Umrah has reopened for pilgrims following the close of the Hajj 2026 season, with international visitors able to enter Makkah again from mid-June. The timing places the new season squarely in the Saudi summer, when temperatures in the holy city can climb past 45 degrees Celsius. Authorities and health bodies are urging pilgrims to take heat seriously and to prepare before they travel.

How Hot It Gets in Makkah

Summer in Makkah is intense. Daytime temperatures through June, July and August commonly sit in the high thirties and forties, and can exceed 45 degrees Celsius in direct sun. The marble around the Grand Mosque reflects heat, and the sheer density of crowds adds to the strain on the body.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are the main dangers. Warning signs include dizziness, headache, a rapid pulse, nausea and confusion. These conditions can develop quickly, and they are especially risky for the elderly, young children, pregnant women and anyone with a chronic illness such as heart disease or diabetes.

Guarding Against Heat Illness

The simplest protection is water. Pilgrims should drink fluids regularly throughout the day rather than waiting until they feel thirsty. Carrying a refillable bottle and topping up with Zamzam water, which is widely available, helps maintain hydration during long periods of worship.

Timing matters too. Where possible, pilgrims are advised to perform Tawaf and Sa'i during the cooler hours of the late night and early morning, and to avoid the midday sun. An umbrella offers useful shade when moving outdoors, and light, loose clothing helps the body stay cool. Men in the state of ihram should remember that an umbrella is permitted even though head covering is not.

Rest is part of safety. Building short breaks into the day, finding shade or air-conditioned areas, and not attempting too much in a single outing all reduce the risk of collapse.

Extra Care for Vulnerable Pilgrims

Families traveling with elderly relatives or young children should plan around the heat rather than against it. The Ministry of Health advises caution for vulnerable groups, who feel the effects of high temperatures far more sharply than healthy adults.

Electric carts are available around the mataf for elderly pilgrims and people with disabilities who cannot manage the walking that Tawaf and Sa'i demand. Using these services is a sensible precaution, not a shortcut, and it helps prevent exhaustion in the most demanding parts of the journey.

Emergency Numbers and Practical Tips

  • Save the emergency numbers. Dial 997 for the Saudi Red Crescent ambulance service. For non-urgent health advice in several languages, call the Ministry of Health on 937.
  • Hydrate before symptoms appear. Drink water steadily through the day, and consider oral rehydration salts if you have been sweating heavily.
  • Worship in the cool hours. Aim for Tawaf and Sa'i late at night or just after Fajr, and rest during the hottest part of the afternoon.
  • Shade and sunscreen. Carry an umbrella for open areas and protect your skin. Avoid standing in direct sun for long periods.
  • Know the signs of heat stroke. If you or a companion feels dizzy, stops sweating, or becomes confused, move to a cool area, seek help and call for medical aid without delay.
  • Mind your group. Keep elderly members and children close, and agree a meeting point in case anyone is separated in the crowds.

With sensible preparation, summer Umrah remains a deeply rewarding journey. Treating the heat with respect is the key to performing the rites safely and returning home in good health.