Starting in 2026, Hajj will shift to winter and spring seasons for the next 17 years, according to the Saudi National Meteorological Center.
2026 Marks the Last Summer of Hajj for Nearly Two Decades
If you’re planning to undertake the pilgrimage to Mecca in the coming years, there’s significant news regarding the climate during the Hajj.
According to Hussein Al-Qahtani, spokesman for the Saudi National Meteorological Center (NMC), the Hajj pilgrimage will gradually shift out of the scorching summer heat after 2025 and won’t return to it for 17 years.
Al-Qahtani stated, “The Hajj season will enter a new phase of climate change during the year 2026. We will not witness summer Hajj until after 17 years.”
Al-Qahtani explained that starting in 2026, Hajj will move into the spring for eight consecutive years, followed by another eight years in winter. “We will bid farewell to Hajj in the summer season for 16 years,” he noted, highlighting that average temperatures during summer Hajj currently range between 45 and 47 degrees Celsius.
His projections are corroborated by Dr. Mansour Al Mazroui, a member of the Shoura Council and a researcher in climate change. Al Mazroui confirmed that 2025 will be the final summer Hajj for a considerable time.
He elaborated, “The Hajj season comes in the winter season, starting in the Hijri year 1454 and continuing for 8 years, ending in the Hijri year 1461. As for the fall season, the Hajj season lasts between the years of 1462 and 1469.”
Dr. Al Mazroui further explained that the Hajj season will complete its cycle over 33 Hijri years, rotating through all four seasons.
The pilgrimage will re-enter the summer season in the Hijri year 1470, and remain there for nine years. This cyclical shift ensures that pilgrims will experience vastly different climatic conditions over the decades.
What This Means for Pilgrims
This shift will be a welcome change for many pilgrims, as the temperatures in Mecca during summer can be brutally high, often reaching up to 47 degrees Celsius. The cooler climates of spring and winter will make the physically demanding rites of Hajj more manageable.
For those who have previously undertaken the pilgrimage, or are planning to do so soon, this shift means preparing for a Hajj experience with potentially less heat stress and a more comfortable journey.
It also impacts travel planning and health preparations, as the requirements will differ significantly with the changing seasons.
As the cycle continues to affect the timing and conditions of Hajj, pilgrims should stay informed about these changes. It’s crucial to prepare accordingly, taking into account the season during which they will be performing this sacred duty.
With this new phase on the horizon, the National Meteorological Center and other Saudi authorities will likely provide further guidance to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling Hajj experience.
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