About Makkah
The holiest city in Islam — birthplace of the Prophet Muhammad and home to Masjid al-Haram and the Kaaba, where millions of Muslims perform Hajj and Umrah each year.
Makkah (Mecca) is the holiest city in Islam, nestled in a narrow valley in western Saudi Arabia. At its heart stands Masjid al-Haram — the Sacred Mosque — which surrounds the Kaaba, the cubic structure toward which 1.8 billion Muslims pray five times daily. Every year, over 2 million Muslims perform Hajj, the annual pilgrimage that is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and millions more perform Umrah year-round. The city has undergone massive expansion to accommodate pilgrims, with the Abraj Al-Bait clock tower complex (the world's third-tallest building) overlooking the mosque. Mount Arafat, Mina, and Muzdalifah — key Hajj sites — lie just outside the city. Important note: Makkah is restricted to Muslims only. Non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the city.
Highlights
🕋
Masjid al-Haram & Kaaba
The holiest site in Islam — capacity for 4 million worshippers during Hajj.
🏔️
Mount Arafat
The mountain where the Prophet delivered his Farewell Sermon.
🕐
Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower
World's third-tallest building at 601 m, overlooking the Sacred Mosque.
⛰️
Jabal al-Nour
Mountain housing the Cave of Hira where the first Quran revelation occurred.
Best For
Travel Tips
Key Facts
- Timezone
- Asia/Riyadh
- Currency
- SAR (Saudi Riyal)
📅 Best Time to Visit
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best months to visit: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
✈️ Travel Information — Makkah
Everything you need to know before you go
Visa Requirements
1
Climate: Hot desert, valley location — extreme summer heat
Monthly Temperatures
Safe
💰
SAR
Saudi Riyal
🏷️
ر.س
Symbol
⚡
220
Voltage
〰️
60
Frequency
Widely Spoken
English, Urdu, Indonesian, Turkish
🏛️ Top Attractions in Makkah
4 attractions
Landmark
👨👩👧👦
Masjid al-Haram (The Sacred Mosque)
The holiest mosque in Islam, surrounding the Kaaba. Expanded to accommodate up t…
Historical
Jabal al-Nour (Mountain of Light)
A 642-metre mountain northeast of the Haram, housing the Cave of Hira (Ghar Hira…
Landmark
👨👩👧👦
Abraj Al-Bait Clock Tower
A government-owned complex adjacent to the Haram featuring the world's third-tal…
Cultural
👨👩👧👦
Mount Arafat
Located 20 km southeast of Makkah, Mount Arafat is where pilgrims gather on the …
🏨 Where to Stay in Makkah
3 accommodations
Hotel
$$
Fairmont Makkah Clock Royal Tower
★
★
★
★
★
Abraj Al-Bait
Located inside the Abraj Al-Bait complex, just steps from the Haram en…
Hotel
$$$$
Swissôtel Makkah
★
★
★
★
★
Abraj Al-Bait
Another tower in the Abraj Al-Bait complex, offering Haram-view rooms,…
Hotel
$$
Al Shohada Hotel
★
★
★
★
★
Ajyad
A dependable mid-range option within walking distance of the Haram. Cl…
🍽️ Where to Eat in Makkah
2 dining spots
Restaurant
$
Al Baik Makkah
Fast Food · Indoor
Halal
No trip to Makkah is complete without Al Baik. The Saudi fried chicken chain is …
Restaurant
$$
Hanini Restaurant
Hejazi · Indoor
Halal
A well-regarded restaurant near the Haram serving authentic Hejazi and Saudi dis…
🛍️ Shopping in Makkah
2 shopping destinations
🏬 Mall
Abraj Al-Bait Mall
Fashion
9 AM-2 AM
A 5-storey shopping mall within the Abraj Al-Bait complex, just steps from the Haram. Pilg…
🕌 Souk
Souq near Haram
Crafts
24 hours (many shops near Haram)
The streets surrounding the Haram are lined with shops selling prayer beads, Islamic calli…
🚌 Getting Around Makkah
🚐 Airport Transfers
🚇 Public Transport
🚕 Taxi & Rideshare
📱 Uber
Base: SAR 7 · SAR 1.45/km
📱 Careem
Base: SAR 7 · SAR 1.45/km
💡 Getting Around Tips
right
High near the Haram — most pilgrims walk. Areas further out require taxis.
Extreme during Hajj. Heavy during Umrah season at prayer times.
📦 Book Makkah with Lavisa
Everything you need for your trip — all in one place
✈️
Flights to Jeddah (for Makkah)
Fly to JED and take the Haramain train to Makkah (30 min).
From AED 699
📦
Umrah Packages
Flight + hotel + Umrah guide + Makkah-Madinah transport.
From AED 3,499
🚐
JED to Makkah Transfer
Private car or group shuttle from Jeddah airport.
From AED 149
📅 When to Visit Makkah
Peak Season
Shoulder Season
Off-Peak
🏆 Best Months:
🥇 Sep
🥈 May
🥉 Apr
Jan
🔴 Peak Season
🌡️ 25° / 14°
🌧️ 2d
$$$$$
🎆 New Year
Feb
🔴 Peak Season
🌡️ 25° / 14°
🌧️ 2d
$$$$$
🛍️ Dubai Shopping Festival
Mar
🔴 Peak Season
🌡️ 30° / 20°
🌧️ 5d
$$$$$
🌙 Ramadan (approx.)
Apr
⭐
🟡 Shoulder Season
🌡️ 30° / 20°
🌧️ 5d
$$$
🎉 Eid al-Fitr (approx.)
📚 Spring Break
May
⭐
🟢 Off-Peak
🌡️ 30° / 20°
🌧️ 5d
$
Jun
🟢 Off-Peak
🌡️ 45° / 32°
🌧️ 0d
$
🐑 Eid al-Adha (approx.)
☀️ Summer Holiday Starts
Jul
🟢 Off-Peak
🌡️ 45° / 32°
🌧️ 0d
$
🎪 Dubai Summer Surprises
Aug
🟢 Off-Peak
🌡️ 45° / 32°
🌧️ 0d
$
Sep
⭐
🟢 Off-Peak
🌡️ 30° / 20°
🌧️ 5d
$
📚 School Year Starts
Oct
🟡 Shoulder Season
🌡️ 30° / 20°
🌧️ 5d
$$$
Nov
🔴 Peak Season
🌡️ 30° / 20°
🌧️ 5d
$$$$$
🇦🇪 UAE National Day (Dec 2)
Dec
🔴 Peak Season
🌡️ 25° / 14°
🌧️ 2d
$$$$$
🎄 Christmas & NYE
❄️ Winter Break
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