When is the best time to go for Umrah? You can perform Umrah at almost any time of year, so the choice comes down to a trade-off between weather, crowds and cost. Winter is the most comfortable, summer is very hot, and Ramadan is the most rewarding and the busiest. This month-by-month guide helps you choose the right time for your family.
What is the best month to perform Umrah?
For comfortable weather, the cooler months from November to February are the favourite. Daytime temperatures are manageable, nights are pleasant and walking around Tawaf and Sa'i is easier, especially for older pilgrims and families with young children. For fewer crowds, the weeks outside Ramadan, the Hajj season and school holidays are generally quieter.
Month-by-month guide to Umrah
Use this as a planning guide. The Islamic calendar moves about ten days earlier every year, so Ramadan and Hajj fall in a different season each time.
| Months | Weather in Makkah and Madinah | Crowds |
|---|---|---|
| November to February | Mildest of the year, comfortable days and cool nights | Busy at Christmas and New Year school holidays, quieter otherwise |
| March to April | Warming up, hot by the afternoon | Moderate, busier if Ramadan falls in these months |
| May to August | Very hot, with daytime highs often above 40°C | Busy in the summer school holidays in many countries |
| September to October | Still hot, easing towards the end of October | Often quieter, with good availability |
Is Ramadan a good time for Umrah?
Many pilgrims choose Ramadan for the extra reward and atmosphere. It is also the busiest time of year, especially the last ten nights, when both mosques are packed, prices rise and roads are slow. If you go, book your hotel, flights and transfers early, expect long journeys between the cities and plan your days around the prayers. Our Hijri calendar shows the expected dates, and the current Umm al-Qura calendar puts Ramadan 1448 in February and March 2027.
Can I perform Umrah during Hajj season?
The days of Hajj, in Dhul Hijjah, are reserved for the Hajj pilgrimage, and Umrah permits are normally paused around the Hajj period. Check the current rules and dates with the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah or the Nusuk platform before you plan. According to the Umm al-Qura calendar, the Day of Arafah in 2027 is expected around 15 May and Eid al-Adha around 16 May.
When is Umrah cheapest?
Prices are usually lowest outside Ramadan, the school holidays and Hajj season. Guides often point to September to November as a quieter period with lower flight and hotel prices, although this varies by year and by where you fly from. Booking early and staying flexible by a few days helps in any month.
How hot does Makkah get in summer?
Summer is a serious factor. Daytime highs commonly pass 40°C from May to October, and June can approach 43°C. If you travel in summer, perform Tawaf and Sa'i early in the morning or late at night, drink water constantly, wear light clothing and rest in the afternoon. Older pilgrims and anyone with a heart condition should plan carefully and speak to a doctor before travelling.
Travelling in the heat or crowds: use air-conditioned transport
Whatever month you choose, comfortable transport makes a difference. A private air-conditioned vehicle takes you from the airport to your hotel and between the cities without waiting in the heat. In busy weeks, vehicles are booked early, so reserve your transfers when you book your flights. See our routes and prices and choose a vehicle for your group, and use our prayer times tool to plan early starts around Fajr.
Which time of year suits you best?
A simple way to decide:
- Families with children or elderly parents: November to February for the mildest weather.
- Looking for the biggest spiritual atmosphere: Ramadan, booked well in advance.
- Budget-minded and flexible: the quieter weeks outside holidays and Hajj.
- Travelling in summer: plan early-morning worship and air-conditioned transport throughout.