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Quba Mosque

Mosque

Located just outside Medina, Quba Mosque is traditionally regarded as the first mosque in Islamic history; pilgrims visit for prayer and to see its historic site during visits to the region.

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In this guide

Quba Mosque essentials

Address: Quba Mosque (Qubat al-Khayr), Medina, Saudi Arabia
Website: gph.gov.sa
Hours: Open 24 hours
Admission: Free; mosque open for Muslim worshippers (tourist access for non-Muslims generally restricted)

About Quba Mosque

Quba Mosque is an early Islamic mosque located on the outskirts of Medina in Saudi Arabia and is traditionally regarded as the first mosque built by the Prophet Muhammad. It holds a prominent place in Islamic history and devotional practice.

The site is a functioning mosque that draws worshippers who come to pray and visit a place associated with the early Muslim community. Architecturally the mosque has been rebuilt and enlarged over time and presents a striking white exterior with domes and minarets.

According to Islamic historical sources, the original mosque at Quba was established in 622 CE during the Prophet’s migration to Medina; it has been reconstructed and expanded repeatedly since then. The site has remained an important religious landmark and place of visitation for Muslims.

Quba Mosque lies on the outskirts of Medina in the Medina Province, a short drive from the city’s central religious precincts, and is typically included on pilgrimage itineraries that visit sites around Medina.

  • Founding date: Considered the first mosque in Islamic tradition, it dates back to the time of the Prophet Muhammad and is a common site for pilgrimage visits from Medina.
  • Location note: The mosque sits a short distance from the central Prophet’s Mosque in Medina and is reachable by road from the city’s core, making it a common stop for pilgrims and visitors in Medina.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Quba Mosque

For comfort and lower crowds, go in the cooler months and avoid peak prayer times (Friday midday).

Cooler months
Nov-Feb · 18-30°C
Milder temperatures make visiting more comfortable; Friday prayers remain the busiest times.
Hot months
May-Sep · 30-45°C
Hotter weather; the mosque is active year-round-visit outside main prayer times or on weekdays for lower crowd levels.

Weather & Climate near Quba Mosque

Climate

Quba Mosque's climate is classified as Hot Desert - Hot Desert climate with very hot summers (peaking in August) and mild winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 11°C to 43°C. Very dry conditions with minimal rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 160 Unhealthy
Best Time to Visit
OctoberFebruaryMarch
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
48°
Warmest Month
0°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Ideal 11° - 24° 18° 7 mm mostly sunny 42% 2.6 m/s 1.1 high 10.7h
February Ideal 13° - 27° 20° 2 mm mostly sunny 37% 3.1 m/s 1.5 very high 11.2h
March Ideal 16° - 30° 23° 13 mm mostly sunny 28% 3.3 m/s 2.0 extreme 11.9h
April Ideal 21° - 35° 28° 12 mm mostly sunny 24% 3.4 m/s 2.4 extreme 12.6h
May Excellent 25° - 40° 32° 6 mm mostly sunny 18% 3.3 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.2h
June Ideal 28° - 43° 36° 0 mm clear 14% 3.2 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.5h
July Ideal 28° - 43° 35° 0 mm mostly sunny 18% 3.3 m/s 2.7 extreme 13.4h
August Excellent 29° - 43° 36° 3 mm mostly sunny 20% 3.1 m/s 2.5 extreme 12.9h
September Excellent 27° - 42° 35° 1 mm mostly sunny 17% 3.0 m/s 2.1 extreme 12.2h
October Ideal 22° - 37° 30° 3 mm clear 23% 2.6 m/s 1.7 very high 11.5h
November Ideal 17° - 31° 24° 15 mm clear 37% 2.5 m/s 1.2 high 10.8h
December Ideal 13° - 26° 20° 8 mm mostly sunny 42% 2.6 m/s 1.0 high 10.5h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Quba Mosque

Quba Mosque is located on the outskirts of Medina. From central Medina (Al‑Masjid an‑Nabawi) it is a short taxi ride or served by local city buses; most visitors use taxis or ride-share for the direct trip.

If arriving by air, Medina’s Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz Airport is served by taxis and buses to the city, from which Quba Mosque is easily reached by a short onward taxi ride.

Tips for Visiting Quba Mosque

  • Visit early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat and the larger crowds around Friday prayers, when the mosque and its courtyard are busiest.
  • Include Quba Mosque as a short stop when touring Medina's historic sites-its simple architecture and decorative tiles are often missed by those rushing between the larger shrines.