Best Time to Go for Umrah - Find Top 5 Frequent Travel Seasons
When Is the Best Time for Umrah? 5 Popular Seasons to Consider
Wondering what is the best time to perform Umrah?
The Prophet ﷺ said that Umrah performed during Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj in reward, since it’s the most special time of the year. (Sahih al-Bukhari 1782)
However, Ramadan Umrah does not replace the obligation of performing Hajj.
Weather-wise, January and February fall within Saudi Arabia's winter period, when temperatures are generally more comfortable. November also offers milder conditions as Saudi Arabia moves through autumn.
December is another popular choice for UK families because it overlaps with the Christmas and New Year break.
In this blog, you’ll find the best time to go for Umrah by season, so you can pick your month fast.
Best Time for Umrah at a Glance
You’ll get an idea from this table about the best time for Umrah; note that it also depends on your top priority:
Priority |
Best months |
Why |
|---|---|---|
| Cheapest | Sept, Nov, Jan | Schools are in term, causing a sharp drop in family travel. |
| Least crowded | Sept-Oct, late Jan | No major holiday overlaps |
| Best weather | Nov-Feb | Highs stay near 30°C (86°F) (Pleasant weather) |
| Most spiritual | Ramadan | The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) stated that performing Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj in reward. (Sahih al-Bukhari 1782) |
| Best for families | (School Breaks) Half-terms, Easter, December | Matches Western and regional school calendar breaks |
| Elderly or first-timers | Nov, Jan, Feb | Mild air and a calmer Haram |
Top 5 Frequent Travel Seasons for Umrah
Mentioned below are the top 5 popular seasons for UK pilgrims:
Ramadan Umrah
The Prophet ﷺ (PBUH) said that performing Umrah in Ramadan carries the reward of Hajj. (Sahih al-Bukhari 1782)
Umrah in Ramadan gives enormous rewards and is the most spiritually significant time for Umrah.
During Ramadan, the Haram becomes very busy, especially on Friday, during Taraweeh and in the last 10 days of Ramadan.
The hotels and flights sell out early, particularly in the final 10 nights of Ramadan.
If you also want a reward equal to Hajj in this Ramadan, book your Ramadan Umrah Package today to lock in your seat.
December Umrah
December is a popular time for December Umrah from the UK, especially for families who want to travel during the Christmas and New Year school break. The cooler winter weather also makes it more comfortable to spend time outdoors in Makkah and Madinah compared with the hotter months.
December is also one of the most visited months for Umrah from the UK; temperatures range:
- Makkah
Day: 29°C (84°F) - Warm and sunny
Night: 20°C (68°F) - Pleasantly cool
- Madinah
Day: 24°C (75°F) - Mild and pleasant
Night: 12°C (54°F) - Chilly (requires a jacket)
The decent weather makes Tawaf, Sa‘i and Ziyarat easier than the hotter summer months. December is also pickable as the Christmas school holiday falls at the end.
However, December is a rush period, and the package prices spike because of the UK Christmas and New Year break.
To book your December Umrah seat this year, lock in your seat today.
February Umrah
February is a good time for Umrah if you want cooler conditions without travelling during the hottest months in Saudi Arabia. The weather is generally more comfortable for walking between your hotel and the Haram, performing Tawaf and Sa‘i, and visiting Ziyarat sites.
The temperature in February in Makkah and Madinah is:
- Makkah
Day: 30°C (86°F) - Warm and sunny
Night: 19°C (66°F) - Pleasantly cool
- Madinah
Day: 25°C (77°F) - Mild and pleasant
Night: 12°C (54°F) - Chilly (requires a jacket)
This weather condition makes this month a good choice for Umrah, to avoid extreme summer heat.
Note that in the UK, the half-term dates vary by school and region, so check your local school calendar before booking a February Umrah Package.
January Umrah
January is one of the coolest times of the year for Umrah in January, this is the main reason that makes it a popular choice for pilgrims who prefer milder weather. The lower temperatures can make walking, Tawaf, Sa‘i and Ziyarat more comfortable than during the hotter months.
The temperature in January in both holy cities ranges in:
- Makkah
Day: 29°C (84°F) - Warm and sunny
Night: 19°C (66°F) - Pleasantly cool
- Madinah
Day: 24°C (75°F) - Mild and pleasant
Night: 11°C (52°F) - Chilly (requires a jacket)
January is the coolest month for Umrah; this makes January much more comfortable for performing Tawaf, Sa‘i and other rituals of Umrah, and after a few days, the rush of the Christmas holiday drops, making it a practical choice for pilgrims with flexible dates. Consider packing layers and a light jacket for the nights when planning for Umrah in January.
