Hot Weather in Makkah Drives Pilgrims for Hajj 2025 to Perform Umrah at Night

TIMESINDONESIA, JAKARTA – As the peak of the Hajj 2025 season approaches, temperatures in Makkah have soared above 35°C over the past two days. The heat is expected to intensify further as summer officially arrives in June.

Responding to the extreme weather conditions and the growing crowd of pilgrims, the Indonesian Hajj Organizing Committee (PPIH) in Saudi Arabia has issued health advisories urging pilgrims to take precautionary measures.

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According to Dewi Soraya Rachmah, a TIMES Indonesia reporter currently in Makkah, the scorching midday temperatures have led many pilgrims to remain indoors during the day. Most choose to stay inside their hotel rooms until late afternoon, only heading out when temperatures begin to cool.

“Once the heat starts to drop, that’s when they begin their outdoor worship,” Dewi reported.

This behavior shift is especially evident in the timing of umrah rituals. Many pilgrims now prefer to perform umrah after the night prayer (Isha), when the air is cooler and more comfortable. However, this change in pattern has inadvertently led to nighttime overcrowding at the Masjid al-Haram.

“The increased density at night poses a challenge, especially for elderly pilgrims or those with physical limitations,” Dewi added.

Dr. M. Imran, Head of the Health Division for the PPIH in Saudi Arabia, warned that the combination of high temperatures and dense crowds could lead to fatigue, dehydration, and worsening of existing health conditions, particularly among those with hypertension, diabetes, or respiratory issues.

To ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims especially the elderly and those with chronic illnesses, Dr. Imran outlined several important recommendations.

• Rest first: Pilgrims are advised to take time to rest after arriving in Makkah before performing their obligatory umrah.
• Avoid peak heat: Stay indoors between 10:00 AM and 4:00 PM Saudi time.
• Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water—especially Zamzam water—even before feeling thirsty. The ideal intake is 200 ml every hour when outside.
• Wear masks: Pilgrims experiencing flu or cough symptoms should wear masks to prevent spreading illness.
• Prioritize health: Those with chronic conditions are advised to avoid physically demanding acts of worship such as voluntary umrah and instead focus on lighter religious activities like dhikr (remembrance of God), Quran recitation, and charitable deeds, which can be done from the comfort of their hotels.

As the Hajj 2025 season unfolds under the blazing Arabian sun, health and safety remain a top priority for both pilgrims and organizers. The Saudi and Indonesian authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, aiming to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage experience for all.

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