If you spend Christmas in Mecca, you’ll find the weather warm and dry—definitely not the chilly winter you might expect elsewhere. Daytime temperatures usually hover in the mid-80s °F (about 29°C), and nights cool off to the mid-60s °F (around 18–20°C). That’s pretty comfortable for outdoor plans, especially when you compare it to the city’s blazing summers.
Rain doesn’t show up often, but you might catch a brief shower or two in December. Sunshine is still strong, and daylight sticks around long enough for exploring or religious activities. Warm afternoons and cooler nights create a pleasant balance for travelers.
If you know what to expect, planning gets easier. Pack lighter clothes for the day, but toss in a jacket or shawl for the evenings. This mix of warmth, clear skies, and manageable weather makes Christmas in Mecca stand out from other destinations.
Overview of Mecca’s Climate
Mecca sits in a hot desert climate, and most of the year brings high temperatures with barely any rain. Heat, dryness, and strong sun really shape the city’s weather.
Desert Climate Characteristics
Mecca falls into the BWh (hot desert) group in the Köppen system. Here, you’ll see long, dry stretches with little rainfall and steady high temperatures. Rain barely makes an appearance—less than 130 mm (about 5 inches) a year, and some months don’t get any at all.
Humidity changes with the seasons. In December, it can hit 59%, but by June, it drops down to about 33%. Even with the dryness, you might still run into sand and dust storms that briefly cloud up the air and drop visibility.
Daylight is a staple in Mecca. You get anywhere from 10.8 to 13.4 hours of daylight each year, and the city usually soaks up 8 to almost 11 hours of sunshine daily. The UV index stays high most of the time, sometimes peaking at 12, so sun protection is a must.
Seasonal Weather Patterns
Mecca doesn’t really follow the classic four seasons. Instead, you get a scorching summer, a cooler (but still warm) winter, and short periods in between.
- Summer (June–August): Highs go past 43°C (109°F) with barely any rain.
- Winter (December–February): Highs dip to about 30–32°C (86–90°F), and nights cool down to 19°C (66°F).
- Spring and Autumn: Temperatures rise or fall between the mid-30s to low 40s °C, with just a hint of rain.
Rain usually falls in November and December, sometimes up to 20–23 mm. These showers are quick and bring a bit of relief from the dry air. Winter nights feel much more comfortable, making this the best window for outdoor fun or travel.
Typical December Weather in Mecca
December in Mecca brings warm days, cooler nights, and the highest humidity of the year. Rain stays pretty rare, and daylight hours get a bit shorter.
Average Temperatures During Christmas
In December, daytime highs hit about 29–32°C (84–89°F). Sometimes, the temperature climbs to 35°C (95°F) on hotter days.
At night, things cool off to 18–21°C (64–70°F). That makes evenings much more pleasant for being outside than in the summer.
On average, temperatures hover around 24–26°C (75–79°F). The balance of warm days and cooler nights makes December one of the milder months in Mecca’s desert climate.
Day and Night Temperature Range
You’ll notice a real difference between day and night. Afternoons can feel hot under the sun, but mornings and evenings bring a welcome coolness.
- Daytime highs: 29–32°C (84–89°F)
- Nighttime lows: 18–21°C (64–70°F)
- Heat index in sun: Can feel closer to 37°C (98°F)
Plan on wearing light clothes in the day, but keep a thin layer handy for nighttime. Lower humidity after dark makes the air feel fresher, especially after sunset or evening walks.
Humidity and Comfort Levels
December tops the year for humidity in Mecca, averaging about 59%. Even so, it still feels drier than Saudi Arabia’s coastal cities.
Humidity can make the heat feel more intense, especially in the sun. The “feels like” temperature can jump a few degrees higher than the actual reading.
Rain doesn’t show up much—maybe 20–22 mm over 2–4 days for the whole month. Sunshine sticks around for about 8 hours a day, and daylight lasts just under 11 hours. Expect mostly dry, sunny days, though some afternoons might get hazy or a bit more humid.
Rainfall and Precipitation in December
December brings cooler weather compared to Mecca’s brutal summer, but don’t expect much rain. Light showers might pop up, but most days stay dry and sunny. For a winter destination, it’s one of the driest in Saudi Arabia.
Average Rainfall Amounts
Rainfall in Mecca during December is pretty limited. The city usually gets 20–30 mm of rain for the month, spread over just a few days. Most of these are quick showers, not long storms.
You’re in an arid climate, so even in the rainiest part of the year, heavy downpours are rare. Climate records show 5–8 days with measurable rain in December, but often it’s just a sprinkle.
Humidity edges up a bit in December, hitting 55–60% when it does rain. Still, skies usually stay clear, and sunshine is plentiful, with over 10 hours of daylight.
If you’re out and about, a light rain jacket or umbrella could come in handy, but you probably won’t need it most days.
Chance of Rain Around Christmas
If you’re visiting Mecca at Christmas, rain is possible but not likely. The daily chance sits around 3–10%, depending on the year. Most days go by without any rain at all.
Showers, when they happen, are usually short and light. Sometimes late December gets a day with 5–10 mm of rain, but that’s not the norm.
Leading up to and after Christmas, you’ll see daytime highs near 26–28°C and lows around 17–19°C, with dry, comfortable air. If it rains, it’s usually scattered showers, not widespread storms.
