When you picture summer in Medina, one word jumps out: hot. Average daytime highs hit around 108°F, and nights don’t cool down much—they hover near 85°F.
The heat sticks around, and rain pretty much never interrupts it. Skies stay mostly clear, so you get endless sunshine almost every day.
June brings the longest days, pushing past 13 hours of daylight. By late August, days get a bit shorter but still feel bright and sunny.
Winds usually come from the west, drying out the air and making the high temperatures a little easier to handle than in places by the sea.
If you know these patterns, you can plan better. Maybe you’ll visit landmarks early in the morning or brace yourself for the afternoon heat.
Overview of Summer Climate in Medina
Summer in Medina means extreme heat, barely any rain, and long days. You’ll get high temps, dry air, and clear skies almost all season.
These conditions shape daily life, travel, and outdoor plans in the city.
Desert Climate Characteristics
Medina sits in a subtropical desert zone. You’ll deal with scorching summers and barely any rain.
Average highs often reach 42–43°C (108–109°F), and lows stick near 29–30°C (84–86°F). Even at night, the air stays warm, so don’t expect much relief.
Humidity stays low—usually under 20%—so it’s dry, not sticky. Rain is almost unheard of in summer, with just 1 mm or less for the whole season.
With so little moisture and intense sun, the climate feels harsh but at least it’s predictable.
You’ll notice the skies are usually clear. Cloud cover rarely tops 20%, and even in late July, overcast days are rare.
Sometimes dust or sand blows through and cuts visibility, but it doesn’t happen every day.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
From June to August, Medina’s weather barely budges. The hottest stretch usually lands in mid to late August, when highs can blast past 46°C (115°F).
June mornings might feel a touch cooler, with lows around 25–27°C (77–81°F).
Daylight shifts slowly. The longest day falls in late June, with nearly 13 hours and 40 minutes of sun. By late August, you still get about 12 hours and 40 minutes.
Sunrise drifts from around 5:30 a.m. in June to almost 6:00 a.m. by the end of August.
Winds stay steady, averaging about 15 km/h from the west. They move the air a bit but don’t really bring any coolness or rain.
Historical Weather Data Trends
If you check historical weather data, you’ll see Medina’s climate has stayed stubbornly dry for decades. Annual rainfall usually sits below 10 mm, making it one of the driest cities anywhere.
Summer records almost never show real rain, and when a storm does pop up, it’s quick and isolated.
Temperature patterns barely change. The hottest day of the year nearly always lands in mid-August, and the coldest in January.
Medina racks up about 3,940 hours of sun every year, averaging over 320 hours per month. Summer means nearly cloudless skies most days.
With little change in humidity or rain, the summer climate you get now looks a lot like what people saw here decades ago.
Average Summer Temperatures
In Medina, summer means blazing hot days—often well above 100°F. Nights cool off a bit but still feel warm, so you’ll notice a real difference between day and night.
Typical High Temperatures
You can expect daytime highs to stay punishingly hot all summer. From June to August, average maximums reach 108°F (42–43°C).
July and August usually take the prize for hottest months, and afternoons offer almost no break.
The heat is dry, so it doesn’t feel as suffocating as humid places, but the sun’s strength is no joke. Direct sunlight can be tough, especially around midday.
Most travelers plan outdoor stuff for the early morning or late evening. Shade and plenty of water are a must if you’re outside.
Even locals avoid heavy activity during peak heat, since heat stress is a real risk.
Nighttime Lows
While days are scorching, Medina’s nights do cool down enough to help a little. On average, summer nights dip to around 77–82°F (25–28°C).
It’s not “cool” by most standards, but you’ll notice it’s more comfortable than the day.
The desert climate lets heat escape quickly after sunset, so evenings are better for walking, shopping, or just hanging out.
A lot of people adjust their schedules to make the most of these cooler hours.
Air conditioning is everywhere—homes, hotels, mosques—so you can actually rest at night, even if it’s still warm outside.
If you’re new to desert climates, you might find the swing between day and night bigger than you expected.
Temperature Fluctuations
The daily temperature swing is classic desert stuff. Highs can top 108°F (42°C), but lows can drop by 25–30°F once the sun’s gone.
This makes the city feel totally different from day to night.
Since Medina is inland and dry, you get bigger swings than you would by the coast. Mornings start warm but not crazy, and afternoons heat up fast.
These ups and downs matter for your plans—light clothes, sunblock, and steady water are key during the day.
At night, you might just need lighter layers, but it stays warm enough that you won’t get cold.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Medina’s desert climate means rain is a rare event. Summer brings almost no measurable precipitation, and most rain falls during the cooler months.
