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JED · 21.49° N · 39.19° E · Saudi Arabia

Makkah

The holiest city in Islam, home to the Masjid al Haram and the Kaaba. Pilgrims fly to Jeddah and continue by road or on the Haramain high speed railway.

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About Makkah

In short

  • The Masjid al Haram and the Kaaba
  • Umrah through most of the year, outside the Hajj season
  • Hotels within walking distance of the Haram
  • The Haramain railway to Madinah
  • Jabal al Nour and the Cave of Hira

At a glance

Country
Saudi Arabia
Region
Middle East
Local time
GMT+3
Time difference
3 hours behind Dhaka
Currency
Saudi Riyal (SAR)
Languages
Arabic
Main airport
  • JEDKing Abdulaziz International Airport
Best time to visit
November to February

Makkah is home to the Masjid al Haram and the Kaaba, and only Muslims may enter the city. Umrah, the pilgrimage Muslims can make through most of the year, is performed here, and our team in Dhaka can help you plan it: call or WhatsApp +880 1318 302427.

Getting there

Makkah has no airport of its own. Most pilgrims fly to Jeddah, on the Red Sea coast, and continue by road or on the Haramain high speed railway, which stops at Jeddah airport and also links Makkah with Madinah.

Permits

Umrah permits are issued through Nusuk, the official Saudi platform of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, on its app and website. Permits and rules change, so check Nusuk before you book and again before you travel.

Where to stay

Hotels range from towers overlooking the Haram, such as those in the Abraj Al Bait complex, to quieter properties a short shuttle ride away. Staying close means you can walk to prayers at any hour.

When to go

Umrah can be made through most of the year, but not in the Hajj season, when it is limited to those performing Hajj. December to February is the mildest time, and Ramadan is the busiest.

Before you go

Entry and visas

Makkah is open only to Muslims. Entry rules for Saudi Arabia depend on your passport and can change, so check the official sources below before you book. Pilgrims use Nusuk, the official Saudi platform, for Umrah information and permits: check it again close to your travel dates.

Health

See your doctor well before you travel, as pilgrims have their own health entry requirements. Makkah is hot most of the year: drink plenty of water, keep out of direct sun where you can and pace yourself. Coughs and colds spread easily in crowds, so wash your hands often.

Money

The currency is the Saudi riyal (SAR). Carry some cash for small purchases, and ask your bank what your card costs to use abroad.

General information only, not legal or medical advice. Rules change, so check the official source before you travel.

Checked on 14 October 2026

When to go

  1. JanuaryBest
  2. FebruaryBest
  3. March
  4. April
  5. MayNot ideal
  6. JuneNot ideal
  7. JulyNot ideal
  8. AugustNot ideal
  9. SeptemberNot ideal
  10. October
  11. NovemberBest
  12. DecemberBest

Umrah can be made through most of the year. December to February is the mildest time, with average highs of about 31 to 33°C. From May to September highs reach about 42 to 44°C, so plan for the heat.

Pictures of Makkah

  • The Kaaba seen from above, with the pilgrims circling it blurred by a long exposure
    The Kaaba at the heart of the Masjid al-Haram, seen from above
  • Two pigeons on a stone ledge above the buildings of Makkah, with rocky mountains behind
    Makkah spreads between rocky mountains
  • Jabal al-Nour, a rocky mountain in Makkah, under a blue sky with scattered clouds
    Jabal al-Nour, home to the Cave of Hira, just outside Makkah
  • The Kaaba and a minaret framed by carved stone arches inside the Masjid al-Haram
    Arches of the Masjid al-Haram frame the Kaaba

Questions about Makkah

See all questions
How can I stay well on Umrah?

See your doctor well before you travel, as pilgrims have their own health entry requirements. In Makkah, drink plenty of water, keep out of direct sun where you can and wash your hands often, as coughs and colds spread easily in crowds.

Checked on 14 October 2026

When is the best time to go to Makkah?

For milder weather, go from December to February, when average highs are about 31 to 33°C. From May to September average highs reach about 42 to 44°C, so drink plenty of water and avoid the midday sun. Umrah itself can be made through most of the year.

Can anyone visit Makkah?

No, Makkah is open only to Muslims. Visitors who are not Muslim can still travel to other parts of Saudi Arabia, such as Jeddah, if they meet the entry rules.

Checked on 14 October 2026

How do I get to Makkah?

Makkah has no airport of its own. Fly to Jeddah, on the Red Sea coast, or to Madinah, which also has an international airport, and the Haramain high speed railway links all three cities. Our team can find flights from Dhaka: call or WhatsApp +880 1318 302427.

Checked on 14 October 2026

How do I get an Umrah permit?

Umrah permits are issued through Nusuk, the official Saudi platform of the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, on its app and website. Permits and the rules around them change, so check Nusuk and the official travel advice before you book and again before you travel.

Checked on 14 October 2026

What is Umrah?

Umrah is a pilgrimage to Makkah that Muslims can make through most of the year, unlike Hajj, which takes place on set dates in the Islamic calendar. During the Hajj season, Umrah is limited to those performing Hajj.

Checked on 14 October 2026

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