Growing heat risks during Hajj are becoming a serious concern as climate change pushes temperatures and humidity levels closer to dangerous human survival limits, according to a new scientific study presented at the European Geosciences Union (EGU) Assembly 2026. Researchers from Weather and Climate Services in Islamabad and Climate Analytics in Berlin warned that weather conditions during the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage reached levels that could become life-threatening, even for young and healthy individuals exposed outdoors for long periods.

The findings are raising broader concerns about how climate change is beginning to affect religious gatherings, public health, and the future of one of the world’s largest annual pilgrimages.

Why Scientists Say Hajj Heat Risks Are Increasing

The study found that during several hours of the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, the combined impact of heat and humidity exceeded survivability thresholds for outdoor exposure.

What Happened During the 2024 Hajj

• Researchers identified a period of nearly four consecutive hours where outdoor exposure became potentially fatal without immediate cooling or shelter.
• The Day of Arafat was identified as the most dangerous ritual because pilgrims spend most of the day outdoors with limited shade.
• Scientists said prolonged walking under direct sunlight significantly increased heat stress risks.

Why Hajj Is Especially Vulnerable to Heat

Several factors increase climate risks during Hajj:

• millions of pilgrims gather in concentrated areas
• rituals involve prolonged outdoor movement
• temperatures in Saudi Arabia can exceed 45°C
• humidity worsens heat stress on the human body

Researchers also warned that while some adaptation measures already exist, they may not fully protect pilgrims if global warming continues to intensify.

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How Saudi Arabia Is Adapting to Rising Temperatures

Saudi authorities have already introduced multiple heat-management measures over recent years.

Adaptation Measures Already in Place

Some changes include:

• expanding shaded areas
• constructing permanent cooling structures in Mina
• moving parts of Sa’i indoors
• increasing access to cooling stations and water distribution

However, researchers noted that these changes are gradually altering the traditional physical experience of Hajj itself.

Pilgrim Numbers May Continue Increasing

Despite rising climate risks, Saudi Arabia plans to increase the number of pilgrims in future years.

That has raised concerns among climate scientists because:

• higher crowd density increases heat exposure
• medical systems face greater pressure
• older pilgrims remain especially vulnerable

During the 2024 Hajj pilgrimage, approximately 1,300 fatalities were officially reported.

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Why Future Hajj Seasons Could Become More Dangerous Again

Scientists say Hajj seasons may temporarily become less dangerous over the next two to three decades because the Islamic lunar calendar will gradually shift the pilgrimage into cooler months. However, researchers warn that the risks are expected to intensify again around 2050 as Hajj moves back into hotter summer conditions.

The study emphasizes that adaptation alone may not be enough. Researchers say long-term climate mitigation is essential not only for protecting pilgrims but also for preserving the traditional practice and spiritual experience of Hajj itself.

The findings also reflect a larger global trend: climate change is no longer affecting only ecosystems and economies; it is increasingly reshaping religious practices, cultural traditions, and mass human gatherings worldwide.

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Extreme Heat Statistics Linked to Hajj Pilgrimage

Growing heat risks during Hajj are becoming one of the clearest examples of how climate change is beginning to affect everyday human experiences, including faith, tradition, and public safety.

For millions of pilgrims, Hajj remains one of the most spiritually significant journeys of their lives. But scientists warn that without stronger climate action and adaptation planning, future pilgrimages could become increasingly difficult and dangerous in the decades ahead.

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