November Umrah
The November temperatures range for:
- Makkah
Day: 33°C (91°F) - Warm to hot
Night: 23°C (73°F) - Warm and comfortable
- Madinah
Day: 29°C (84°F) - Warm and pleasant
Night: 16°C (61°F) - Cool (a light sweater is recommended)
For a balance between comfortable weather and a manageable crowd, you can consider November as a priority.
It’s also an ideal month for elderly pilgrims, families and first-timers who want to avoid hotter months like summer; also, there are no major holidays in this month, subject to individual school calendars.
If you are looking for the best time to go to Umrah, November Umrah packages are also worth considering, giving mild, cooler conditions and avoiding the high demand that comes in Ramadan or other periods.
What is the Best Time of Day to Perform Umrah Month by Month?
Just like the month, considering what time of day to perform Umrah is important. The best time of day to perform Umrah is after Fajr or after Isha, since the air is cooler during these times.
In winter, the best time is mid-morning, whereas in summer the best time of the day for Umrah is late night.
For elderly pilgrims, the best time can be after Isha. Make sure to drink water more often and rest at midday in spring and summer.
Note: The Ramadan month follows the Islamic lunar calendar; every year the Ramadan period changes, so when planning for Umrah, cross-reference these months with Ramadan dates, since Ramadan increases crowds and prices.
Here’s the detailed breakdown of times:
Month |
Makkah high/low |
Crowds |
Price |
UK School Break |
Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 30/18°C | Low | Low | None | Best |
| Feb | 31/19°C | Low | Low | Half-term | Best, skip half-term week |
| Mar | 34/22°C | Medium | Medium | None | Good |
| Apr | 37/25°C | Medium-high | Medium-high | Easter | Busy |
| May | 42/30°C | Low | Low | Half-term | Good, hot |
| Jun | 44/33°C | Medium | Medium | Late June | Hard |
| Jul | 45/34°C | Medium-high | Medium-high | Summer | Hard |
| Aug | 45/34°C | Medium | Medium | Summer | Hard |
| Sep | 43/32°C | Low | Low | None | Value pick |
| Oct | 38/27°C | Low | Low | Half-term | Good |
| Nov | 33/22°C | Low | Low | None | Best |
| Dec | 29/18°C | Medium | Medium-high | Christmas | Mixed |
Best Time to do Umrah by Pilgrim Type
Here’s the detailed table:
Pilgrim |
Best months |
Why |
|---|---|---|
| First-timers | Jan, Feb, Nov | Calm days help you learn the rituals |
| Elderly | Nov-Feb | Mild air and easier rests |
| Families | Dec, May and Oct half-terms | Match school breaks |
| Budget | Sep, Nov, Jan | Lowest demand |
| Repeat pilgrims | Ramadan, Shawwal | You can handle crowds |
Low Season, Off-Peak and Summer Umrah
September is the off-peak season for Umrah, with the lowest number of Umrah pilgrims from the UK, and it’s because schools are back in term, and hotel costs are lower.
When looking for best time to perform Umrah with less crowded, you can choose September-October, late January, Shawwal or the two weeks after Hajj.
The other off-season for Umrah runs from June to August, as the highest temperature reaches 45°C.
All our current Umrah packages are fully customizable to cater to your needs; lock in your seat today!
Booking Timing for UK Pilgrims
Book your package 3 to 6 months ahead, and for Ramadan or December, book 8+ months before. Since in the end there’ll be only a few options of flights and hotels to choose from.
Here’s what you can consider:
- Depart on Tuesday to Thursday as weekend flights cost more.
- Choose a hotel based on distance to Haram, not on star rating; every metre you save helps your legs.
- Check that your ATOL certificate lists your flights and hotel.
- Stay flexible by a few days to cut costs.
The best time for Umrah sells out very early, or is booked in advance.
Mistakes to Avoid When Planning for Umrah
- Don’t ignore the season closing dates; check the last entry and exit dates.
- When planning for Umrah near the Hajj period, the flights and hotels cost more, so plan accordingly.
- Avoid chasing the cheapest packages for Umrah; a lower price means you might have to struggle with flights and hotels.
There are several common mistakes that must be avoided during Umrah; click here to know more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Umrah safe in 45°C summer heat?
Every time of the year is safe to perform Umrah for the sake of Allah; He knows your intention. You also have the option to perform Umrah in the early morning or evening. But if you’re someone who can’t bear such heat, you can consider other periods of the year.
Can I stay for Eid on an Umrah visa?
Yes, if the EID falls within your package days; for example, if you booked a 15-day plan and assume it’s Eid on the 4th or 5th day, you’ll be in the country for exactly 15 days, so you can stay for EID.
Is last-minute Umrah cheaper?
No, they usually cost more, and better to book early for the dates you want.
What if moon sighting changes my Ramadan dates?
In that case, your pre-booked flights and hotel stay the same, which means your itinerary won’t change automatically. Ask your travel partner about date changes before you pay.
