Weather in Medina

Heading to Medina? Check out the latest weather information. In this section, you will find up-to-date reports, forecasts, and useful charts to help you plan your time in the city in the best possible way.

The climate of Medina, located in Saudi Arabia, is characterized as arid desert. This means the city experiences very high temperatures for most of the year and extremely low rainfall. Visitors should be prepared for hot and dry air, especially during the summer months.

Two main seasons can be distinguished in Medina: a very hot, long summer and a short, milder winter. Summer, which lasts roughly from May to September, is noted for extremely high temperatures, with average highs often exceeding 40°C (for example, up to 42.2°C in June). Winter months, from December to February, bring significant relief with more comfortable daytime temperatures, averaging around 17-19°C, though nights can be quite cool. Spring (March-April) and autumn (October-November) are transitional periods with gradually rising or falling heat.

The most striking feature of the weather in Medina is the almost complete absence of precipitation. Data shows that in most months, rainfall is zero, and the total number of rainy days per year is minimal. This highlights the extreme aridity of the region. Travelers should expect mostly clear skies and intense sunshine year-round.

Significant annual temperature variation is observed in Medina, typical of a desert climate. The hottest months are June, July, and August, when the average daytime temperature consistently exceeds 41-42°C, and the average monthly temperature stays around 34-35°C. Nights during this period also remain very warm, with minimum temperatures rarely falling below 26-27°C. The coolest month is considered to be January, with an average temperature of about 17.1°C. In January, the average maximum temperature reaches 23.6°C, while the minimum at night can drop to 10.5°C.

The summer period in Medina, covering the months from May to September, is characterized by exhausting heat and dry air. Daytime temperatures regularly rise above 38°C as early as May, reaching peak values over 42°C in June and August. Even nights bring little relief, as the air temperature remains high, averaging 24-27°C. The difference between day and night temperatures in the summer months can be substantial, often reaching 14-15°C, which is typical for desert regions. There is practically no rainfall during the summer, which exacerbates the feeling of dry heat.

Winter in Medina, which falls on December, January, and February, brings noticeable cooling compared to the summer months, yet remains mild. Average daytime temperatures during this period range from 23°C to 26°C, making the daytime quite comfortable. Nights, however, can be quite cool, especially in January, when the average minimum temperature is around 10.5°C. In December and February, night lows also stay within 11-13°C. Daily temperature fluctuations in winter are also significant; the difference between the maximum day and minimum night temperature can be 13-14°C. Rainfall in winter is rare but possible.

Medina is characterized by an extremely arid climate, and precipitation here is an extremely rare and scarce phenomenon. The city does not have a clearly defined rainy season; rather, one can speak of a practically year-round dry season with isolated, barely noticeable precipitation in some months. For most of the year, no rain falls in Medina at all.

If we speak of any periods with precipitation, the "wettest" month in terms of moisture amount is January, when about 1 mm of rainfall is recorded, falling on average on one rainy day. April stands out with the highest number of days with precipitation — about 3 days, however, the total amount of rainfall in this month, according to data, is zero, which may indicate very insignificant rains or drizzle, possibly not even registered by measuring instruments. In March, August, October, November, and December, there may also be 1-2 days with precipitation, but their amount is negligible (0 mm).

Most months of the year — February, May, June, July, and September — are absolutely dry, without any precipitation or rainy days. Even in those months when "rainy days" are recorded, the amount of falling moisture is minimal. Thus, travelers to Medina should expect predominantly dry and sunny weather year-round, and the probability of catching rain is extremely low. Snowfall is not characteristic of this region.

When planning a trip to Medina, it is important to choose your wardrobe correctly, considering the hot and arid desert climate. Year-round, you will need light, breathable clothing made from natural fabrics (cotton, linen) that provides good sun protection. Do not forget headwear (a hat or scarf), sunglasses, and high SPF cream, as the sun here is very active. Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes are an absolute necessity, especially if you plan to walk a lot.

In summer, from May to September, when air temperatures can exceed 40°C, choose maximally loose and light-colored clothing. During this period, even nights remain warm. In winter, from December to February, daytime temperatures are more comfortable (about 17-26°C), but nights can be cool (10-13°C). Therefore, for winter months and transitional seasons (March-April, October-November), the principle of layering is ideal: light clothing for the day and a warm sweater, cardigan, or light jacket for evening walks or early mornings. Rainfall in Medina is extremely rare, so an umbrella will likely not be needed, but you can take one just in case or for additional sun protection.

Given the minimal amount of rainfall throughout the year (most months with 0 mm of precipitation and only a few days with minimal readings), the main focus when packing should be on protection from the sun and heat. Also, do not forget a personal first-aid kit with necessary medications and moisturizing cream, as the desert air is very dry. An electrical adapter may also come in handy.