Best Time for Umrah: Seasons, Crowds and Prices

Weather in Makkah and Madinah through the year

Makkah has a hot desert climate. From roughly May to September, daytime temperatures are very high and regularly exceed 40°C, which can be challenging for elderly pilgrims and young children. Madinah is similar, though nights can feel slightly cooler.

From around November to February, the weather is much milder, with warm days and pleasant evenings. These months are popular with UK pilgrims for exactly that reason. Spring and autumn sit in between, with temperatures that rise or fall quickly from month to month.

Umrah in Ramadan and the last ten nights

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said that Umrah in Ramadan is equal in reward to Hajj, which makes Ramadan the most sought-after time of the year. The last ten nights, when believers seek Laylat al-Qadr, are especially busy, with the Haram full for Taraweeh and Qiyam prayers late into the night.

Ramadan moves about ten to eleven days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar, and it currently falls in the cooler months. Expect the highest prices and limited hotel availability, particularly close to the Haram, so it is best to enquire as early as possible. Fasting, long nights and large crowds can also be tiring, so plan rest into your days.

December and school holidays

For many UK families, the Christmas and New Year break is the easiest time to travel together, and the mild winter weather makes it comfortable for all ages. February half-term, the Easter holidays and the summer holidays are also popular with families. Because so many people travel at these times, flights and hotels near the Haram tend to cost more and sell out sooner.

If you are tied to school holidays, booking early gives you the widest choice of flights and hotels. If you have flexibility, travelling a week either side of the peak can make a noticeable difference.

Quieter months for Umrah

Outside Ramadan and the UK school holidays, the Haram is generally calmer. The weeks after the Umrah season reopens following Hajj, and periods in the autumn and early spring outside half-terms, can offer more space for Tawaf, easier access to the Rawdah and better value hotels. The trade-off may be hotter weather, depending on the month.

Weekdays are often quieter than weekends in Saudi Arabia, when local pilgrims travel. Within any day, the early hours after Fajr and late at night are usually calmer than the times around the main prayers.

Prices and crowds at a glance

Prices also depend on the distance of your hotel from the Haram, your departure airport and how far ahead you book. We will always show you exactly what is included in your quote.

• Highest demand: Ramadan, especially the last ten nights.
• High demand: December and New Year, Easter and the UK summer holidays.
• Moderate: February half-term, October half-term and the early weeks of the season.
• Often better value: term-time weeks outside Ramadan, particularly in the hotter months.

Hajj season restrictions

Around the Hajj period, Saudi authorities restrict entry to Makkah for those without a Hajj permit, and Umrah is usually paused for visitors on tourist or Umrah visas for several weeks before and after Hajj. The exact dates are announced each year and can change. We will tell you which dates are available when you enquire, and we re-check the latest rules before confirming your trip.

Plan your Umrah with Lumarah

Not sure which month to choose? Tell us what matters most to you, whether that is Ramadan, a family-friendly holiday window, cooler weather or the best value, and we will suggest dates and Umrah packages to match.

Message our UK team on WhatsApp at +44 7950 739581 or email lumarahtravelagency@gmail.com. Tell us your dates, departure airport and who is travelling, and we will send you a tailored Umrah quote in writing. Nothing is paid on our website: once you are happy with the quote, you pay by UK bank transfer and we confirm everything in writing.

Frequently asked questions