Winter in Medina, Saudi Arabia feels pretty mild compared to a lot of places. Daytime temperatures usually hover in the mid-20s °C (mid-70s °F), and nights dip down to around 12–14°C (low to mid-50s °F).
Rain barely makes an appearance, skies stay mostly clear, and the air keeps dry. It’s honestly one of the most comfortable times to be in the city.
You’ll notice December days are shorter, just over 10 hours of daylight, but by late February the sun sticks around about an hour longer. Clouds only cover the sky about a fifth of the time, so most days are full of sunshine.
You won’t run into muggy weather—the air feels crisp and pleasant.
If you’re planning to explore Medina in winter, you dodge the extreme heat of summer but still get to enjoy warm afternoons.
The steady sunshine, calm weather, and almost no rain make travel practical and easy. Honestly, this balance of comfort and predictability is a big reason winter stands out as one of the best times to visit.
Overview of Winter Climate in Medina
Medina’s winters are mild compared to many places. Daytime temperatures feel comfortable, nights are cooler, and rainfall is almost nonexistent.
Humidity stays low, the air feels dry, and you’ll see mostly clear skies with plenty of sunshine.
Winter Temperature Trends
In winter, Medina’s daily highs usually land between 24°C and 26°C (75°F–79°F). Nights get cooler, often between 12°C and 14°C (53°F–57°F).
On the coldest January nights, you might see temperatures dip to about 9°C (48°F).
Freezing weather doesn’t really happen here. Even in January, the coldest month, Medina stays much warmer than desert regions at higher elevations.
You can enjoy outdoor activities all season long.
For some perspective, summer highs can soar to 43°C (109°F). That’s a huge contrast with the gentle winter weather.
These steady, mild temperatures are why so many travelers say winter is the pleasant time to visit.
Humidity and Air Quality in Winter
Medina’s winter humidity is low, averaging around 35–40%. The air feels dry, and muggy conditions basically never happen.
This dryness means evenings feel crisp, not damp.
Rain is a rare event. Medina only gets about 2 mm of rain in a typical 31-day winter stretch.
With just a 1% chance of rain on any day, you can expect mostly dry skies.
The low humidity and rain help air quality. Dust still shows up, especially when winds blow in from the east or west, but the air feels clearer than in the hot, dusty summer months.
Comparison to Other Seasons
Winter and summer in Medina couldn’t feel more different. August highs often shoot past 40°C (104°F), while winter days stick to the mid-20s Celsius.
You avoid that intense heat and all the discomfort that goes with it.
Spring and autumn are more like transition seasons. They bring warmer days than winter, but not the brutal summer heat.
Still, those seasons can see temperatures above 30°C (86°F), so winter remains the most reliably mild.
Daylight shifts too. In December, you get about 10.5 hours of sunlight, and by February it’s nearly 11.5 hours.
This shorter but consistent daylight keeps winter days balanced for both indoor and outdoor plans.
Typical Winter Temperatures
Medina’s winter brings mild weather compared to a lot of other regions. Afternoons feel warm, nights get cooler, and the coldest weeks can dip into lower ranges.
Average Daytime Highs
Winter days in Medina are pretty comfortable. Average highs run from about 19°C to 27°C (67°F to 81°F) depending on the month.
January is usually the coolest, while December and February are a touch warmer.
Afternoons often feel pleasantly warm, especially under the bright sun. Even if the air is cool, the sunlight can make it feel hotter.
Most days stay dry, and sudden weather shifts are rare.
| Month | Avg High °C | Avg High °F |
|---|---|---|
| Dec | 24–26 | 75–79 |
| Jan | 19–21 | 67–70 |
| Feb | 23–25 | 73–77 |
Average Nighttime Lows
After sunset, Medina cools down fast. Average lows sit between 10°C and 15°C (50°F to 59°F), but spots on the outskirts can feel a bit colder.
January nights are the chilliest, often dropping close to 10°C (50°F).
December and February are a little milder, but you’ll still want a jacket or sweater after dark.
Humidity is a bit higher in winter than in summer, averaging 35–40%. This makes the air feel cooler at night, especially outdoors.
