Summer in Mecca hits you with some of the most intense desert conditions you’ll ever face. Average daytime highs climb well above 40°C (104°F), and nights barely cool off, rarely dropping below 30°C (86°F).
The heat stays steady, skies are usually clear, and rainfall? It’s basically unheard of during these months.
Step outside in June, July, or August, and you’ll feel the sun’s intensity right away. More than 10 hours of strong sunlight beat down each day.
The UV index often maxes out, so you really need to plan carefully if you want to be outside. Shade, hydration, and protective clothing aren’t just good ideas—they’re mandatory.
Humidity stays low most of the summer, but those high temps and long days make things tough. If you know what’s coming, you can get ready—whether you’re dealing with daily life, traveling, or making a pilgrimage.
Overview of Mecca’s Summer Climate
Mecca sits among the hottest and most consistently sweltering summer temperatures in the region. The city’s desert location and seasonal patterns shape the weather you’ll face during the hottest months.
Location and Climate Classification
Mecca lies in western Saudi Arabia, about 80 kilometers from the Red Sea. The elevation is roughly 277 meters above sea level.
Being inland and surrounded by hills, Mecca misses out on cooling coastal breezes. That makes the summer heat feel even more intense.
The Köppen system classifies Mecca’s climate as BWh, or hot desert climate. This means extreme heat and very little rainfall.
Most years, precipitation averages around 110 mm (4.3 in), with nearly all of it falling in short bursts during the cooler months.
So, you get long stretches of clear skies, high sun exposure, and bone-dry air during summer. If you’re outside, shade and hydration become non-negotiable.
Desert Climate Characteristics
Summer in Mecca is all about daytime highs that often soar past 40°C (104°F). At night, temperatures usually stick above 30°C (86°F), so you don’t get much relief.
In rare extremes, the city has seen daytime highs over 50°C (122°F).
Humidity drops way down during the hottest months, usually between 30–35%. That might sound like a small blessing, but it also means dehydration sneaks up fast.
Sunshine is relentless, with 9–11 hours of daily sun and a UV index that’s almost always at 11+.
Winds play a role too. Shamal winds—dry, dusty, and often blowing in the mornings—can cut visibility and bring dust storms. Sandstorms happen a lot, especially from June to August, sometimes halting travel or outdoor plans.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter feels way more comfortable in Mecca, even though it’s still warm compared to most places. Daytime highs in January usually hover around 28–30°C (82–86°F), and at night, it can drop to 18°C (64°F).
Rain is more likely in winter, especially from November through January. These short, sometimes heavy showers can even cause flash floods, despite the overall low rainfall.
In the summer, though, rain is almost nonexistent. June often gets zero rainfall.
Spring and autumn serve as transitions. In April and October, daytime temps sit around 38–40°C (100–104°F)—still hot, but not quite as punishing as the summer peak. These months are a bit more manageable if you can’t handle the relentless heat of June through August.
Typical Summer Temperatures in Mecca
Summer in Mecca brings endless extreme heat with barely any rain or cloud cover. Expect high daytime temps, warm nights, and a slow rise in humidity as summer drags on.
Average Daytime Highs
Daytime temperatures during summer almost never let up. The daily maximum averages close to 106°F (41°C), and the hottest days can hit 111–112°F (44–45°C).
Even on “cooler” days, it rarely drops below 102°F (39°C).
June usually brings the peak, with average highs around 107°F (42°C). July and August stay nearly as hot, with only minor changes.
This kind of heat is just sweltering. If you’re out for long, you’ll need shade, water, and to avoid the midday sun for your own safety.
| Month | Average High (°F) | Average High (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| June | 107 | 42 |
| July | 106 | 41 |
| August | 106 | 41 |
Nighttime Lows
Unlike some deserts where nights get chilly, Mecca’s nights stay warm. The average nighttime low runs from 81°F (27°C) to 83°F (28°C).
Sometimes, it might dip to 75°F (24°C), but it never really feels cool.
The city’s humidity and all the concrete keep heat trapped after dark. So don’t expect much relief, even in the early morning.
August usually has the warmest nights, with average lows near 83°F (28°C). Air conditioning isn’t a luxury here—it’s a necessity.
Monthly Temperature Trends
From June to August, temperatures barely change. June usually claims the highest daytime averages, while August brings the warmest, stickiest nights.
The hottest day of the year usually lands in mid or late June, with temperatures swinging from 81°F (27°C) at night to 107°F (42°C) in the afternoon.
By late August, daytime highs stay close to 106°F (41°C), and the nights get a bit more humid.
Because the weather doesn’t change much, you’ll face consistently hot conditions no matter the month. If you’re planning anything outdoors, early mornings or evenings are your best bet.
Precipitation and Rainfall Patterns
Mecca’s desert climate means very little annual rainfall. Most of the year feels bone dry, and summer rarely brings any measurable precipitation.
Rainfall Amounts During Summer
Almost no rain falls during Mecca’s summer. The average annual precipitation sits around 110–130 mm, but almost none of that shows up between June and September.
July usually records less than 1 mm of rain, making it the driest month. June and August are just as dry, with almost zero rainy days.
So, don’t expect any real showers during summer.
The lack of rain keeps the air hot and parched. No summer rain means no cooling off, so heat stress becomes a real risk. Travelers should pack for dry conditions and stay hydrated.
