When you picture fall in Mecca, maybe you expect cooler days and crisp evenings. The truth is, it stays hot—average fall weather in Mecca keeps daytime highs around 105°F in early September, only dropping to the upper 80s by late November.
Nights, though, do get a bit more comfortable. Lows slide from the low 80s into the mid-60s as the season goes on.
Rain barely shows up during fall, since precipitation is rare and usually very light. You’ll notice shorter days and clearer skies as the season moves ahead.
Cloud cover thins out, humidity drops, and those muggy, sticky days become less common. This makes outdoor time a lot easier to handle compared to the brutal summer months.
These changes in temperature, daylight, and sky conditions really shape how you experience the city in fall. If you’re getting ready for long hours outside or planning a trip, knowing what Mecca’s fall climate is like helps you get the most out of your time here.
Overview of Fall Weather in Mecca
In fall, Mecca cools down steadily from the intense summer heat. Skies clear up, and humidity drops.
Rain hardly ever falls, but daylight hours shrink quickly, and winds start to shift as the months go by.
General Climate Characteristics
Mecca sits in a hot desert climate, so fall still feels warm compared to most places. Daytime highs start off at about 105°F (40°C) in early September and drop to around 89°F (32°C) by late November.
At night, lows fall more noticeably—from the low 80s °F (27°C) down to the mid-60s °F (19°C).
Humidity drops, too, so the air feels less oppressive than in summer. The chance of muggy conditions goes from nearly 30% in early September to about 10% by November.
Outdoor activities get easier, especially in the evenings. Rainfall barely registers, averaging just 0.1 inches per month, and most days stay dry.
Clouds thin out as fall moves on, with November boasting the clearest skies. Sunshine remains strong, so you’ll still need to watch out for high UV exposure even as the heat backs off.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
As September turns into November, Mecca sees steady cooling and shorter days. Daylight drops by more than 90 minutes through the season. Sunsets move from about 6:30 PM in early September to closer to 5:40 PM by late November.
Winds change, too. Early fall brings breezes mostly from the north, but they shift westward, and by late fall, winds come more often from the east.
Average wind speeds sit between 7–9 mph, with October usually being the calmest month.
Water in the nearby Red Sea cools a bit, from about 87°F (31°C) down to 84°F (29°C). It’s a small change, but it fits the broader cooling trend.
You’ll spot clearer skies and more comfortable evenings as fall heads toward winter.
Comparison With Other Seasons
Fall in Mecca feels less extreme than summer. Summer highs often soar past 107°F (42°C), while fall rarely tops 100°F (38°C) after September.
Nights cool off a lot more, so you finally get a break from the relentless heat.
Winter gets even cooler, though. By January, daytime highs average in the mid-80s °F (29°C), and nights dip into the low 60s °F (16°C).
So, fall lands right in the middle—a mix of warm days and cooler nights.
Spring brings a slightly higher chance of rain, but it’s still low compared to global averages. Fall stays one of the driest times of year, with just a 1–2% chance of wet days.
For comfort, fall usually feels better than summer and is less unpredictable than spring.
Average Fall Temperatures
In Mecca, fall means temperatures drop steadily after summer’s peak. You’ll get hot afternoons and cooler evenings, with noticeable changes from September to November.
Daytime Highs and Nighttime Lows
Through fall, daytime highs in Mecca range from about 105°F (40°C) in early September to around 89°F (32°C) by late November.
It’s still hot, but afternoons become more tolerable than in summer.
Nighttime lows drop faster, going from the low 80s°F (27°C) in September to the mid 60s°F (19°C) by November.
Nights get more comfortable as you move through the season, making outdoor evenings much nicer.
The big gap between day and night temps means you should dress for hot afternoons but bring a light jacket for late fall nights.
Temperature Trends From September to November
Mecca’s shift from summer to winter moves slowly but clearly. In September, the city stays very hot, with highs often above 100°F (38°C).
By October, daily highs usually settle in the mid-90s°F (35°C), while nights drop into the 70s°F (21–24°C).
November cools down more. Afternoon highs average in the upper 80s°F (31–32°C), and nights dip into the 60s°F (18–20°C).
November often feels like one of the best months to visit.
The steady drop in both highs and lows shows off the desert climate and its sharp seasonal changes.
Since Mecca is inland, the cooling at night stands out more than in coastal cities.
Monthly Temperature Variations
If you look at it month by month, the pattern is clear:
| Month | Avg High °F (°C) | Avg Low °F (°C) |
|---|---|---|
| September | 105°F (40°C) | 83°F (28°C) |
| October | 95°F (35°C) | 74°F (23°C) |
| November | 89°F (32°C) | 66°F (19°C) |
September sticks with extreme heat. October brings a noticeable cool-off, and November has the mildest weather of the season.
Early fall still feels a lot like summer, but late fall finally brings relief with cooler nights and less intense heat during the day.
If you’re planning a trip, November is probably the most comfortable month to be outside.
Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Rain doesn’t make much of an appearance in Mecca during fall, but even small changes in precipitation can affect your plans.
Showers are brief and rare, and humidity and temperature have a bigger impact on how the weather feels than actual rainfall.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Mecca’s desert climate means rainfall is scarce. In fall, you might see totals ranging from 2 mm to about 15 mm per month, depending on the year.
September is usually bone dry, with rain almost nonexistent. By November, light showers become a little more likely, but the amounts stay modest compared to most places.
For reference:
| Month | Average Rainfall (mm) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| September | ~2 mm | Very dry, little rain |
| October | ~5–8 mm | Slight increase |
| November | ~10–15 mm | More likely to see rain |
So, while fall brings a tiny bump in rain, it’s still minimal when you look at global averages.
