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.
- 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.
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.
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
- 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.
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)
Weather and climate
Medina: next 7 days
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Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
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 & 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.
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 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