Visiting Makkah and Madinah is a dream for every Muslim. These two sacred cities hold immense spiritual value, and choosing the best time to visit Makkah and Madinah can greatly enhance your Umrah or religious journey. Weather, crowd levels, comfort, and ease of worship all depend on timing.

This guide will help you decide the ideal season to visit, whether you’re planning Umrah, a spiritual retreat, or a ziyarat trip.

Best Months to Visit Makkah and Madinah

The best time to visit Makkah and Madinah in terms of weather is from November to February.

• Mild temperatures (20–30°C)

• Comfortable for Tawaf and walking

• Ideal for elderly pilgrims

• Easier for families and womens visiting Madinah

This period is especially suitable if you plan to explore Islamic landmarks, attend prayers comfortably, and go to Quba Mosque without heat exhaustion.

2. Best Time for Fewer Crowds (Safar to Jumada Al-Awwal)

If you want a calmer experience, avoid peak Umrah months like Ramadan and school holidays.

• Less crowd pressure

• Shorter queues for Rawdah access

• Peaceful prayer environment

• Easier hotel availability

This time is excellent for womens visiting Madinah, as movement within the mosque and surrounding areas becomes much more manageable.

Visiting During Ramadan – A Special Experience

Ramadan is spiritually powerful, but it’s also the busiest season.

• Rewards multiplied

• Taraweeh prayers in Haram

• Deep spiritual atmosphere

• Extremely crowded

• Higher hotel prices

• Physical exhaustion

If you plan to visit during Ramadan, proper planning is essential, especially for elderly pilgrims and women.

Best Time for Womens Visiting Madinah

For womens visiting Madinah, comfort and access matter a lot. The best months are:

• November to February

• Early March

• Late October

Why this period is ideal:

• Cooler weather

• Better Rawdah appointment availability

• Easier movement around Masjid an-Nabawi

• Comfortable time slots for women’s prayer areas

Women can also easily go to Quba Mosque during these months, especially in the mornings when weather is pleasant.

Best Time to Go to Quba Mosque

Quba Mosque holds immense reward, as praying two rakats here is equal to an Umrah.

The best time to go to Quba is:

• Early morning (after Fajr)

• Late afternoon (before Maghrib)

• Cooler months (Nov–Feb)

During extreme summer months, visiting Quba can be tiring due to heat, especially for women and children.

Summer Months (May to August) – Should You Visit?

Summer in Makkah and Madinah can be intense.

• Temperatures exceed 45°C

• Risk of dehydration

• Difficult for walking and Tawaf

• Lower hotel prices

• Fewer international pilgrims

• Less crowded Haram at times

If visiting in summer, ensure hydration, light clothing, and limit outdoor exposure.

Best Time for Budget Travelers

If budget is a concern, the best time to visit is:

• After Hajj (Muharram–Safar)

• Mid-year off-season

You’ll find:

• Affordable hotel rates

• Discounted Umrah packages

• Easier transport options

This period is also suitable for womens visiting Madinah, as hotels closer to the Haram are more accessible.

Conclusion

The best time to visit Makkah and Madinah depends on your comfort, budget, and spiritual goals. For most pilgrims, November to February offers the perfect balance of pleasant weather, manageable crowds, and spiritual focus.

For families, elderly pilgrims, and womens visiting Madinah, cooler months provide ease of worship and safe movement. It’s also the ideal time to go to Quba Mosque and other sacred sites without physical strain.

Plan wisely, prepare spiritually, and may your journey be filled with peace, blessings, and acceptance.