Saudi Arabia has confirmed that Hajj 2025 will be the last time the pilgrimage takes place in the hot summer season for the next 16 years. The Saudi National Meteorological Center (NMC) made the announcement, bringing relief to millions of Muslims worldwide.
Starting in 2026, Hajj will move into cooler seasons, beginning with spring and later shifting into winter. This change happens because the Islamic lunar calendar moves about 10 days earlier every year compared to the Gregorian calendar. As a result, the Hajj season keeps changing each year.
Pilgrims have faced extreme heat in recent years. In 2024, temperatures in Makkah rose between 46°C and 51°C. That year, officials reported more than 2,700 cases of heatstroke in a single day, along with several deaths. Many people found it hard to perform rituals under such intense heat.
The NMC stated that Hajj will occur in spring from 2026 to 2033 and in winter from 2034 to 2041. Hajj will return to summer in 2042, starting a new nine-year cycle of hot seasons. This shift will help pilgrims complete the religious journey in safer and more comfortable weather.
Saudi authorities have taken many steps to protect pilgrims from extreme heat. They expanded shaded areas, added more water stations, used mobile cooling units, and launched public awareness campaigns about heat safety.
In 2024, officials introduced 33 new weather monitoring stations and extended the use of mobile radar systems to monitor real-time climate conditions during Hajj. These efforts aim to reduce heat-related incidents and improve safety.
Authorities expect more than 1.8 million people to perform Hajj in 2025. They are preparing for one final summer season before Hajj enters a cooler and safer phase.
Read More: Govt Announces Eid ul Fitr Holidays from March 31 to April 2
On April 11, Saudi Arabia also approved an additional quota of 10,000 pilgrims for Pakistan. Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar had requested the increase by contacting Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud. The extra slots will allow more Pakistani pilgrims to join Hajj in 2025, especially those who missed the earlier registration deadline.