No Summer Hajj for the Next 16 Years, Saudi Weather Agency Declares

Saudi Arabia’s meteorological agency reveals that Hajj 2025 will be the final summer pilgrimage for 16 years due to lunar calendar shifts. Pilgrimage will transition to cooler spring and winter months from 2026 onward. Authorities are implementing new safety measures to protect pilgrims from extreme heat.

Saudi Arabia’s National Meteorological Center announces that the Hajj pilgrimage in 2025 will be the last to occur during summer’s extreme heat for the next 16 years. This change is due to the Islamic calendar gradually shifting dates, moving the pilgrimage to the cooler seasons.

Starting in 2026, Hajj will shift to spring and then winter. This change is attributed to the lunar calendar’s annual drift of approximately 10 days, with the pilgrimage expected in spring from 2026 to 2033, and winter from 2034 to 2041, before returning to summer in 2042.

The move alleviates concerns for pilgrims who have endured severe heat conditions. In 2024, temperatures in Mecca soared to between 46 and 51 degrees Celsius, leading to over 2,700 heatstroke cases and several fatalities.

In response to climate-related challenges, Saudi authorities are enhancing protective measures for pilgrims, including shaded walkways, increased water distribution, mobile cooling units, and public health campaigns.

Additionally, 33 new weather monitoring stations were established in 2024 along with enhanced mobile radar systems to monitor Hajj route conditions in real-time. With more than 1.8 million pilgrims expected for the 2025 Hajj, preparations are actively taking place, marking the final summer season pilgrimage before the transition to cooler months.

The Saudi National Meteorological Center’s announcement highlights the significant shift in Hajj scheduling due to climatic conditions. Pilgrims will benefit from cooler pilgrimage seasons starting in 2026, as authorities implement additional safety measures amidst the increasing temperatures. This long-term strategy reflects the commitment to ensure the safety and comfort of millions of pilgrims.

Original Source: tribune.com.pk