Makkah Weather in October

October: still very hot

October is cooler than September, but Makkah is still seriously hot. Days reach 39°C, and nights stay warm at 26°C. The air is fairly dry, with little rain, so don't expect showers to bring much relief. The comfort score is poor.

Sightseeing works best indoors or in the shade. You can spend time at the Masjid al-Haram, but long walks outside can feel draining, especially around midday. Save exposed climbs, such as the path up Jabal al-Nour, for a cooler month.

Umrah and October dates

There's no major annual October festival in Makkah. Umrah, the lesser pilgrimage, can be performed throughout the year. Hajj follows the Islamic lunar calendar, so its dates shift; October isn't reliably a Hajj month.

If you hate crowds, October may feel calmer than Ramadan or Hajj, when visitor numbers rise sharply. It's often a quieter time for hotels too, though demand can change with the religious calendar and school breaks. Check your dates against those before settling on a stay.

Make the heat easier

Compared with September's 43°C highs, October brings some relief. November is cooler still, with highs of 34°C. If you're set on October, keep outdoor sightseeing brief and use the cooler evening hours for walks around the Haram.

Travelling with kids? Keep outdoor stops short and make the shaded, air-conditioned spaces around the Masjid al-Haram your base. For a practical local tip, use the Haram's indoor walkways between prayer areas rather than crossing open courtyards in the midday sun. The courtyards are beautiful, but the shade can be limited.