From the year 2000 to the current year 2026, Makkah has consistently recorded the highest average temperatures globally, maintaining this unique meteorological record.

According to a joint historical report issued by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) Global Weather Archives and the US-based National Centres for Environmental Information of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), there were only two years during the last two decades when Makkah did not hold the top spot; otherwise, it has consistently registered as the hottest city worldwide.

The interesting and unique data from the report shows that Makkah remained the world’s hottest city for ten consecutive years from 2000 to 2009, before Kuwait City took the top position in 2010.

However, Makkah returned to the top spot for five consecutive years from 2011 to 2015.

While Kuwait City again recorded extreme heat in 2016, Makkah has consistently ranked first in the list of the world’s hottest cities for the past ten years, from 2017 through 2026.

Meteorologists attribute these extreme temperatures to Makkah’s geographical location, as it is surrounded by dry, barren mountain ranges and experiences hot winds blowing from the Red Sea.

 The report also appreciated the Saudi government’s administrative measures, noting that despite such extreme weather and intense heat, the smart cooling systems and environmental management put in place for pilgrims during the Hajj and Umrah seasons serve as an exemplary model globally.