Things to Do in Medina in November

November Weather in Medina

30°C (86°F) High Temp

18°C (64°F) Low Temp

13mm (0.5 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect Umrah weather with comfortable 18-25°C (64-77°F) mornings for prayers and rituals - cooler than October's blazing heat
Minimal rainfall (only 13mm/0.5 inches) means outdoor religious activities proceed without weather disruptions
Post-Hajj season reduces accommodation costs by 40-60% compared to peak pilgrimage months
Ideal walking conditions for Haram visits - evening temperatures drop to comfortable 20°C (68°F) for extended prayer sessions

Considerations

Still experiences midday heat reaching 30°C (86°F) - plan indoor activities between 11am-3pm
70% humidity makes it feel warmer than actual temperature, especially for visitors from dry climates
Occasional dust storms from seasonal wind patterns can affect outdoor visibility for 2-3 days

Best Activities in November

Prophet's Mosque Extended Prayer Sessions

November's cooler evenings (18-22°C/64-72°F) make lengthy prayer sessions comfortable. Morning prayers start in pleasant 20°C (68°F) temperatures. The marble floors aren't scorching hot like summer months, allowing for extended meditation and Quran reading sessions.

Booking Tip: No advance booking needed, but arrive 30-45 minutes before prayer times for better positioning. Green Dome area fills quickly during Maghrib prayers. Consider bringing a small prayer rug for comfort during extended stays.

Mount Uhud Sunrise Hiking

November mornings start cool at 18°C (64°F), perfect for the 2km (1.2-mile) hike to historical battle sites. Clear skies provide excellent views of Medina's skyline. The spiritual significance combined with comfortable hiking weather makes this ideal timing.

Booking Tip: Start hiking by 6am to avoid midday heat. Guided historical tours typically cost 100-200 SAR and provide context about the battle significance. Book through hotel concierge or local Islamic tour operators for authentic historical narrative.

Old Medina Heritage Walking Tours

Explore traditional souks and Ottoman-era architecture in comfortable 22-26°C (72-79°F) temperatures. November's lower humidity makes walking through covered bazaars pleasant. Traditional dates and local honey are in season from recent harvests.

Booking Tip: Early morning (8-10am) or late afternoon (4-6pm) tours avoid midday heat. Expect to pay 150-250 SAR for 3-4 hour guided tours. Look for guides certified by Saudi Tourism Authority. Check current options in booking section below.

Quba Mosque Cycling Routes

The 5km (3.1-mile) route between Prophet's Mosque and Quba Mosque is comfortable in November's mild weather. Morning cycling at 20°C (68°F) allows for spiritual reflection between Islam's first mosque and the Prophet's final resting place.

Booking Tip: Rent bikes from operators near Haram for 50-80 SAR/day. Choose early morning (6-9am) or evening (5-7pm) rides. Most rental shops provide basic safety gear. Book 1-2 days ahead during busy pilgrimage weekends.

Date Farm Cultural Experiences

November marks peak date harvest season around Medina's oases. Experience traditional farming methods and taste fresh Ajwa dates in comfortable 24-28°C (75-82°F) temperatures. Learn about dates' significance in Islamic tradition during harvest celebrations.

Booking Tip: Half-day farm visits cost 200-350 SAR including transportation and traditional meals. Book through cultural centers or Islamic heritage tour operators. Most tours include Iftar-style meals featuring fresh dates and traditional Saudi cuisine.

Islamic Calligraphy Workshop Sessions

Indoor cultural activities perfect for November's midday heat. Learn traditional Arabic calligraphy in air-conditioned cultural centers while avoiding 30°C (86°F) afternoon temperatures. Many workshops focus on Quranic verses and Prophet's sayings.

Booking Tip: 2-3 hour workshops typically cost 150-300 SAR including materials. Book through King Abdulaziz Complex or cultural centers near the Haram. Classes offered in Arabic and English, suitable for all skill levels.

November Events & Festivals

Early to Mid November

Ajwa Date Harvest Festival

Celebrates Medina's famous date variety mentioned in Prophetic traditions. Local farms open for visitors with traditional harvesting demonstrations, fresh date tastings, and cultural performances featuring Bedouin poetry and music.

Throughout November

Islamic Heritage Month Activities

Month-long cultural programming at King Abdulaziz Complex featuring Islamic art exhibitions, traditional craft workshops, and historical lectures about Medina's role in early Islam. Special evening programs take advantage of cooler November weather.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight, long-sleeved cotton shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during extended mosque visits

Comfortable walking shoes with breathable fabric - marble mosque floors are cool but you'll walk 5-8km (3-5 miles) daily

SPF 50+ sunscreen and wide-brimmed hat - UV index reaches 8 even in November's 'cooler' weather

Light prayer shawl or blanket - early morning prayers at 18°C (64°F) can feel cool after warm rooms

Portable water bottle (1 liter minimum) - dry climate and religious activities increase hydration needs

Modest loose-fitting pants in breathable fabric - required for mosque entry and comfortable in humid conditions

Light jacket for evening - temperatures drop 12°C (22°F) between day and night

Dust mask or scarf - occasional sandstorms require respiratory protection during outdoor activities

Power bank for phone - extended time in mosques limits charging opportunities for navigation and translation apps

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations within 800m (0.5 miles) of Haram by mid-October - November sees 40% occupancy increase from Umrah visitors avoiding summer heat

Use the Haramain High-Speed Rail during midday heat (11am-3pm) for comfortable day trips to Makkah at 300km/h (186 mph) in air conditioning

Local pharmacies stock high-quality dates and honey - purchase authentic Ajwa dates here for 30-40% less than airport shops

Evening prayers (Maghrib/Isha) offer the best spiritual atmosphere as temperatures drop to comfortable 22°C (72°F) and crowds thin after 9pm

Avoid These Mistakes

Scheduling outdoor activities during 11am-3pm when temperatures peak at 30°C (86°F) - plan mosque visits and indoor cultural activities during these hours

Underestimating water needs - the 70% humidity and spiritual activities require 3-4 liters daily, more than typical desert climates

Wearing dark colors that absorb heat - choose light-colored, loose-fitting modest clothing for comfort in warm humid conditions