Monthly Precipitation Breakdown
Rain in Mecca follows a clear pattern. Most of it falls in the cooler months, while summer stays dry.
Here’s a rough breakdown:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Rainy Days |
|---|---|---|
| June | ~1 mm | 0 days |
| July | ~0.4 mm | 0 days |
| August | ~1 mm | 0 days |
| September | ~2 mm | 0–1 day |
Skies stay mostly clear during these months, and sunshine rules the weather. If a shower does happen, it’s quick and doesn’t cool things down for long.
This pattern just underscores how strong the desert influence is on Mecca’s climate—summer dryness really defines the region.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Mecca’s summers are all about long, blazing days. You get loads of sunshine and extended daylight, which shapes daily life and travel.
Average Daily Sunshine
During summer, Mecca racks up some of the highest sunshine totals all year. On average, there’s 10 to 11 hours of direct sunlight per day. June often peaks at about 10.7 hours.
Even in the slightly less sunny months, you’ll still see more than 9 hours of sunshine daily.
All that brightness makes being outside feel even hotter, especially in July, when daytime highs average around 42°C (108°F). The combo of high temperatures and long sunshine means you’ll need to plan your outings carefully.
For perspective, Mecca’s annual sunshine total is about 3,300–3,600 hours. That’s way higher than most major cities—truly one of the sunniest places you can visit.
Daylight Duration in Summer
Daylight stretches longer in Mecca’s summer, thanks to its spot near the Tropic of Cancer. In June, the city gets about 13.5 hours of daylight, with sunrise before 6:00 a.m. and sunset close to 7:30 p.m.
By August, daylight shortens a bit, averaging around 12.8 hours. Still, these days are long compared to winter, when daylight can dip to about 11 hours.
Long daylight gives you plenty of time for travel, prayer, or just getting things done. But the midday sun is brutal, so it’s smarter to head out early or wait until late afternoon when the heat eases up.
Humidity Levels in Summer
Mecca’s summer means scorching temps and shifting humidity levels. These factors shape how the heat feels and how your body copes.
Relative Humidity Trends
In summer, Mecca’s relative humidity usually sits between 33% and 52%. June is driest at about 33%, while August can creep up to 50%.
So, early summer feels drier, but by August, the air gets heavier.
Humidity changes with the temperature. When daytime highs hit 43–45°C (109–113°F), lower humidity helps a little. At night, humidity rises, especially in July and August, when temps drop but moisture creeps in.
Knowing the difference between daytime and nighttime humidity helps with planning. Days feel drier, but evenings can get sticky. This affects what you wear and how much water you’ll need.
Effects of Humidity on Comfort
Humidity really changes the way the heat feels. When it’s low, sweat evaporates fast, so your body cools off better. That makes extreme daytime temperatures just a bit less brutal in June.
But as humidity rises in July and August, the same temps feel hotter because your sweat doesn’t evaporate as well.
If you combine 50% humidity with 40°C heat, it’s just stifling. Lots of people notice late summer feels worse than early summer.
High humidity also makes it tough to rest. Nights with extra moisture in the air can feel warmer than the thermometer says, so sleeping without AC is no fun. If you’re traveling, plan for indoor cooling as much as you plan for daytime heat.
Seasonal Weather Extremes and Hazards
During summer, Mecca’s climate brings tough conditions for both locals and visitors. The biggest issues are extreme heat, high UV, and frequent sand and dust storms that can make the air hazy and cut visibility.
Heatwaves and High UV Index
Summer in Mecca can get brutally hot. Daytime temperatures often climb above 40°C (104°F), and after sunset, the heat barely lets up—nights hover close to 30°C (86°F).
When heatwaves roll in, things get even tougher. Sometimes, the mercury jumps past 45°C (113°F). If you’re outside for long stretches, you’ll face a real risk of heat stress and dehydration.
The UV index here? It regularly hits 11+, which experts call extreme. Your skin can burn in just a few minutes without protection.
Even if you spot some clouds, don’t get too comfortable. The desert air and mostly clear skies keep UV radiation dangerously high.
So, how do you cope?
- Drink water often—don’t wait until you’re thirsty.
- Try to avoid being outside during the peak midday heat.
- Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, a hat, and light clothing.
Mecca’s humidity sometimes creeps up during certain months. That sticky air makes the heat feel even more intense.
Honestly, the mix of high temps and relentless sun can make summer here feel overwhelming at times.
Sand and Dust Storms
Sand and dust storms hit Mecca pretty often, especially when the weather heats up. Strong winds like the Shamal winds sweep up fine dust, tossing it into the air and blanketing everything with a thin layer of sand.
These storms can last for a few hours, and honestly, they tend to get worse during the day.
Dust storms mess with air quality, which means breathing gets tougher, especially if you have asthma or any other breathing issues.
They also make traveling around much harder by cutting down visibility on roads and throughout the city.
When a storm kicks up, you’ll want to:
- Stay indoors if you can.
- Close windows and doors so dust doesn’t get in.
- Wear a mask or scarf if you have to head outside.
Living with these storms is just part of the desert climate here. They can show up any month, though you’ll notice them more in the summer.
You never really know when one will hit, so it’s smart to keep them in mind when you’re making plans.