Climate and monthly weather forecastMedina, Saudi Arabia

The climate of Medina

Medina possesses a predominantly subtropical desert climate, fittingly termed BWh in the Köppen climate classification. Located in the central part of Saudi Arabia, this city experiences high temperatures throughout the year with significant daily variations between maximum and minimum temperatures.

The median monthly high temperatures fluctuate from 24.2°C (75.6°F) in January to a blistering 43.7°C (110.7°F) in August. On the other hand, monthly minimum temperatures display variability, ranging from 11.6°C (52.9°F) in January to a stifling 29.9°C (85.8°F) in August. Relative humidity values discernibly rise and fall across the year, showcasing a dry environment with an annual low of 12% in July to a peak of 38% both in January and December.

Regarding rainfall, the city sees a maximum average monthly rainfall of 10mm (0.39") in November while minimal downpours occur in June with an average of 0mm (0"). Furthermore, the city receives sunlight in abundance over the year, with sunshine hours varying from 8 hours per day in January and December, up to 12 hours per day from June to August.

The best time to visit Medina

Opting to visit Medina from November to February might offer a reprieve from the extreme heat. These months register the lowest average temperatures, with maximum temperature dropping to 24.2°C (75.6°F) in January, and the minimum temperature balanced at 11.6°C (52.9°F). Moreover, daylight hours are relatively shorter.

The sun shines for around 8 to 10 hours daily, presenting a far more comfortable exploration of the city's rich history and landmarks. In terms of rainfall, although these months bring more rain than others, the quantity remains light, hence unlikely to hamper outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Medina

Visiting Medina between late Spring and early Autumn might pose a challenge for most travelers due to the extremely high temperatures. From May to September, the city records its highest average temperatures, soaring up to a maximum of 43.7°C (110.7°F) in August.

Additionally, the searing heat is not alleviated even at night-time, with minimum temperatures staying well above 25.5°C (77.9°F) from June to September. The intense ultraviolet index in these months also adds to the sweltering heat, making venturing outdoors arduously oppressive.

Spring weather in Medina

In Medina, springtime falls between March to May. The city experiences high temperatures that progressively rise from 30.6°C (87.1°F) in March to a scorching 39.6°C (103.3°F) in May. Equally intense are the minimum temperatures, escalating from 16.8°C (62.2°F) in March to 25.5°C (77.9°F) in May. Rainfall remains sporadic with an average of 10mm (0.39") in March and declining to 5mm (0.2") in May.

Summer weather in Medina

Summer in Medina, spanning June through August, carries blistering hot weather conditions. An incredible surge in the mercury level is observed with the average maximum temperature reaching 42.9°C (109.2°F) in July and peaking at 43.7°C (110.7°F) in August. Humidity levels plunge, adding to the desert-like conditions.

Autumn weather in Medina

The Autumn months of September through November present slightly milder conditions compared to summer. The daytime maximum temperatures gradually decrease from 42.3°C (108.1°F) in September to 30.6°C (87.1°F) in November.

Winter weather in Medina

December through February marks the winter months in Medina. Winter temperatures substantially dip compared to the rest of the year, with maximum temperature values falling to as low as 24.2°C (75.6°F) in January. Night temperatures also witness a decline, dropping to 11.6°C (52.9°F) during the same month. Daylight hours reduce to approximately 10 hours per day. This season records more rainfall, with an average rainfall of 8mm (0.31") in December and 10mm (0.39") in November.

Weather in January

The early year brings a combination of higher humidity and moderate temperatures to Medina, Saudi Arabia. The mild winter period offers relative comfort with lower temperatures than in later months. January delivers a maximum temperature of 24.2°C (75.6°F) and 6mm (0.24") of rainfall, making it a calm period before the inevitably rising arid climate. Weather in January »

Weather in February

As the second month progresses, the increase in temperatures becomes more noticeable. The hint of upcoming spring affects the weather conditions subtly. With an increase in maximum temperatures to 26.6°C (79.9°F) and daylight becoming slightly longer, February provides a fair idea of the forthcoming climatic change. Weather in February »

Weather in March

The arrival of March signals the beginning of the spring season in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Warm temperatures start to dominate the city's climate, nudging it closer to the forthcoming summer heat. More evidently, the humidity drops, further increasing the aridity. Weather in March »

Weather in April

By April, the trend of rising temperatures becomes more pronounced in Medina, marking the progression from mild springs to warmer summers. Long daylight hours begin to rule the days, inevitably adding to the heat. The city experiences a spike in the maximum temperature to a hot 35.3°C (95.5°F), despite receiving almost similar amounts of rainfall as in March, approximately 10mm (0.39"). Weather in April »

Weather in May

May brings sustained warm weather, now trenchantly edging towards the summer heat. The notable increase in sunshine hours is met with a further decrease in relative humidity leading to drier conditions. May marks the season's peak with temperatures soaring to a scorching 39.6°C (103.3°F) accompanied by 5mm (0.2") of rainfall. Weather in May »

Weather in June

June signifies a climatic turning point as summer fully takes hold in Medina. The high temperatures persist, with sunlight dominating the majority of the day. The jump in maximum temperatures to a whopping 42.9°C (109.2°F) coincides with near absence of rainfall, recording only 0mm (0"). Weather in June »

Weather in July

July in Medina is synonymous with prolonged high temperature days and minimal rainfall. The climate becomes increasingly harsh, setting the tone for the peak summer period. July remains consistent in maintaining the high temperature trend with a soaring 42.9°C (109.2°F) and a nominal 1mm (0.04") of rainfall. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August is the zenith of summer's intensity in Medina, characterized by its highest temperatures and typically arid conditions. The month continues the ongoing trend of high temperature readings. With an all-time high reaching a sweltering 43.7°C (110.7°F) and a modest 4mm (0.16") of rainfall, August holds the record for the hottest month in Medina. Weather in August »

Weather in September

September signals the gradual winding down of summer, albeit at a slow pace. The days remain hot, but a noticeable decrease in temperatures indicates the onset of the transition period. September registers a slight relief with a high temperature of 42.3°C (108.1°F) and scanty 0mm (0") of rain. Weather in September »

Weather in October

With October's arrival, cooler winds begin to replace the searing heat, leading the path towards mild autumn temperatures. The weather starts to ease, as the city adjusts to the transitional phase. The maximum temperature drops significantly to a more tolerable 37.3°C (99.1°F), coupled with 3mm (0.12") of rain. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November marks the onset of the cooler climate in Medina, a pleasant departure from the scorching summer months. The city welcomes the change with refreshed vigor and restored life. Notably, the maximum temperature sees a substantial fall to 30.6°C (87.1°F), and the rainfall increases to 10mm (0.39"). Weather in November »

Weather in December

December brings the advent of the winter season in Medina, offering a refreshing contrast to the harsh summer months. Decreasing temperatures coupled with longer nights make for a comfortable climatic setup. December notes a pleasant high temperature of 26°C (78.8°F) and receives a moderate 8mm (0.31") of rain, brightening up the city's atmosphere. Weather in December »