Most of Christmas week will be sunny or partly cloudy, with maybe a single rainy day. That’s ideal for enjoying outdoor activities without worrying about the weather.
Sunshine and Daylight Hours
Mecca’s winter climate stays warm and mostly dry, but daylight and sunshine patterns change from the long days of summer. You’ll notice shorter days, but sunshine remains steady and bright for most outdoor plans.
Average Daily Sunshine
December brings about 8 to 8.5 hours of sunshine per day in Mecca. That’s less than summer, but it still covers a good chunk of the day. The sun shines for about 70–75% of daylight hours, so most days are bright and clear.
Clouds don’t stick around long, and rain is rare, so you can count on the sun. Even when a quick shower passes, the sun usually comes right back out.
Mecca’s inland spot helps keep humidity down, so the sunshine feels dry and strong instead of sticky. While it’s not as hot as summer, the midday sun can still feel intense.
| Month | Avg. Sunshine (hrs/day) | Total Hours (month) |
|---|---|---|
| December | ~8.0–8.5 | ~250 |
Daylight Duration in Late December
Around the winter solstice, you’ll get about 11 hours of daylight each day in Mecca. Sunrise happens near 6:50 AM, and sunset is around 5:50 PM. This is the shortest stretch of daylight you’ll see all year.
While the days aren’t as long as in summer, 11 hours is still plenty for sightseeing, religious events, or anything else you want to do. There’s not much twilight, so daylight feels steady.
Since Mecca sits close to 21° north latitude, daylight hours don’t swing wildly between seasons. Unlike Europe or North America, you won’t see dramatic changes from winter to summer. That makes planning a bit simpler—daylight hours stay pretty predictable year after year.
Weather Comparison: December vs. Other Months
December brings warm days, cooler nights, and little rain to Mecca. These patterns are pretty different from the city’s scorching, dry summer and the short, wetter spells in late autumn or early winter.
Temperature Trends Throughout the Year
You’ll find that December offers moderate warmth compared to the extreme heat of summer. Daytime highs average about 31°C (87°F), with nights dipping to around 19°C (65°F). December feels way more comfortable than June or July, when highs blast past 43°C (109°F).
January and February stay mild but cool off a bit more, with nighttime lows close to 17°C (63°F). By April, temperatures start climbing fast, often reaching the mid-30s °C (mid-90s °F).
Here’s a quick look:
| Month | Avg High °C | Avg Low °C | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 29 | 17 | Mild, dry |
| April | 37 | 23 | Warming quickly |
| June–July | 43 | 28 | Extremely hot |
| December | 31 | 19 | Warm, comfortable |
This cycle is why so many travelers find December much easier to handle than the long, sweltering summers.
Rainfall Variations by Month
Rainfall in Mecca stays low all year, but December is one of the rare months you might see a shower. The city picks up about 23 mm of rain in December, usually falling on just 1 day.
November sometimes gets a bit more rain, and January can bring a quick shower too. Summer months—especially June through September—are bone dry, with almost no measurable rain.
Here’s a simple breakdown:
- November: ~30–40 mm, occasional showers
- December: ~23 mm, rare rain day
- January: ~20–25 mm, light rain possible
- June–September: near 0 mm, dry
Humidity rises a bit with the rain. December’s average is around 59%, which is higher than in the parched summer but still feels comfortable. This mix of limited rain and moderate humidity makes December one of the nicer times for experiencing Mecca’s climate.
Travel Tips for Visiting Mecca at Christmas
Late December in Mecca brings warm days and mild nights, with little chance of rain. You’ll want to prepare for strong sun, crowds, and long stretches outdoors, especially if you’re planning religious activities or lots of walking in the city.
Recommended Clothing and Packing
Daytime highs in December usually hit the low 30s °C (mid-80s °F). Nights feel cooler, sometimes dropping to the low 20s °C (mid-60s °F).
Pack lightweight, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen. You’ll feel a lot more comfortable in those. Long sleeves and loose pants not only shield you from the sun, but they also show respect for local customs.
For those cooler evenings, toss in a light jacket or sweater. You probably won’t need heavy winter gear, but a thin extra layer can really help if the temperature dips.
Bring comfortable walking shoes or sandals with good support. Trust me, you’ll end up walking more than you expect.
Other useful items? I’d suggest:
- Sunscreen (high SPF, always a good idea)
- Reusable water bottle
- Umbrella or small rain poncho (rain doesn’t happen often, but you never know)
- Travel-size first aid kit
These basics keep you prepared for Saudi Arabia’s desert climate and help you keep your luggage simple.
Outdoor Activities and Pilgrimage Considerations
Pilgrimage and outdoor worship really shape most trips to Mecca. December usually feels much milder than the scorching summer, but don’t let that fool you—it’s still smart to take it easy.
The sun gets stronger and temperatures rise around midday, so I’d suggest saving the more demanding activities for early morning or late afternoon.
You can’t overstate how important hydration is. Always bring water with you, since walking between sites can wear you out fast.
The air might not feel super humid, but that dry desert breeze can leave you parched before you know it.
Prayer times and the area near the Grand Mosque get crowded. Wear shoes you can slip off and carry easily, since you’ll end up barefoot a lot.
If dust or sand bugs you, maybe try a light face covering, especially when it’s windy.
Honestly, if you plan ahead for the sun, the walking, and whatever else the weather throws at you, you’ll probably enjoy your pilgrimage and outdoor time in Mecca a whole lot more.