Saudi Arabia: Makkah schools switch to winter hours; assembly 7:15 AM, classes begin 7:30 AM

As the chill of winter settles in, school mornings in Makkah are about to feel a little different. Beginning Sunday, November 2, 2025, the General Directorate of Education in Makkah has approved a winter timetable for all public and private schools, with the morning assembly set for 7:15 a.m. and first class at 7:30 a.m., aiming to align with seasonal weather, ensure student safety, and maintain smooth academic flow.

New winter timings for Makkah schools
The General Administration of Education in the Makkah Al-Mukarramah region has officially approved and announced the adoption of the new Winter School Schedule. This change is set to affect every student in the area, as it applies to all government and private schools, for both boys and girls, across all educational stages—inside and outside the city of Makkah itself.

The revised schedule takes effect starting Sunday, 18 Jumada Al-Awwal, 1447 AH.

The Administration has emphasized that strict adherence to these new timings is mandatory to ensure school discipline and maintain the safety of all students.

Essential details for continuing education
The change is not limited to morning schools; students enrolled in Continuing Education schools (which typically run later in the day) also have adjusted start times to better suit the winter season and their unique study hours.

Revised schedule for evening classes :

• Girls' Classes: The first class for female students in Continuing Education schools will begin at 3:00 PM (3:00 PM).
  
• Boys' Classes: The first class for male students will start later, at 5:00 PM (5:00 PM).
  

These evening adjustments are specifically designed to be compatible with the nature of study for this category of learners.

Why the change?
This move to the winter timetable is part of a larger, well-thought-out organizational plan by the Makkah Education Directorate. The primary motivation for adjusting the hours is straightforward: to create a suitable educational environment that is aligned with the climatic changes associated with the winter season. The Administration confirmed its commitment to ensuring the educational process continues with regularity and efficiency throughout the colder months.

This regional decision is consistent with the broader national educational framework in Saudi Arabia, which includes defined winter shifts and a recent shift back to a two-semester system for the 1447 AH academic year, all aimed at balancing academic rigor with student well-being and local needs.