Quick answer: For most pilgrims, the best time for Umrah is the cooler months from about November to February, outside school holidays — milder weather and smaller crowds. Ramadan brings the greatest reward and atmosphere but also the biggest crowds and highest prices. Summer (June to September) is quieter but very hot, often above 40°C in Makkah.
Three things that decide your best time
- Weather — Makkah is hot most of the year; the winter months are much easier on children and elderly pilgrims.
- Crowds — Ramadan, especially the last ten nights, and school holidays are the busiest.
- Cost — hotel and flight prices rise with demand, sometimes sharply.
Most families balance all three. There is no “wrong” time for Umrah — only a time that suits your family better.
Umrah through the year at a glance
| Period (approx.) | Weather in Makkah | Crowds | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| After Hajj – Rabi’ al-Awwal (early season) | Hot | Lower to medium | Pilgrims who can handle heat and want quiet |
| November – February | Mild to warm | Medium; busy in winter school holidays | Families, elderly pilgrims, first-timers |
| Rajab & Sha’ban | Warm | Rising | Pilgrims who want a spiritual build-up before Ramadan |
| Ramadan | Varies by year | Very high, peak in last ten nights | Maximum reward, Taraweeh, I’tikaf |
| Late season before Hajj | Hot | Lower | Last window before Umrah pauses for Hajj |
Because the Islamic calendar moves about 11 days earlier each year, Ramadan and the other Islamic months fall in different Gregorian months over time.
The 2026–2027 Umrah season
For international pilgrims, the Umrah season runs between two Hajj seasons. The current season opened in mid-2026 after Hajj 1447, and Umrah for visa holders from abroad typically pauses for several weeks around the next Hajj in 2027. Exact opening and closing dates are announced by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, so confirm on Nusuk before you book.
Ramadan 1448 is expected to begin around early February 2027, subject to moon sighting.
Umrah in Ramadan: the reward and the reality
The Prophet ﷺ said that Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj in reward (reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim). That is why millions of pilgrims come.
What to expect: very full mosques, long walks to find a place to pray, hotels booked months ahead, and higher prices for everything. Taraweeh and Qiyam in the Haram are unforgettable — but plan your energy carefully, especially with family.
Driver’s tip: In Ramadan, book your airport transfer and your Makkah–Madinah journey as early as you book your hotel. Roads near the Haram close for long periods around Iftar and Taraweeh, and schedules need more buffer time.
Winter months: the family favourite
From about November to February, daytime temperatures in Makkah are much lower and evenings can be pleasant. Madinah can feel cool at night, so pack a light jacket.
This is also when school holidays in the UK, Europe, Malaysia and Indonesia bring crowds — especially late December. If you can travel outside those weeks, you get the best of both.
Summer: quiet but very hot
Between June and September, Makkah can reach 45°C in the afternoon. Crowds are usually smaller and hotels cheaper. If you travel in summer, plan your Tawaf and Sa’i for late night or early morning, rest in the afternoon, and drink much more water than you think you need.
Quiet times within any month
- Weekdays are usually calmer than Thursday night and Friday.
- Mid-morning (after sunrise, before Dhuhr) is often quieter for Tawaf.
- The upper floors of the mataf are less crowded, though the circuit is longer.
How far ahead to book
For Ramadan and winter school holidays, many pilgrims book hotels and flights 4–6 months ahead. For quieter months, 4–8 weeks is often enough. Transport can usually be booked closer to the date, but in peak weeks it is safer to confirm early.
Tell us your dates and we will confirm fixed prices for every leg. Message us on WhatsApp or read the complete Umrah travel guide 2026.
Choosing the best time for Umrah
- Check school holiday dates for your country
- Check the Ramadan dates for your year
- Look at average temperatures for your month
- Compare hotel prices near the Haram
- Confirm the Umrah season dates on Nusuk
- Book transport early for peak weeks
Travelling in Ramadan? Read our Ramadan Umrah transport guide for permits, shuttle buses and booking tips.
Official sources: Nusuk – official Umrah platform
Frequently asked questions
What is the best month to perform Umrah?
For weather and crowds, the cooler months from about November to February outside school holidays are the most comfortable. For reward, Ramadan is the most virtuous time, but it is also the most crowded.
What is the cheapest time for Umrah?
Prices are usually lowest in the hot summer months and in quiet weeks outside Ramadan and school holidays. Exact prices depend on your flights and hotel.
Is Umrah in Ramadan equal to Hajj?
The Prophet ﷺ said that Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj in reward, as reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim. It does not replace the obligation of Hajj.
Can I do Umrah during Hajj season?
Umrah for international visa holders usually pauses for several weeks around Hajj. The exact dates are announced each year by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, so check Nusuk.
How hot is Makkah in summer?
Afternoon temperatures in Makkah in summer are often above 40°C and can reach around 45°C. Plan rites for late night or early morning.
Rules for visas, permits and train services change from season to season. Always confirm the latest details on the official Nusuk platform or with your airline before you travel. This guide was last reviewed in September 2026.
