Best Time for Umrah from the UK: A Month-by-Month Guide

The best time for Umrah from the UK is between November and February, when Makkah and Madinah are at their coolest and walking to the Haram is most comfortable. If your priority is spiritual reward, Ramadan is the most sought after time. If your priority is lower prices and smaller crowds, look at the quieter weeks outside Ramadan and the UK school holidays. This month-by-month guide will help you decide.

Can you perform Umrah at any time of year?

Yes. Umrah can be performed throughout the year, apart from the days of Hajj, when access is arranged for Hajj pilgrims. That gives you the freedom to choose dates around your work, your children’s school terms and your budget.

Three things change from month to month: the weather, how busy the Haram is, and the price of flights and hotels.

Umrah by season at a glance

Ramadan follows the lunar calendar, so it moves about ten or eleven days earlier each year.

Month-by-month guide

September and October

The summer heat begins to ease, although days are still hot. These months are a good choice if you can travel in term time and want a calmer Haram. We offer September and October Umrah packages for pilgrims who prefer set group dates.

November

November is one of the best months of the year for Umrah. The weather is comfortable, and it falls before the December rush, so hotels close to the Haram are easier to find.

December

December combines pleasant weather with the UK school holidays, which makes it very popular with families. Book early, because the best located hotels sell out quickly. Our guide to December Umrah from the UK covers weather, crowds and tips.

January and February

The coolest months. After the Christmas holidays end, crowds and prices usually drop, so this is a good time for couples, retired pilgrims and anyone not tied to school dates. Bring a warm layer for Madinah, where nights can be cold.

March and April

Spring is warm rather than hot, and the Easter break gives families a second chance to travel together. Expect it to be busy during the holiday weeks.

May to August

These are the hottest months, with daytime temperatures often above 40 degrees. Umrah is still possible, and prices can be lower, but plan your Tawaf and Sa’i for the night or early morning, drink plenty of water and choose a hotel close to the Haram if you can.

Umrah in Ramadan

Umrah in Ramadan holds a special place for Muslims, and millions of pilgrims travel for it every year. The atmosphere in the Haram, especially in the last ten nights, is unlike any other time.

It is also the most demanding time to go. The Haram is at its busiest, hotel prices are at their highest, and you will be fasting while performing your rituals. If you plan to go in Ramadan:

• Book several months ahead
• Choose the closest hotel your budget allows
• Perform Tawaf late at night or after Fajr, when it is cooler
• Think carefully before taking very young children or frail relatives in the last ten nights

The best time for your situation

• Families with school age children: December, February half term or Easter.
• Elderly pilgrims: November, January or February, when the weather is kind and it is less crowded. See our tips for Umrah with children and elderly parents.
• Pilgrims on a budget: January, or the weeks outside UK school holidays.
• First time pilgrims: A quieter month makes it easier to learn the rituals without pressure.
• Those seeking the greatest reward: Ramadan.

How far ahead should you book?

For Ramadan, December and Easter, aim to book three to six months ahead. For quieter months, a couple of months is usually enough, although booking early always gives you more choice of flights and hotels.

Practical tips for any time of year

Whichever month you choose, a few habits make the journey easier:

• Avoid the peak hours. The Mataf is at its busiest after Maghrib and Isha. Late night and mid morning are usually calmer.
• Drink water often. Even in winter the air is dry, and you will walk further than you expect.
• Protect yourself from the sun. Use an umbrella and keep to the shade where you can, particularly from April to October.
• Check the Islamic calendar. Islamic months move through the seasons, so Ramadan and Hajj fall on different dates each year.
• Watch UK holiday dates. Half terms, Easter and Christmas push prices up, sometimes by a wide margin within the same month.
• Leave some flexibility. Moving your trip by a few days can make a real difference to the cost.

If you are unsure, tell us roughly when you can travel and what matters most to you, whether that is the weather, the price or the school calendar, and we will suggest dates that fit.

Frequently asked questions

Which month is the cheapest for Umrah from the UK?

Prices tend to be lowest in the weeks after the Christmas holidays and during the hot summer months outside Hajj. Exact prices depend on your dates, airline and hotel.

Is it too hot for Umrah in summer?

It is very hot during the day, but the Haram is air conditioned inside and many pilgrims perform their rituals at night. With planning and plenty of water it is manageable for healthy adults.

Is December a good time for Umrah?

Yes. The weather is among the best of the year and families can travel together, but it is busy and should be booked early.

When is Umrah not allowed?

Umrah is restricted during the days of Hajj. The exact dates are set by the Saudi authorities each year.

Can I choose my own dates?

Yes. Tell our team when you would like to travel and we will suggest the packages that fit.