Heat during Hajj
Hajj 2027 is expected in mid-May, when daytime temperatures in Mecca can rise well above forty degrees. The rites in Mina and at Arafat take place largely outdoors. Heat is therefore the risk worth preparing for most.
Last updated: 2026-09-09
Short answer
Heat is the biggest health risk of Hajj. Drink plenty of water with salts spread through the day, stay out of the sun between 11:00 and 16:00, use an umbrella and cool your skin. Stop and seek help with headache, nausea, confusion or when sweating stops.
Planning your vaccination
- Meningococcal ACWY, required for Saudi Arabia
- International vaccination certificate straight away
- Evening and weekend appointments, every day 10:00 to 22:00
Prevention
- Drink throughout the day, even without thirst: small amounts often
- Use oral rehydration salts when sweating heavily; water alone is not enough then
- Avoid open sun roughly between 11:00 and 16:00
- Bring a light umbrella: this is common at the holy sites
- Wear light, airy clothing and apply sunscreen to exposed skin
- Cool yourself with a spray bottle or a wet cloth on your neck
Warning signs
- Headache, dizziness and nausea
- Muscle cramps and weakness
- Little or dark urine
- Confusion or unusual behaviour
- Hot, dry skin that no longer sweats: this is an alarm sign
What to do in case of overheating
Move the person into shade or a cooled space, loosen clothing, cool the skin with water and give small sips to drink. With confusion, loss of consciousness or skin that no longer sweats, immediate medical help is needed: go to a medical post at the holy sites.
Extra caution
- Older pilgrims and young children
- People with heart, lung or kidney conditions
- People taking diuretics or certain blood pressure medication
- Pregnant women
Information about registration and packages is based on the official Nusuk Hajj platform of the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah. Registration and payment take place there only; DKliniek provides the medical preparation.
Official sources
- hajj.nusuk.sa — Official registration and packages
- haj.gov.sa — Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah
- visa.mofa.gov.sa — Saudi visa information
- lcr.nl — Dutch national travel health centre
- who.int — World Health Organization
Arrange your vaccinations in time
Meningococcal ACWY is required for entry to Saudi Arabia and must be given at least ten days before arrival. We also advise you on DTP, hepatitis A and your certificate.
- Meningococcal ACWY, required for Saudi Arabia
- International vaccination certificate straight away
- Evening and weekend appointments, every day 10:00 to 22:00
- Groups and families vaccinated in one session
Frequently asked questions
Continue reading
Staying healthy during Hajj
Practical advice for Hajj: coping with heat and dehydration, respiratory complaints in crowds, foot care, bringing medication and when to seek help.
Hajj for older pilgrims
What older pilgrims need to know for Hajj: building fitness, wheelchair and transport assistance, medication, heat and which vaccinations matter most.
Falling ill during Hajj
What to do with cough, fever, diarrhoea or exhaustion during Hajj, where to find medical help in Mecca, Mina and Medina, and when to seek help immediately.