Things to Do in Medina in January

January Weather in Medina

24°C (75°F) High Temp

12°C (53°F) Low Temp

7.6 mm (0.3 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect shoulder season weather - daytime temperatures of 24°C (75°F) ideal for walking the Haram and outdoor prayer without the extreme heat of summer months
Minimal rainfall with only 7.6 mm (0.3 inches) - mosque courtyards and outdoor areas remain accessible throughout the day with just 10 scattered rain days
Lower humidity at 70% compared to summer months makes the required modest clothing more comfortable during long prayer sessions and Tawaf
Fewer crowds than Ramadan and Hajj seasons - shorter wait times at the Prophet's Mosque and easier navigation through the old city markets

Considerations

Cool evening temperatures dropping to 12°C (53°F) require warm layers for Fajr prayer and late-night worship - many visitors underestimate this 12-degree temperature swing
Variable weather conditions mean you need to pack for both warm days and cool nights, making luggage planning more complex
UV index of 8 still requires strong sun protection despite the moderate temperatures - the desert sun remains intense even in winter months

Best Activities in January

Prophet's Mosque Extended Prayer Sessions

January's moderate temperatures make extended periods of prayer and reflection comfortable. The 24°C (75°F) daytime temperature and lower humidity create ideal conditions for spending hours in the mosque courtyards. Early morning Fajr at 12°C (53°F) requires warm clothing but offers a serene spiritual experience with fewer crowds.

Booking Tip: No advance booking required for general entry. Arrive 30-45 minutes before prayer times for optimal positioning. Women should use the designated entrances and bring appropriate head coverings.

Islamic Heritage Walking Tours

Cool morning temperatures between 12-20°C (53-68°F) are perfect for exploring the historic sites around the old city. January's dry conditions with minimal rainfall ensure archaeological sites and outdoor exhibits remain accessible. The moderate weather allows for 3-4 hour walking tours without heat exhaustion.

Booking Tip: Book guided tours through licensed Islamic heritage operators 7-10 days ahead. Tours typically cost SAR 150-300 per person. Best scheduled for 9am-12pm when temperatures are most comfortable.

Mount Uhud Historical Site Visits

January's mild weather makes the 1 km (0.6 mile) walk to the battlefield and the climb up Mount Uhud's lower slopes manageable. Temperatures stay below 24°C (75°F) even at midday, and the clear skies offer excellent views of the surrounding desert landscape. The historical significance combined with comfortable hiking conditions makes this a January highlight.

Booking Tip: Independent visits are possible, but guided tours provide historical context. Transportation from central Medina costs SAR 50-80 round trip. Bring water and sun protection despite the moderate temperatures.

Dates Market and Local Cuisine Experience

January is prime date harvest season in the region, making visits to the traditional souks particularly rewarding. The comfortable 20-24°C (68-75°F) afternoon temperatures make browsing the covered markets pleasant. Local restaurants offer seasonal specialties, and the moderate humidity keeps traditional Arabic sweets fresh longer.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically cost SAR 200-400 per person for 3-4 hours. Book through certified halal tour operators. Markets are busiest 4-7pm when temperatures cool down from the daily high.

Quba Mosque and Surrounding Gardens

The first mosque in Islam becomes especially pleasant to visit in January's moderate weather. The 3 km (1.9 mile) journey from the Prophet's Mosque can be combined with garden walks that are only comfortable in cooler months. The mosque's courtyards and surrounding green spaces offer peaceful reflection opportunities without summer's intense heat.

Booking Tip: Free entry, but modest dress required. Best visited during mid-morning (10am-12pm) when temperatures are ideal at 18-22°C (64-72°F). Combine with taxi tour of other significant mosques for SAR 100-150.

Medina Ziyarat (Religious Sites Tour)

January's weather allows comfortable full-day tours of the seven mosques, Islamic cemeteries, and other significant religious sites. The temperature range of 12-24°C (53-75°F) means you can spend extended time at each location without weather-related discomfort. Clear skies and minimal rainfall ensure all outdoor religious sites remain accessible.

Booking Tip: Full-day religious tours cost SAR 300-500 per person including transportation. Book through mosque-approved tour operators at least 5-7 days ahead. Tours run 8am-4pm to maximize comfortable temperature windows.

January Events & Festivals

Throughout January

Winter Religious Studies Programs

Local Islamic universities and mosques offer intensive Arabic and Islamic studies courses for international visitors during January's comfortable weather. Programs include daily lessons at the Prophet's Mosque and surrounding madrasas.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered modest clothing system - lightweight long pants and long sleeves for 24°C (75°F) days, plus warm cardigan or light jacket for 12°C (53°F) evenings

SPF 50+ sunscreen despite moderate temperatures - UV index of 8 in desert conditions causes burns within 15-20 minutes

Comfortable closed-toe walking shoes with good grip - marble mosque floors can be slippery, and you'll walk 5-8 km (3-5 miles) daily

Lightweight rain jacket or umbrella - while only 7.6 mm (0.3 inches) of rain falls, the 10 rainy days can catch visitors unprepared

Extra head coverings for women - mosque requirements plus backups for the 70% humidity and occasional rain

Warm socks and slippers - mosque floors are cold during 12°C (53°F) morning prayers, and you'll remove shoes frequently

Portable prayer mat - personal mat is more comfortable than shared mosque rugs and useful for outdoor prayer areas

Large water bottle (2+ liters) - despite moderate temperatures, the dry air and extensive walking require constant hydration

Small daypack for mosque visits - need hands-free carrying for prayer items, water, and warm layers as temperatures fluctuate 12 degrees

Cash in small bills (SAR 5, 10, 20) - local transportation, market purchases, and charity giving require Saudi Riyals in small denominations

Insider Knowledge

Most visitors pack only for the 24°C (75°F) daytime temperature and freeze during 12°C (53°F) Fajr prayer - locals wear warm layers until 9am then remove them

The Prophet's Mosque is least crowded during the 2-hour window after Fajr prayer (approximately 6:30-8:30am) when most pilgrims return to hotels to warm up

January's dry conditions mean mosque carpets generate significant static electricity - touch metal handrails before entering prayer areas to avoid disrupting others

Local restaurants serve winter comfort foods like harira soup and hot Arabic coffee during January - these seasonal menu items disappear by March and provide authentic cultural experiences

Avoid These Mistakes

Bringing only summer clothing for a 'warm destination' - the 12°C (53°F) nighttime temperature shocks visitors who expected consistent heat

Scheduling outdoor religious site visits for late afternoon - while 24°C (75°F) seems moderate, the UV index of 8 makes midday sun dangerous without proper protection

Assuming the low rainfall means no weather preparation needed - the 10 scattered rain days often coincide with temperature drops, creating unexpectedly cold and wet conditions