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Mount Arafat

Mountain

Mount Arafat, just east of Mecca, is the site where pilgrims gather on the Day of Arafah during Hajj; the granite hill and surrounding plain draw vast numbers of worshippers for the ritual 'standing'.

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Mount Arafat essentials

Address: Mount Arafat (Jabal Arafat), near Mecca, Saudi Arabia
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About Mount Arafat

Mount Arafat, also known as Jabal Arafat, is a granite hill and open plain located to the east of Mecca in Saudi Arabia that forms the principal site for the Day of Arafah during the Hajj pilgrimage. It is a central religious location in Islam with deep ritual significance.

Pilgrims gather on the plain and around the hill on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah to perform the standing (wuquf) rite, which is a fundamental element of the Hajj. The hill and surrounding area can accommodate very large populations of pilgrims during the Hajj period and are managed for crowd flow and services.

In Islamic tradition, the site is associated with sermons and events from early Islamic history and remains a focal point of contemporary pilgrimage practice.

Mount Arafat lies to the east of Mecca and is reached by pilgrims from the city and the surrounding plain; it is part of the wider Hajj route that includes Mina and Muzdalifah.

  • Hajj significance: Standing at Arafat on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhu al-Hijjah) is a required rite for pilgrims performing Hajj; the site receives very large, timed crowds annually.

What to See#

  • Jabal al-Rahmah (Mount of Mercy): A small granite hill on the plain of Arafat that is a focal point during the Hajj pilgrimage, traditionally known as the Mount of Mercy where pilgrims gather to stand in prayer.
  • Plain of Arafat: The surrounding Arafat plain that accommodates millions of pilgrims for the key ritual of standing (wuquf) on the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah during the Hajj.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Mount Arafat

Mount Arafat's significance is religious rather than touristic-its primary visiting season is during Hajj (the 9th day of Dhu al-Hijjah), when millions perform the standing (wuquf).

Hajj period (religious season)
Varies (Dhu al-Hijjah) · 30-45°C depending on year
The only time millions gather in a single ritual-access restricted to pilgrims; intense heat and crowds.
Non-Hajj season
January-March, October-November · 15-35°C
Quieter and solely of interest to religious scholars or those on regional visits; still hot during summer months.

Weather & Climate near Mount Arafat

Climate

Mount Arafat's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in July) and warm winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 18°C to 43°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 162 Unhealthy
Best Time to Visit
JanuaryFebruaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
49°
Warmest Month
8°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 18° - 30° 24° 12 mm mostly sunny 49% 2.4 m/s 1.3 high 10.9h
February Ideal 18° - 31° 24° 6 mm clear 43% 2.6 m/s 1.7 very high 11.3h
March Ideal 20° - 34° 27° 9 mm clear 35% 2.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
April Excellent 23° - 37° 30° 2 mm clear 31% 2.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.5h
May Excellent 27° - 41° 34° 8 mm clear 23% 2.5 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.0h
June Excellent 28° - 43° 35° 1 mm clear 17% 2.6 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.3h
July Excellent 29° - 42° 36° 1 mm mostly sunny 23% 2.8 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.2h
August Excellent 29° - 42° 35° 2 mm mostly sunny 29% 2.6 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.7h
September Excellent 28° - 41° 34° 2 mm mostly sunny 26% 2.3 m/s 2.2 extreme 12.2h
October Ideal 24° - 38° 31° 6 mm clear 31% 2.0 m/s 1.8 very high 11.5h
November Ideal 22° - 34° 28° 24 mm clear 45% 2.1 m/s 1.4 high 11.0h
December Ideal 19° - 31° 25° 17 mm clear 50% 2.2 m/s 1.2 high 10.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Mount Arafat

Arafat lies about 20 kilometres southeast of central Mecca and is accessed during Hajj via designated roads and shuttle routes from Mina and Mecca. Outside Hajj, entry is limited and governed by Saudi authorities-visitors should consult official Hajj and pilgrimage information for transport arrangements.

Tips for Visiting Mount Arafat

  • During Hajj, Jabal Arafat is closed only to pilgrims performing the wuquf; non-pilgrims should check with Saudi authorities for access.
  • Visit on the Day of Arafah (9th Dhu al-Hijjah) only as a pilgrim; the site's significance is religious and access is tightly controlled during the season.
  • If approaching from Mecca, use official shuttle routes through Mina-parking and pedestrian flows are organized seasonally.