Chance of Rainy Days
Rainy days in Mecca during fall are rare. You might get 0 to 2 days with measurable rain per month.
September almost never sees rain, while November could bring one or two quick showers.
Rain usually falls in short bursts, not slow drizzles. Even if you get a rainy day, it probably won’t last long or ruin your plans.
You don’t need to plan around rain for a fall trip—expect mostly dry skies with the occasional short interruption.
Humidity Levels
Humidity in Mecca during fall stands out more than the rainfall. September can still feel humid because of leftover summer heat, with relative humidity averaging 40–50%.
By October and November, humidity drops a bit, so the air feels drier and more comfortable.
Even with moderate humidity, high temperatures can make things feel warmer than the numbers suggest. Early fall afternoons are when you’ll notice this most.
At night, humidity creeps up, so evenings can feel a little heavy. Still, the low rainfall means you rarely deal with actual dampness—just a bit of moisture in the air.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
In Mecca during fall, you get long stretches of bright sunshine and only slow changes in daylight length. The desert climate keeps skies mostly clear, so strong sunlight and predictable sunrise and sunset times are the norm.
Average Daily Sunshine
You can count on 9 to 10 hours of sunshine per day in fall. September leans closer to 10 hours, while November averages about 9 hours.
The sun’s intensity stays high, so even with shorter days, the light feels strong. Unlike places with sharp seasonal changes, Mecca’s sunshine hours barely budge.
This consistency makes outdoor plans easier all season. Still, you’ll want to find shade and keep hydrated since the sun is often direct and intense.
| Month | Avg Daily Sunshine (hrs) |
|---|---|
| September | ~10.0 |
| October | ~9.5 |
| November | ~9.0 |
Changes in Day Length
Day length in Mecca shrinks gradually during fall. In September, you get about 12 hours and 15 minutes of daylight. By November, it’s down to about 11 hours and 10 minutes.
The change is steady, losing about 1–2 minutes of daylight each day. You’ll notice sunsets happening a bit earlier as the weeks pass.
Because Mecca sits closer to the equator than many places, the variation is smaller than what you’d see in Europe or North America.
You won’t get sudden shifts that mess with your routine.
Sunrise and Sunset Times
In September, the sun rises around 6:05 AM, and sets close to 6:20 PM. By November, sunrise moves to about 6:25 AM, and sunset happens near 5:35 PM.
These times change slowly, so you can plan early morning prayers or evening walks without much guesswork.
Later sunrises in November mean mornings start a bit darker, but evenings cool off faster after sunset.
Late afternoon and early evening become the sweet spot for being outside.
Cloud Cover and Sky Conditions
Fall skies in Mecca shift from partly cloudy at the start of the season to much clearer by the end. Cloud cover drops steadily, and overcast skies get less common as November nears.
Typical Cloudiness in Fall
Cloud cover in Mecca gradually decreases as fall goes on. In early September, overcast or mostly cloudy skies show up about 26% of the time.
By mid-November, that drops to around 19%, so late fall looks noticeably clearer.
The cloudiest part of fall usually lands at the end of September, when mostly cloudy skies can reach 45%. After that, skies brighten up, and by mid-November, you’ll probably see clear or mostly clear conditions.
If you’re visiting, September might bring more hazy mornings and afternoons, but November offers clearer skies for being outdoors.
This steady drop in cloudiness is one of the biggest differences between early and late fall in Mecca.
Clear Versus Overcast Days
Clear days become more common as fall moves forward. By mid-November, skies are clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy about 85% of the time.
Late fall is actually one of the sunniest stretches of the year in Mecca.
Overcast days don’t happen much. Even in September, fully overcast skies rarely cover more than 45% of the day, and by November, that drops to about 15%.
When you visit, you’ll see outdoor visibility improve in November compared to September.
Less cloud cover means the sun feels even stronger during the day, so it’s smart to prepare for brighter, more direct sun exposure.
Practical Tips for Experiencing Fall Weather in Mecca
Mecca stays pretty hot in the fall, but honestly, things start to feel a bit more comfortable as the weeks roll by. The days stretch on, usually sunny, and you probably won’t see much rain. You’ll need to think about staying cool, dry, and protected from strong sun exposure.
What to Pack and Wear
Daytime temperatures often hit the upper 80s to low 100s °F (30–40 °C). Nights cool off a bit, usually sitting somewhere between the mid-60s and low 80s °F (18–27 °C).
I always go for light, breathable clothes—cotton or linen really do the trick during the day. When the evening breeze picks up, a lightweight jacket or a long-sleeve shirt feels just right.
You’ll want comfortable walking shoes. Mecca’s one of those places where you end up walking a lot. Sandals work indoors, but for longer outdoor walks, closed shoes are honestly much better.
Don’t forget a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen. The sun doesn’t mess around, even late in the season, and UV rays can sneak up on you. I always carry a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated because that dry desert air is no joke.
If you’re visiting religious sites, remember to dress modestly. Men usually wear loose, long garments, while women cover their arms, legs, and hair.
Lightweight layers that tick those boxes can help you stay cool and comfortable, even if you’re not used to the heat.
Best Outdoor Activities
Cooler evenings in fall really make walking around central Mecca a lot more manageable. You can actually enjoy exploring markets, outdoor plazas, and the nearby viewpoints without battling the extreme summer heat.
Early mornings work well for outdoor activity too. Temperatures stay lower, and the sun isn’t so intense. Many visitors say this is their favorite time to walk between key sites.
If you’re planning to travel just outside the city, the weather lets you take short hikes or visit nearby valleys. Just remember to bring water, and try to skip the midday hours when the heat really ramps up.
Fall also offers a good window for religious pilgrimages outside the peak summer rush. With less humidity and slightly cooler temperatures, large gatherings and those long walks feel much easier to manage.