Hajj season weather: Spring for 8 years and a return to summer after 25 years
The National Center for Meteorology in Saudi Arabia has revealed a significant climatic development that bodes well for pilgrims, as the Hajj season to enter a new climatic phase coinciding with spring and expected to last for the next eight years. This shift means the holy sites will bid farewell to the hot summer weather that has accompanied pilgrims in recent years and welcome more moderate weather that will facilitate the performance of the rituals.
The official spokesperson for the National Center for Meteorology, Hussein Al-Qahtani, explained that this positive climatic shift comes after consecutive years in which the Hajj pilgrimage was held during the peak of summer. He clarified that the astronomical cycle of the Islamic calendar is the primary driver of this change, as the Hajj season will return to the summer months in approximately 25 years, reflecting the accuracy of the astronomical and climatological calculations relied upon by the relevant authorities in the Kingdom.
The journey of the ritual through the seasons: How do the Hajj seasons move through time?
To understand the nature of this shift, one must consider the astronomical mechanism that governs the Islamic calendar. The determination of the lunar months, including Dhul-Hijjah, is based on the moon's orbit around the Earth. Since the Islamic year is approximately 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian (solar) year, the Hajj season gradually shifts across the solar year. This historically consistent astronomical phenomenon means that the Hajj pilgrimage occurs throughout all four seasons (summer, spring, winter, and autumn) in a cycle that is completed roughly every 33 years. The Islamic and climatic history of the Kingdom has recorded this succession of seasons, resulting in different generations of pilgrims performing the rituals in varying weather conditions. Each era has necessitated different preparations by the Saudi authorities to ensure the comfort of the pilgrims.
The strategic dimensions of moderate weather during Hajj seasons and its broad impact
carries of the Hajj season significant weight and has a positive impact on multiple levels. Locally, the milder weather gives Saudi Arabian health and regulatory authorities greater flexibility in managing the millions of pilgrims, as the likelihood of heat exhaustion and sunstroke, which pose a major challenge during the summer months, is significantly reduced. Regionally and internationally, this shift sends a reassuring message to millions of Muslims worldwide, especially the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, that the climatic conditions will be more comfortable and less arduous. This moderation in temperatures enhances the quality of services provided and reduces pressure on healthcare facilities, positively impacting the pilgrims' spiritual experience.
Proactive preparations and workshops for climate impact analysis
As part of early and well-planned preparations, the National Center for Meteorology announced its intention to hold a comprehensive workshop entitled “Climate Impact” on Wednesday, May 6, 2026. Al-Qahtani indicated that the workshop will see broad participation from all relevant governmental and private entities involved in serving pilgrims. The workshop aims to review the detailed climate record of the Holy Sites and analyze the weather patterns associated with upcoming Hajj seasons.
The upcoming meeting aims to enhance operational readiness and elevate the level of coordination among various sectors. The outcomes and recommendations resulting from this workshop are expected to directly contribute to supporting crowd management plans and professionally addressing all anticipated weather changes. In closing, Al-Qahtani emphasized that all these scientific and field efforts are primarily dedicated to ensuring the safety of pilgrims and enabling them to perform their rituals with ease and comfort in a fully prepared and secure environment.