Historical data shows the city averages just a few millimeters of rain a year, so water scarcity is a constant.
Average Rainfall in Summer
In summer, don’t expect rain. June, July, and August each usually record less than 1 mm of precipitation.
June, for example, averages about 0.1 mm—basically nothing.
This lack of rain pairs up with very high daytime temps, often above 40°C (104°F). Combined with low humidity, it’s a hot, dry environment.
Rain doesn’t shape the summer climate here. If you visit in summer, you can pretty much count on dry weather.
Rainfall in Medina Compared to Other Seasons
Most of Medina’s rain falls in the cooler months. January is usually the wettest month, with around 9–10 mm of rain.
In summer, you rarely see more than 1 mm.
That difference might not sound huge, but in a desert, even a few millimeters matter. Winter showers come in quick bursts, sometimes with chilly winds.
Here’s a quick comparison of average rainfall:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| January | ~9.5 mm |
| March | ~5 mm |
| June | ~0.1 mm |
| August | ~0.5 mm |
So, rainfall is seasonal—most of it falls between late autumn and early spring.
Rainfall Variability Year-to-Year
Medina averages about 44 mm of rain per year, but it can swing up or down. Some winters bring a little more rain, others almost none.
This kind of variability is normal in dry regions.
Rain usually arrives suddenly, often as a brief, heavy shower. These events are hit-or-miss and not guaranteed every year.
Long-term data confirms Medina stays dry, even in “wet” years. Even then, rainfall totals are way below what you’d see in Mediterranean or tropical places.
That’s why Medina counts as one of the driest cities where people actually live.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Medina’s desert climate gives you long, bright summer days with hardly any clouds. Sunshine is strong, and daylight stretches well into the evening.
Average Daily Sunshine Hours
In summer, Medina averages about 12 hours of sunshine per day. June usually tops the charts, reaching around 12.1 to 12.3 hours.
July and August come close, too.
So you can expect almost wall-to-wall sun all season. With almost no rain, clouds rarely cut into the sunshine.
For a quick look:
- June: ~12.3 hours
- July: ~12.1 hours
- August: ~11.7 hours
Summer is definitely the brightest part of the year here.
Daylight Duration in Summer
Daylight in Medina during summer runs about 13.5 to 14 hours a day. The longest days are in late June, with early sunrises and late sunsets.
By August, days get a bit shorter but still stay above 13 hours.
Unlike places farther north or south, the change in daylight is pretty gradual.
A typical June day:
- Sunrise: ~5:40 AM
- Sunset: ~7:15 PM
That’s a lot of daylight, but keep in mind the hottest hours hit in the middle of the day.
Impact on Outdoor Activities
With so much sunshine, you can plan outdoor activities early or late, when it’s not quite as hot.
Midday sun often pushes temps above 40°C (104°F), so it’s not the best time to be outside.
If you’re visiting, you’ll probably find early morning walks, sightseeing, or religious visits more comfortable.
Evenings after sunset are lively, since locals often shift routines to cooler hours.
If you’re a traveler, the extra daylight means you can pack more into each day, but you’ll definitely want to avoid the midday sun and drink lots of water.
Humidity and Air Quality in Summer
Summer in Medina brings dry air and extreme heat. Humidity stays low, which changes how the heat feels and how your body handles it.
Air quality is usually steady, but dust and sand can kick up during certain weather.
Typical Humidity Levels
In summer, Medina feels about as dry as it gets in Saudi Arabia. Average relative humidity drops to about 12–20%, with June often being the driest at 12%.
That’s way below what you’d find by the sea.
Low humidity means your sweat dries fast, which helps you cool off—but it also dries out your skin, eyes, and throat. You might get cracked lips or irritation if you don’t stay hydrated.
Here’s the big picture:
- January average humidity: ~38%
- June average humidity: ~12%
- Yearly average humidity: ~23%
With so little moisture, you almost never feel muggy, even on the hottest days. The air feels hot, but it’s a crisp kind of heat.
Effects on Comfort and Health
Low humidity makes the heat a bit easier to handle, but it also means you lose fluids fast—sometimes without noticing.
You’ll need to carry water and sip often if you’re outside.
Dry air can make breathing a little tougher, and dust or fine sand can get stirred up, especially when it’s windy.
If you have asthma or allergies, you might notice symptoms get worse on those days.
Skin dryness is a common problem. You might want moisturizer or lip balm to keep from getting uncomfortable.
Wearing light, breathable clothes helps protect your skin from both dryness and the sun.
