Makkah Weather in November

November feels cooler

November is a welcome step down from October's fierce heat, though afternoons can still feel hot. The average high is 34°C, with warm evenings and plenty of sunshine. Rain is uncommon, so most days suit visits to the Grand Mosque and other outdoor sights.

You'll find walking more comfortable in the morning or evening than in the midday heat. Save Mount Arafat or the climb up Jabal al-Nour for cooler hours, and avoid strenuous outdoor plans in the hottest part of the day. The air is fairly dry, but the sun stays strong.

No fixed November holiday

There isn't a major annual Makkah festival tied to November. Islamic holidays follow the Hijri calendar, so dates shift each year; Hajj and Ramadan don't fall in the same Gregorian month every time. If either overlaps your visit, expect a very different trip.

If you hate crowds, November can be calmer than Hajj or Ramadan, but the Grand Mosque stays busy with Umrah visitors. Crowds and hotel prices also vary with school breaks and the Islamic calendar. Compared with peak pilgrimage periods, you may find a quieter visit and better rates, though there's no guarantee.

Make the mosque your anchor

Plan your day around the Grand Mosque, then rest during the warmest hours before heading out again. For a view over the city, consider Jabal al-Nour, but don't treat its steep climb as an easy stroll in the afternoon.

Travelling with kids? Keep the group together near the Grand Mosque's busy entrances. Agree on a meeting point, such as King Fahd Gate, in case you get separated. November's short showers are unlikely to define your stay, but rain can make outdoor steps slippery.