Major city · Saudi Arabia
Medinaالمدينة المنورة
Medina is open to visitors of all faiths, but the Prophet's Mosque and its central area are for Muslims only: expect a city visit with restricted zones.
Medina is the second-holiest city in Islam, home to the Prophet's Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi). Non-Muslims may visit the city itself, but the Haram area around the mosque is restricted to Muslims. The Haramain high-speed rail links Medina with Jeddah and Mecca in under two and a half hours.
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Best months
- Nov–Mar
- avoid Jun–Sep (heat)
- Airport
- MED
- Nights
- 1–2
Rules in force · 5
- Saudi Arabia ↗Apply for the tourist eVisa only on the official visa portal (visa.visitsaudi.com); lookalike sites charge extra.
- Saudi Arabia ↗Dress modestly in public: loose clothing covering shoulders and knees; women are not required to wear an abaya but should cover up.
- Saudi Arabia ↗Alcohol is banned: do not bring it in, and do not buy it from anyone.
- Saudi Arabia ↗Shops close for about 20–30 minutes at prayer times; plan around them.
- Saudi Arabia ↗Makkah is closed to non-Muslims; checkpoints on the approach roads turn cars back.
What is in this basic guide5 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
- Forecast and monthly weather
- Where to sleep2 areas
- Getting around
- What to watch out for4 notes
- Airports1 airport
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Medina, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?SAR (riyal) is pegged to the US dollar at about 3.75.Saudi Arabia-wide
- SIM or eSIMSTC, Mobily and Zain sell tourist SIMs at arrivals; passport and fingerprint registration are required.Saudi Arabia-wide
- Tap waterTap water is desalinated and treated; most people drink bottled water, sold everywhere for SAR 1–2.Saudi Arabia-wide
- TippingRestaurant: 10% if no service charge; small change at cafés.Saudi Arabia-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets C/F/G. US/Canada (A/B): adapter · UK/Ireland (G): fits · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 230 V: US 120 V-only devices (hair dryers) need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.Saudi Arabia-wide
- RestroomsWestern toilets with a hand shower in malls, hotels and mosques; squat toilets at older fuel stations.Saudi Arabia-wide
Show all 11 answers
- Emergency numbers911 Unified emergency · 999 police · 997 ambulance (red crescent)Saudi Arabia-wide
- Sundays & holidayscheckShops close for 20–30 minutes at each of the five daily prayers (not required by law since 2024, but many still do — check); Friday midday is closed.Saudi Arabia-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportMED Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International (Flights from Riyadh, Jeddah and abroad).
- Getting aroundTaxis and ride-hailing; the Haramain rail connects to Jeddah and Mecca.
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- MED Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International (Flights from Riyadh, Jeddah and abroad)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Best
Feb
Best
Mar
Best
Apr
not flagged
May
not flagged
Jun
Avoid
Jul
Avoid
Aug
Avoid
Sep
Avoid
Oct
not flagged
Nov
Best
Dec
Best
Best: Nov–Mar. Avoid: Jun–Sep. Month by month →
Weather and climate
Medina: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
Loading…
Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Taxis and ride-hailing; the Haramain rail connects to Jeddah and Mecca. Ask your hotel about shuttles.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
Near the Prophet's Mosque
Walk to prayers; the busiest and priciest zone.
Al-Anbariyah
Quieter, closer to the rail station.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Watch out
- Non-Muslims are barred from the central Haram area; signs and staff mark the boundary.
- Dress modestly; check the current rules for visitors.
- Heat is severe in summer; hydrate and avoid midday outdoor time.
- Book Haramain high-speed rail tickets ahead in pilgrimage season; seats sell out.
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Medina. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Nov–Mar · avoid Jun–Sep (heat)
- 1 airport and 2 areas to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast
- 4 things to watch out for
Coming as the guide grows
- An airport-to-bed path that says whether a late landing still works
- Walking clusters with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Field-verified times and fares
Sources
- officialVisit Saudi
- secondaryWikivoyage — Medina