JAKARTA – Saudi Arabia is set to officially enter its winter season on December 1, 2025, marking a shift toward cooler temperatures and increased weather activity across various regions of the Kingdom—conditions that pilgrims often find ideal for performing Umrah.

According to meteorological officials, the climate transition brings welcomed relief from the intense heat typically experienced during other seasons, making religious pilgrimages significantly more comfortable for visitors.

Weather Patterns and Rainfall Expectations

Hussein Al-Qahtani, spokesperson for the National Center of Meteorology (NCM), indicated that moderate to heavy rainfall is anticipated to continue over the coming days, accompanied by thunderstorms, strong winds, and fog in several areas.

Al-Qahtani explained that current weather conditions across Saudi Arabia remain relatively comfortable and stable, though early next week will mark the beginning of the first rainy period in December. Precipitation levels are expected to range from moderate to heavy intensity, affecting multiple regions including areas previously impacted such as Madinah, Hail, the highlands of Makkah, portions of its southern coastal areas, and other extensive territories throughout the Kingdom.

Residents and visitors are advised to remain vigilant, particularly in regions potentially experiencing more significant weather impacts, including Madinah, Hail, Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha.

Regional Weather Alerts

In the latest weather bulletin issued on Saturday, the NCM noted that several areas face potential moderate-intensity thunderstorms, possibly accompanied by hail and powerful winds. These conditions are primarily predicted for the Jazan, Asir, and Al-Baha regions.

Additionally, fog may develop in these three areas as well as in the Eastern Province, prompting authorities to caution about reduced visibility that could affect travel and outdoor activities.

Winds carrying dust and sand are forecast to influence the regions of Makkah, Madinah, Hail, Tabuk, and Al-Jouf, which may impact outdoor activities and visibility conditions.

Maritime Conditions

The NCM also detailed wind developments over the Red Sea, where winds are expected to blow from the northwest to north at speeds between 10 and 28 kilometers per hour in the northern and central regions. In southern areas, winds will shift from south to southeast at speeds ranging from 15 to 40 kilometers per hour, potentially reaching 50 kilometers per hour as rain clouds form toward the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

These conditions are influencing wave heights at sea, which are projected to range from half a meter to one meter in northern and central regions, and one to two meters in southern areas—potentially higher when rain clouds form. Generally, sea conditions in the north and central regions tend toward calm, while southern waters range from moderate to rough depending on weather developments.

Optimal Season for Religious Pilgrimage

The winter season presents favorable conditions for Umrah pilgrims. Temperatures in the holy cities remain moderate rather than scorching, with a pleasantly cool climate prevailing. Winter in Saudi Arabia typically extends from December through February.

Winter temperatures reach their lowest point during January. According to Weather Spark data, January 22 represents the coldest day of the year, with temperatures ranging between 61°F and 84°F, or approximately 16°C to 28°C.

This moderate temperature range provides comfortable conditions for performing religious rituals and outdoor worship activities, contrasting sharply with the extreme heat experienced during summer months that can make physical exertion challenging for pilgrims.

The combination of cooler temperatures, occasional rainfall, and generally stable weather conditions makes the winter period particularly attractive for Muslims planning to undertake Umrah, offering a more pleasant spiritual experience in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah.

Original Article:

Detik.com. (2025, November 30). Arab Saudi Masuki Musim Dingin, Suhu Mulai Turun Nyaman untuk Umrah. Retrieved from https://www.detik.com/hikmah/haji-dan-umrah/d-8236481/arab-saudi-masuki-musim-dingin-suhu-mulai-turun-nyaman-untuk-umrah