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Md iet CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Muzdalifah

Valley

A flat plain between Arafat and Mina, Muzdalifah is a ritual stop during Hajj where pilgrims collect pebbles and rest overnight. Its draw is religious observance and the Hajj sequence.

Muzdalifah RiyadhJeddahAl-UlaMeccaMedinaAbhaMuzdalifah
In this guide

Muzdalifah essentials

Country: Saudi Arabia
Driest months: Jun-Aug
Pay in: Rial (ر.س)
Language: Arabic
Emergency: 999

Muzdalifah at a Glance

About Muzdalifah

Muzdalifah is an open plain and campsite area in Mecca Province used during the annual Hajj pilgrimage. It lies between Mount Arafat and the tent city of Mina and plays a fixed role in the sequence of rites performed by pilgrims.

During Hajj pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah after sunset on the day spent at Arafat, where they combine evening and night prayers and collect pebbles for the stoning ritual in Mina. The site is a large, mostly flat area intended to accommodate very large numbers of pilgrims for an overnight stay.

Muzdalifah’s function and use are defined by Islamic ritual practice during Hajj rather than by permanent buildings or tourist facilities; management and services are scaled to handle the annual influx of pilgrims.

Geographically it lies close to Mecca within the greater Hajj pilgrimage area, positioned between Arafat to the east and Mina to the northwest.

  • Ritual practices: Pilgrims sleep outdoors or in temporary camps and collect small pebbles here to use for the ritual stoning of the pillars in Mina the following day.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Muzdalifah

Muzdalifah is primarily visited during Hajj (Dhu al-Hijjah); that is the only time most pilgrims go there.

Dhu al-Hijjah (Hajj season)
Varies (Islamic lunar month) · Hot; 30-45°C (86-113°F) depending on the Gregorian season
Peak pilgrimage period with massive crowds and ritual activity.

Weather & Climate near Muzdalifah

Climate

Muzdalifah'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 17°C to 42°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 17° - 29° 23° 12 mm mostly sunny 49% 2.4 m/s 1.3 high 10.9h
February Ideal 18° - 30° 24° 6 mm clear 43% 2.7 m/s 1.7 very high 11.3h
March Ideal 20° - 33° 26° 9 mm clear 35% 2.8 m/s 2.2 extreme 11.9h
April Ideal 23° - 37° 30° 2 mm clear 31% 2.5 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.5h
May Excellent 26° - 40° 33° 9 mm clear 23% 2.8 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.0h
June Excellent 28° - 42° 35° 1 mm clear 17% 2.6 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.3h
July Ideal 29° - 41° 35° 1 mm mostly sunny 23% 3.1 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.2h
August Ideal 29° - 41° 35° 3 mm mostly sunny 29% 3.0 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% 2.1 m/s 1.8 very high 11.5h
November Ideal 21° - 33° 27° 24 mm clear 45% 2.1 m/s 1.4 high 11.0h
December Ideal 19° - 30° 25° 17 mm clear 50% 2.3 m/s 1.2 high 10.7h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Muzdalifah

Muzdalifah is accessed during the Hajj itinerary by pilgrims moving from Mount Arafat toward Mina; access is coordinated by Saudi authorities and Hajj organizers.

Tips for Visiting Muzdalifah

  • Muzdalifah is a site visited as part of the Hajj pilgrimage - approach as a participant would and respect local religious protocols.
  • There are large crowds during Hajj (Dhu al-Hijjah); planning must follow official pilgrimage schedules and authorities.
  • Bring a small flashlight for night stays; pilgrims often sleep outdoors and spaces can be crowded.