The best months to visit Medina are Oct – Mar. 18–28°C, pleasant & dry.
Quick facts
Currency SAR (Riyal) 1 USD ≈ 3.75 SAR
Language Arabic Some English in tourist areas
Timezone AST (UTC+3) No daylight saving
Best Months Oct – Mar 18–28°C, pleasant & dry
Daily Budget ~$60–90 USD SAR 225–340 budget
Visa eVisa or on arrival Tourist visa SAR 480 for many nationalities
When to go
The radiant city where the Prophet's Mosque glows beneath its green dome, and centuries of devotion echo through ancient streets.
Getting Around in Medina
- Uber and Careem operate throughout the city: SAR 10–25 for most rides. The most convenient transport option
- SAPTCO buses connect Medina to Mecca (SAR 70, 4 hours), Jeddah (SAR 70, 4 hours), and Riyadh (SAR 150, 9 hours)
- The Haramain High-Speed Railway connects Medina to Mecca via Jeddah (SAR 150–250, 2.5 hours). Book at sar.hhr.sa
For itineraries, costs and practical travel advice, see the full Medina travel guide.
Timezone: AST (UTC+3) (No daylight saving)
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to visit Medina?
The best months to visit Medina are Oct – Mar (18–28°C, pleasant & dry), which makes for the most comfortable conditions for sightseeing and getting around. For what a trip costs day to day, see the Medina budget breakdown.