emphasizing the importance of sun protection during peak months. As daylight duration shifts from shorter winter days to prolonged summer sunlight, it not only enhances the region's livability but also influences social and economic activities. Understanding these climatic patterns is crucial for residents and visitors alike, as they navigate the unique challenges and opportunities presented by this vibrant desert environment.