Saudi Arabia

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Mecca

Islam's holiest city and pilgrimage heart

Visa & entry checker Plan a trip to Mecca Plan a trip around Saudi Arabia

Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Currency: SAR
Time zone: UTC+3
Country: Saudi Arabia

Photo: Al Jazeera English, CC BY-SA 2.0

Mecca is the holiest city in Islam, the birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and home to the Masjid al-Haram with the Kaaba. Millions of Muslim pilgrims travel here each year for Hajj and Umrah, making it one of the most visited cities in the world.

Largest cities

Riyadh
Jeddah
Mecca
Medina
Dammam

Quick facts

Figures are rounded recent official estimates.

Country: Saudi Arabia
Capital: Riyadh
Metro population: 2.4M
Population of Saudi Arabia: 33M
Country area: 2,250,000 km²
Official language: Arabic
Currency: Saudi Riyal (SAR) · 1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR
Time zone: UTC+3
Calling code: +966
Drives on the: Right
Elevation: 294 m
Plugs: A / B / C / G · 220V
Emergency numbers: 911
Best time to visit: Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Temperatures through the year

Average daily high and low for each month in °C. Months marked with a drop are often rainy.

Temperatures through the year

Month	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
High	28°	29°	33°	36°	40°	42°	41°	40°	40°	38°	33°	30°
Low	18°	18°	21°	24°	27°	30°	30°	29°	28°	26°	23°	19°

Best time to visitOther months

Approximate daily cost

Per adult per day: food, local transport and half a double room, without activities or flights.

ConservativeSimple stays, free and low-cost sights first.$43
HighComfortable hotels, a balanced mix of sights and trips.$115
LuxuryLuxury hotels, more paid experiences and day trips.$350

Plan a trip to Mecca

Top things to do

Free
Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba
Walk around the Kaaba and pray in the Great Mosque; go early morning or late evening to avoid the biggest crowds.
- Half day
- Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba area
- Good for kids
- Good in the evening
Free
The Clock Towers and Abraj Al Bait
See the world's fourth-tallest building towering over the mosque, with a shopping mall and food court inside; the exterior view is free.
- Half day
- Abraj Al Bait and Clock Towers district
- Good for kids
- Indoors
- Good in the evening
Free
Jabal al-Nour and the Cave of Hira
Hike up the mountain to the cave where the first Quranic revelation is believed to have occurred; wear sturdy shoes and start before sunrise.
- Half day
- Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba area
Free
Jabal Thawr
Climb to the cave where Muhammad and Abu Bakr are said to have hidden during the migration to Medina; the trail is steep and takes a few hours.
- Half day
- Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba area
Free
Zamzam Well area
See the historic well inside the mosque complex and drink Zamzam water; access is through the mosque and can be very busy.
- Half day
- Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba area
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Makkah Museum
Learn about the city's Islamic history and the expansion of the Grand Mosque; check opening hours as they change seasonally.
- Half day
- Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba area
- Good for kids
- Indoors
Free
Mina and Mount Arafat day trip
Visit the tent city of Mina and the plain of Arafat, key Hajj sites outside the city; a car or taxi is needed and the route is busy during pilgrimage season.
- Full day
- Mina tent city area
Free
Day trip to Taif
Drive Highway 15 to the cooler mountain city of Taif, about 60 minutes away, for its markets and scenery; go on a weekday to avoid traffic.
- Full day
- Mount Arafat and surrounding plain
- Good for kids

Before you go

Entry and visas

Most visitors need a visa before travel: many nationalities can apply online for a tourist e-visa or an electronic travel authorisation (ETA), and e-visas can also be issued on arrival at Saudi international airports. Passports must be valid for at least six months from arrival, and separate Hajj visas are required for the pilgrimage season. Rules differ by nationality and purpose of travel, so check the official Saudi visa platform before booking.

Official website

From the airport

Mecca has no airport and is a no-fly zone; the main gateway is King Abdulaziz International Airport (JED) in Jeddah, about 70 km away. The Haramain high-speed train from Jeddah takes around 30 minutes, while driving on Highway 40 takes at least 60 minutes depending on traffic.

Getting around

Local transport is mainly by taxi, ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Careem, and buses, with the Haramain high-speed railway connecting Mecca to Jeddah and Medina.

Local tips

Non-Muslims are prohibited from entering Mecca, so check your eligibility before planning any trip.
Dress modestly and conservatively; women should wear an abaya and men should avoid shorts in public areas.
Carry cash in Saudi riyals for small purchases, although cards are widely accepted in malls and hotels.
Expect extreme summer heat from May to September, with highs above 40°C; winter months are more comfortable for walking.

Areas worth knowing

Mina tent city area
Mount Arafat and surrounding plain
Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba area
Al-Aziziyah pilgrim district
Abraj Al Bait and Clock Towers district

Official travel advice

The UK Foreign Office last updated its advice for this country on October 11, 2026. The advice includes warnings against travel to some areas. Read it before booking.

Read the advice on GOV.UK