Madinah Medina Region, Saudi Arabia Travel Guide
You will discover a city that reveres its past while embracing its present, providing both solace and practical amenities for all who arrive.
Madinah maintains a conservative culture, showing its religious importance, which influences everything from dress codes to public conduct. Visitors find a welcoming community focused on faith and hospitality.
The climate is arid, with intensely hot summers and mild, pleasant winters.
Madinah sits in the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, nestled within a desert landscape. Mountains and volcanic fields, including the Harrat Rahat, surround the city, giving it an unique geological backdrop. This inland location means Madinah experiences a distinct arid climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and mild winters. The city occupies a fertile oasis, historically supported by underground sources of water and date palm groves.
The city is strategically positioned, connected by modern infrastructure to other key Saudi cities, including Jeddah and Mecca, through high-speed rail and highways. This geographical setting influenced its historical development, making it a natural stopping point for travelers and traders across the Arabian Peninsula.
A fertile oasis settlement
Prophet Muhammad's migration and founding of the Islamic state
Center of Islamic governance and scholarship
Expansion of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
Continued spiritual heartland
Madinah's history traces back to pre-Islamic times, known then as Yathrib. Its transformation into Madinat un-Nabi, "the City of the Prophet," began in 622 CE with the Hijra, the migration of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and his followers from Mecca. This event marks the start of the Islamic calendar and established Madinah as the first capital of the burgeoning Islamic state. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) lived here for ten years, building the first mosque, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, and establishing the principles of Islam. The city became a center for religious learning and community development.
After the Prophet's passing, Madinah remained the capital during the early caliphates, serving as a hub for Islamic scholarship and governance. Over centuries, various empires, including the Umayyads, Abbasids, Mamluks, and Ottomans, ruled Madinah, each leaving architectural and cultural marks. Its importance as a pilgrimage destination persisted, drawing scholars, pilgrims, and rulers who contributed to its growth and protection. The Ottoman period saw significant expansion of Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.
In the early 20th century, Madinah became part of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, continuing its role as a spiritual heartland and a city dedicated to its Islamic heritage. The city constantly develops, but its historical core and religious sites remain central to its identity.
The city’s heart, Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, draws millions of pilgrims annually, creating a bustling, reverent atmosphere. Beyond the mosque, Madinah offers a range of experiences. You can visit historical sites like Mount Uhud and Quba Mosque, which tell stories of early Islam. The local markets, specifically the Date Market, provide a taste of regional produce and culture. Modern shopping malls offer global brands and entertainment. The city's infrastructure is well-developed, with a high-speed rail connecting it to other major cities.
Madinah maintains a conservative culture, reflecting its religious importance, which influences all things from dress codes to public conduct.
Visitors find a welcoming community focused on faith and hospitality. The climate is arid, with intensely hot summers and mild, pleasant winters. Plan your visit considering these elements for a fulfilling trip.
The city is centered around Al-Masjid an-Nabawi, attracting millions of pilgrims.
Explore Mount Uhud and Quba Mosque, significant in early Islamic history.
Discover the Date Market and current shopping malls.
Madinah's infrastructure is well-developed, with a high-speed rail connecting it to other main urban centers.
Average daily temps from 35°C to 45°C (95°F to 113°F). Temperatures frequently exceed 40°C (104°F).
Average daily temperatures from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). Nighttime temperatures drop to 10°C (50°F).
Moderate temperatures, typically averaging 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F). Moisture level remains generally low.
Summers regularly exceed 40°C (104°F). Take precautions against heatstroke and dehydration.
Always carry water and seek shade to stay hydrated.
Occasional dust or sand storms reduce visibility and air purity. Consider bringing a mask if sensitive.