If you’re heading out in the evening, bringing light layers is a smart move.
Coldest Days and Extremes
Medina’s winters are usually gentle, but the occasional cold snap happens. Rarely, temperatures can fall close to 0°C (32°F), especially in January.
These extremes don’t happen often, but they’re part of the city’s climate story.
Even on the coldest days, highs rarely drop below 15°C (59°F). You won’t face harsh winter conditions, but mornings before sunrise can feel chilly.
Medina’s desert climate means sharp temperature swings. You might start your day in a jacket and end it in short sleeves.
This back-and-forth is just normal for winter here.
Winter Rainfall and Precipitation Patterns
Medina’s winters bring the highest chance of rain all year, but it’s still not much. You’ll see short, scattered showers, not long rainy spells, and the dry desert climate keeps dominating daily life.
Monthly Rainfall Totals
Rainfall in Medina during winter is light, with just a few millimeters each month.
January usually gets the most, around 9–10 mm.
December and February bring a bit less, often between 5–8 mm.
To put it in context, Medina only gets about 44 mm annually, so nearly half of the year’s rain can fall in these three months.
| Month | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|
| December | 6–8 mm |
| January | 9–10 mm |
| February | 5–7 mm |
You’ll mostly see short bursts of rain, not steady showers. Some winters go by with hardly any measurable rain at all.
Chance of Rainy Days
Rainy days are rare in Medina, even in winter. You’ll see just 1–2 days with measurable rain per month from December to February.
The rest of the days are dry and clear.
The chance of rain on any winter day is usually under 10%. When it does rain, it’s often a quick shower or a light thunderstorm.
These showers tend to be sudden and brief, leaving long stretches of dry weather.
Bringing a light rain jacket for January isn’t a bad idea, but you probably won’t need it often.
Impact on Daily Life
With so little rain, daily life in Medina keeps moving without much disruption. Roads might get slick for a short while after a shower, but standing water doesn’t stick around thanks to the dry climate.
Outdoor plans, including visits to religious and cultural sites, go on as usual.
Businesses and transport don’t really get affected, unlike in wetter regions.
If you’re a traveler, those quick showers can actually make things nicer by cooling the air a bit.
You might even find winter rain refreshing, but it never lasts long enough to mess up your plans.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine During Winter
Winter in Medina brings mostly mild skies, with a mix of clear and partly cloudy days.
Rain is limited, sunshine is steady, and daylight gradually changes as winter goes on.
Frequency of Partly Cloudy Days
Medina’s winter weather usually features a steady mix of partly cloudy skies.
On average, the sky is overcast or mostly cloudy about 22% of the time. That means most days are clear, or just have a few clouds.
Partly cloudy conditions are common, especially compared to wetter places. The air is dry, and visibility stays good—clouds rarely block the sun all day.
This balance makes outdoor activities comfortable. Travelers often enjoy winter months more, since the sun can be softened by clouds, cutting glare but not making things gloomy.
Sunshine Hours and Daylight
Daylight in Medina gets a little longer as winter moves along.
The shortest day comes in late December, with about 10 hours and 37 minutes of daylight.
By late February, you’ll get almost 11 hours and 38 minutes.
Sunrise shifts from around 7:07 am in January to earlier in February, and sunsets stretch later into the evening.
This slow change gives you more daylight for activities as winter goes on.
Most days bring plenty of sunshine. Even on partly cloudy days, Medina still gets strong sunlight, since clouds are usually thin and brief.
Solar energy levels climb as winter passes, so afternoons feel brighter toward the end of the season.
Cloudiest and Clearest Periods
Early to mid-December is usually the cloudiest stretch of winter.
During this time, the chance of mostly cloudy skies rises to about 26%, but rain remains rare.
These cloudier days tend to come in short runs, not long gloomy spells.
By late January, things clear up a lot. The clearest day of the season usually falls near the end of January, when skies are clear, mostly clear, or partly cloudy about 82% of the time.
If you’re planning a visit later in winter, you’ll likely see more clear skies.
Longer daylight and fewer clouds make late winter especially nice for sightseeing and outdoor travel.