If you plan ahead—hydration, protective clothing, and keeping an eye out for dust events—you’ll be able to handle Medina’s summer air quality just fine.
Monthly Breakdown: June, July, August, and September
Summer in Medina? It’s brutal. You’ll get scorching daytime highs, endless sunshine, and almost zero rain. Things shift a bit each month, though. June kicks off the worst of the heat, while September finally hints at some relief.
June Weather Overview
June really signals the start of the hottest time of year in Medina. Highs usually hit 42–44°C (108–111°F), and nights barely cool off, hovering around 27–29°C (81–84°F).
The heat ramps up fast after sunrise, and afternoons can feel relentless.
You’ll see dry conditions and basically no rain at all. Humidity stays low, so the air feels a bit lighter, but don’t let that fool you—heat stress is still a real risk.
June brings the most sunshine of the year. Expect over 12 hours of direct sunlight per day. If you’re outside, you’ll want to chase shade and drink plenty of water.
July Weather Overview
July doesn’t mess around. It’s usually the hottest month in Medina, with highs often reaching 44–45°C (111–113°F). Nights barely cool off, staying close to 29–30°C (84–86°F).
Honestly, there’s not much difference between day and night—heat just lingers.
Rain? Forget it. Skies stay mostly clear. Sometimes you’ll get afternoon winds, but they blow hot and dry, not cool.
Sun exposure is still intense, with about 12 hours of daylight every day. If you’re planning to be outside, early mornings or late evenings are your best bet.
August Weather Overview
August keeps up the extreme heat. Highs average around 44°C (111°F), and lows hover near 29°C (84°F).
Some years, August actually feels as hot as July. It just depends, but you won’t notice much of a break.
Humidity stays low, and the dry weather doesn’t let up. With so few clouds, the sun feels even stronger. Shaded spots and air conditioning become lifesavers.
You’ll still get close to 12.5 hours of sun each day. If you’re traveling now, brace yourself for long, punishingly hot days.
September Weather Overview
September finally starts dialing back the heat—just a little. Highs average 40–42°C (104–108°F), and nights cool off to about 26–27°C (79–81°F).
It’s still hot, but you’ll notice the difference compared to July and August.
Humidity stays low, and rain is rare. Evening winds might feel a touch cooler, which makes things a bit more bearable.
Daylight drops a bit, with about 11.5 hours of sun daily. September feels slightly easier to handle, but you’ll still want to avoid the hottest hours.
Comparing Summer Weather to Other Seasons
Medina’s climate really swings between seasons. Summer stands out for its intense heat and bone-dry skies. When you look at spring, autumn, or winter, the differences in temperature, daylight, and humidity are pretty obvious.
Spring and April Conditions
Spring in Medina feels way more comfortable. By April, highs usually land between 85°F and 95°F (29°C to 35°C). That’s a far cry from the 108°F highs you get in summer.
Nights in April cool off nicely to around 65°F to 70°F (18°C to 21°C), so evenings outdoors are actually pleasant for a change.
Rain is rare, but April sometimes surprises you with a quick shower. On average, Medina picks up a few millimeters of rain in April, usually from a short storm.
These brief rains don’t really change the desert feel, but they can drop the temperature for a day or so.
Daylight in April lasts about 12.5 to 13 hours. That’s just a bit shorter than June. With milder warmth, longer days, and low humidity, April is honestly one of the best times to get outside.
Autumn Transition
Autumn brings a slow, steady cool down after the punishing summer. By late September or October, highs drop into the 90s°F (32°C to 36°C). Nights dip to the low 70s°F (22°C to 24°C), so evenings finally feel comfortable again.
Humidity stays very low, and the skies are usually clear. Rain is still scarce, but sometimes you’ll get a shower in November as cooler weather sets in.
Days get shorter. In October, you’ll see about 11.5 hours of daylight—almost two hours less than in June. This shorter daylight and cooler air mark the end of summer’s extremes.
Winter Weather Differences
Winter in Medina feels nothing like summer. In January, which is the coldest month, the daily highs usually reach about 75°F (24°C). Lows drop to around 54°F (12°C).
These temperatures make the season feel mild and honestly, pretty comfortable compared to the brutal summer heat.
Humidity creeps up a bit in winter, but it still stays low if you compare it to most other places. You might wake up to cooler mornings and notice chilly evenings, but freezing weather almost never happens here.
Rain shows up more often in December and January, but don’t expect much—it only adds up to a few centimeters for the whole season.
With shorter days, like 10.5 hours of daylight in December, winter gives you cooler weather and a nice break from the intense desert sun.