2025 to Mark Final Summer Hajj Before Shift to Cooler Seasons

This year’s Hajj pilgrimage will be the last to take place under the scorching summer sun for the next 16 years, Saudi Arabia’s National Meteorological Center has announced. Starting in 2026, the annual Islamic pilgrimage will gradually shift into cooler seasons, offering relief to millions of pilgrims who have long endured extreme temperatures during the sacred journey.

The change is due to the Islamic lunar calendar, which moves approximately 10 days earlier each year in relation to the Gregorian calendar. As a result, Hajj will move from the summer to the spring season beginning in 2026 and will continue to shift into the winter months between 2034 and 2042. The pilgrimage will not return to the summer season until 2042, according to a report by The Express Tribune.

A Welcome Change After Years of Heat

The announcement comes as welcome news for pilgrims around the world, many of whom have experienced severe heat-related challenges during previous Hajj seasons. In 2024, temperatures in the holy city of Makkah ranged between 46°C and 51°C, posing serious health risks, especially for elderly pilgrims.

The expected drop in temperatures over the coming years is likely to ease the physical burden of the pilgrimage and improve safety conditions during one of the largest annual gatherings in the world.

Hajj 2024: A Global Gathering

Despite the harsh climate, the 2024 Hajj drew an impressive 1,833,164 pilgrims, according to data reported by Samaa TV. Of these, 1,611,310 were international pilgrims, accounting for nearly 88% of the total, while 221,854 (12.1%) came from within the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Among the internal pilgrims, 53.5% were men and 46.5% women. For international pilgrims, 52.1% were male and 47.9% female, showcasing a nearly equal gender distribution in the religious observance.

In terms of transportation, the vast majority of international pilgrims—96%—arrived in Makkah by air. Meanwhile, 3.7% traveled by land and a small fraction, just 0.3%, arrived by sea.

Looking Ahead

As the Hajj moves into milder months, Saudi Arabia is expected to continue improving infrastructure and services to accommodate pilgrims safely and efficiently. The shift into spring and winter seasons is likely to attract even more participants, particularly older and more vulnerable worshippers who previously hesitated due to extreme heat.

The change marks a new era for the Hajj experience—one that may see not only increased participation but also a greater emphasis on health and comfort during the spiritual journey.