Travel Considerations for Winter Visitors
Winter in Medina brings mild daytime warmth, cooler nights, and not much rain. The weather stays steady, so planning outdoor activities, sightseeing, and religious visits is pretty straightforward.
Best Time to Visit Medina in Winter
Late November to late February is the sweet spot.
During these months, daytime highs usually sit between 24°C and 26°C (75°F to 79°F), and nighttime lows drop to about 12°C to 14°C (54°F to 57°F).
Rain is rare, just about 2 mm per month on average. Cloud cover is limited, so you’ll usually get clear skies.
Daylight grows from just over 10.5 hours in December to nearly 11.5 hours in February, giving you plenty of time to get out and do things.
If you like cooler weather, January is the coldest. February brings a little more warmth and longer days.
These differences are small, but they might help you pick the best time for your trip.
Packing Tips for Winter Travel
Pack for mild days and cooler nights. Layering is the way to go:
- Light shirts for daytime
- A sweater or light jacket for evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes for exploring
Rain is unlikely, but tossing in a compact umbrella or light rain jacket can’t hurt.
The air is dry, so lip balm and moisturizer are a good idea.
For religious sites, modest clothing is a must. Men should wear long trousers and shirts. Women need an abaya and a headscarf.
Neutral colors and breathable fabrics work best—they keep you comfortable and respectful at the same time.
Local Events and Activities
Winter feels like one of the busiest times for religious travel to Medina. The cooler weather makes visits to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi and other historic mosques a lot more comfortable.
People can actually enjoy outdoor walking tours of the city’s markets and nearby areas without worrying about the summer heat. It’s just easier to wander around when it’s not blazing hot.
You might want to take short trips out to the desert landscapes nearby. Daytime temperatures feel pleasant for sightseeing, and the scenery is worth the drive.
The dry air and clear skies turn winter evenings into a good chance for stargazing outside the city. It’s honestly hard not to look up.
Local shops and restaurants keep busy all year, but winter brings in more visitors. You’ll probably want to plan your accommodations ahead of time so you can stay close to the main sites and avoid last-minute stress.
How Medina’s Winter Weather Compares Globally
Medina’s winter stands out with mild daytime temperatures, cool nights, and barely any rain. If you compare it with other places, you’ll spot similarities with certain desert climates, but Medina still has its own unique feel.
Similar Climates in Other Regions
You can line up Medina’s winter with spots that have desert or semi-arid conditions. Take Phoenix, Arizona in the United States—its winter highs hover around 18–22°C (64–72°F), which isn’t far off from Medina’s 24–26°C (75–79°F). Both places get dry air, lots of sun, and barely any rain.
Another example is Marrakech, Morocco. Winter days there reach 18–20°C (64–68°F) and nights drop to about 6–8°C (43–46°F). Medina’s nights stay a bit warmer, usually 11–13°C (52–55°F), but the general pattern—mild days and cooler evenings—feels pretty similar.
In the Middle East, Muscat, Oman has a lot in common too. Winter highs hit 25–27°C (77–81°F), almost matching Medina’s range. Rain stays scarce in both places, though Muscat might get a little more.
All in all, Medina’s winter lines up with other desert-edge climates where sunshine rules, rain is rare, and days stay comfortable.
Unique Features of Medina’s Winter
Medina might share some traits with other desert cities, but its winter stands out in a few ways. Humidity is a big one. In January and December, you’ll notice the relative humidity climbs to about 35–38%. That’s higher than what you’d expect in most deserts, so the air just doesn’t feel quite as parched.
There’s also this sharp difference between day and night temperatures. During winter, nights can drop to around 11–12°C (52–54°F). You’ll definitely feel that coolness after a warm afternoon. Honestly, that daily swing is bigger than what you get in most coastal desert spots.
And then, there’s the sunshine. Winter days usually bring 8–10 hours of sun, which is actually more than a lot of Mediterranean or subtropical places see at this time of year. Outdoor activities feel pretty comfortable since you don’t have to deal with summer’s harsh heat.
Medina’s mild temperatures, the manageable humidity, and barely any rainfall all work together to keep the weather pretty steady. You almost never run into surprise storms or long stretches of cloudy skies, which isn’t something you can say for every desert climate.