Hajj in 2025, Saudi Arabia’s National Centre of Meteorology has issued a stark warning regarding extreme heat conditions expected during the pilgrimage period.
According to the latest forecasts, temperatures are anticipated to soar as high as 47°C (116.6°F), prompting authorities to issue an urgent advisory to all pilgrims and organizers. The advisory emphasizes the critical importance of adhering to safety measures to prevent heat-related illnesses, which have historically posed serious risks during the annual pilgrimage.
The announcement has drawn immediate attention from both international health authorities and local organizers, given the immense physical demands of the Hajj rituals and the vulnerability of many participants, including the elderly and those with pre-existing medical conditions. The Hajj, which includes physically intense rites such as walking long distances, standing for hours in prayer, and performing symbolic acts in open areas under the sun, becomes even more challenging in extreme temperatures.
The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and wellbeing of all pilgrims. In coordination with the Ministry of Health and various emergency response units, the authorities have ramped up preparations to deal with the anticipated heatwave. Measures include the deployment of additional medical teams, mobile cooling units, shaded rest areas, and distribution of bottled water at key points along the pilgrimage route.
Officials have also encouraged pilgrims to plan their activities carefully, avoid peak afternoon hours whenever possible, and remain constantly hydrated. “Protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, umbrellas, and high-SPF sunscreen should be considered essential items,” one spokesperson advised. Moreover, the advisory highlights the importance of recognizing early signs of heat exhaustion—such as dizziness, nausea, muscle cramps, and rapid heartbeat—and seeking immediate medical attention if symptoms occur.
The extreme heat warning has particular relevance for pilgrims undertaking the walk between Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah, which are among the most taxing components of the Hajj. These rituals involve walking several kilometers under direct sun exposure, often amid dense crowds, and have in previous years led to hundreds of cases of heatstroke, dehydration, and in some cases, fatalities. In response to these risks, Saudi authorities are installing additional misting systems and enhancing the air-conditioned facilities in tents at Mina and Arafat.
Climate scientists have noted that Hajj is increasingly being affected by global temperature trends. With Hajj dates shifting approximately 10 days earlier each year due to the lunar calendar, this year’s pilgrimage falls squarely within the hottest months of the Arabian Peninsula. Experts have warned that rising global temperatures could make future pilgrimages increasingly hazardous without significant investments in climate adaptation and emergency infrastructure.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has also weighed in on the issue, praising Saudi Arabia’s preparedness but urging pilgrims to take personal responsibility in following health guidelines. “Heat-related illnesses are preventable, but they require awareness, caution, and prompt action,” a WHO representative stated. “High-risk individuals should consult with their doctors before travel and make arrangements to pace themselves through the Hajj rituals.”
Meanwhile, countries sending large delegations of pilgrims are stepping up efforts to inform and prepare their citizens. Many have issued health kits containing electrolyte powders, portable fans, and informational leaflets in multiple languages. Some have even launched mobile applications that provide real-time weather updates, medical guidance, and emergency contacts specifically for pilgrims.
Religious scholars and community leaders have also joined the awareness campaign, emphasizing that Islam allows for concessions in extreme conditions. Scholars have reminded pilgrims that protecting one’s life is a fundamental Islamic principle, and that the religion permits adjustments to certain rituals if physical health is at serious risk. Some have called on Hajj guides to prioritize rest and hydration in their itineraries and avoid rushing groups through rituals.
In a region where summer temperatures frequently cross the 40°C mark, Saudi Arabia has developed a long-standing expertise in managing Hajj under severe weather conditions. The past decade has seen substantial investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, including shaded walkways, high-capacity air-conditioning in pilgrimage sites, and expanded medical emergency zones. The current heat advisory, however, signals one of the highest levels of alert issued in recent years, suggesting that this year’s conditions may test even the most advanced systems in place.
Pilgrims already in the Kingdom or those arriving in the coming days are being greeted at airports with multilingual briefings and health monitoring stations. Thermal screening is also being conducted to detect early signs of heat stress or other medical conditions. Medical volunteers, many of whom are part of international humanitarian missions, have begun training in heat-specific protocols to enhance the overall emergency response framework during Hajj.
Despite the challenging forecast, many pilgrims remain steadfast and hopeful, viewing the Hajj as a spiritual journey that transcends physical hardship. Stories of perseverance in the face of adversity have long been part of Hajj’s collective memory. However, the rising frequency of extreme weather events is likely to spark further conversations in the coming years about how to sustainably manage large-scale religious gatherings in an era of climate uncertainty.
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