Looking for a calmer, better-value Umrah? See which months are usually quieter, which are busiest and most expensive, and which key dates to plan around in the 2026–27 season.
Quick answer
- Usually quieter and better value: November, early December and January, when they fall outside UK school holidays.
- Busiest and most expensive: Ramadan (expected 8 February to 8 March 2027), UK school holidays and Eid.
- Season dates matter. Saudi Arabia has announced that the last Umrah visas for this season will be issued on 9 March 2027. Pilgrims must enter by 23 March and leave by 7 April 2027.
- Umrah is paused around Hajj, so you cannot travel for Umrah in the weeks before and during Hajj 2027 (expected mid-May).
The best month for Umrah is the one that matches your budget, your health and your time. Some pilgrims want the spiritual weight of Ramadan. Others want fewer crowds and a lower price. This guide helps you choose, month by month.
Please noteCrowds and prices follow typical patterns. They are not guaranteed, and exact prices depend on your dates, hotel and flights. Season dates are set by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and can change, so confirm them before you book.
When can you perform Umrah?
Umrah can be performed at almost any time of year, unlike Hajj, which has fixed dates. The exception is the period around Hajj, when the Umrah season pauses. Saudi Arabia announces the season dates each year. For the 1448 AH season, the announced dates are:
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Umrah visas begin for the new season | 31 May 2026 |
| Final date to issue Umrah visas | 9 March 2027 |
| Last date to enter Saudi Arabia | 23 March 2027 |
| Last date to leave Saudi Arabia | 7 April 2027 |
After this, the season pauses for Hajj 2027. Dates for the next Umrah season have not been announced yet. They are expected to follow after Hajj, so watch the official announcements.
Best months for Umrah: a month-by-month guide for 2026–27
Use this table as a guide. It shows the usual pattern for UK pilgrims, based on school holidays, Ramadan and the weather.
| Month | Crowds | Prices | Weather | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2026 | Moderate | Lower, higher at half term | Still warm | UK half term is around the end of the month. |
| November 2026 | Lower | Often lower | Warm to pleasant | Often one of the better-value months. |
| December 2026 | Lower early, high in the holidays | Lower early, high at Christmas | Cooler | Avoid Christmas week if you want to save. |
| January 2027 | Moderate | Often lower | Coolest, most comfortable | A good balance before Ramadan demand. |
| February 2027 | High | Higher | Cool | Ramadan is expected from 8 February, and UK half term is in the same month. |
| March 2027 | Very high | Highest | Warm | Ramadan ends around 8 March. Last visas on 9 March, last entry 23 March. |
| April to mid-May 2027 | Umrah season closed | Pause for Hajj 2027 (expected mid-May). Next season dates to be announced. | ||
In short, November, early December and January are usually the best months to aim for if you want fewer crowds and a lower price. If you can, travel outside school holidays and mid-week.
Not sure which dates suit you?
Tell us your preferred months, UK airport and number of nights. We will suggest options and send a personalised Umrah quote.
What makes Umrah busy and expensive?
Four things push crowds and prices up. Knowing them helps you plan around them.
- Ramadan. It is the most popular time for Umrah. The last ten nights are usually the busiest. In 2027, the last ten nights begin around 27 February.
- UK school holidays. Families travel when children are off school, so flights and hotels cost more. Watch October half term, Christmas and February half term.
- Eid. Eid al-Fitr 2027 is expected around 9 to 10 March. Many pilgrims travel for the days around it.
- Fridays and weekends. The Haram is often busier then, because of Jumu’ah prayers.
Easter 2027 warningEaster Sunday 2027 is early, on 28 March. Based on the announced season dates, Umrah entry closes on 23 March, so Easter holiday travel for Umrah may not be possible. Check the dates carefully before you plan.
Should you go for Umrah in Ramadan?
Many Muslims dream of Umrah in Ramadan. A well-known narration says that Umrah in Ramadan carries the reward of a Hajj. This is why demand is so high. Ramadan 2027 is expected to run from about 8 February to 8 March 2027, depending on the moon sighting.
If you decide to go, plan early:
- Book months ahead. Hotels close to the Haram and good flights sell out first. For Ramadan 2027, the time to plan is now.
- Expect large crowds, especially in the last ten nights. Plan rest breaks and go slowly.
- Expect higher prices. Ramadan packages usually cost more than off-peak packages.
- Check dates carefully. The season closes soon after Ramadan, so you cannot extend your trip later.
If you prefer a calmer journey, you can still get a rewarding Umrah outside Ramadan. See our first-time Umrah guide for how to prepare.
Tips to avoid crowds
- Choose quieter months. Aim for November, early December or January, outside school holidays.
- Travel mid-week. Many pilgrims find the Haram calmer on weekdays than on Fridays and weekends.
- Pick a hotel close to the Haram. You walk less, and it is easier to go back and rest between prayers.
- Avoid the main prayer rush. Many pilgrims find Tawaf easier outside the busiest prayer times.
- Build in rest days. Do not try to do everything in one day.
Tips to save money
- Be flexible with your dates. Moving your trip by a week can change the price.
- Avoid school holidays and Ramadan if your budget is tight.
- Choose the right number of nights. Compare 7, 12 and 14 nights. See current starting prices in our guide to Umrah costs from the UK.
- Compare hotel levels. Look at our 3-star, 4-star and 5-star packages.
- Travel as a group. Sharing rooms and transfers can lower the cost per person. Read why group Umrah packages can cost less.
- Book early. Early booking gives you more choice of flights and hotels.
What about the weather?
Summers in Makkah and Madinah can be very hot, which makes Tawaf and walking harder. Winter months are cooler and more comfortable, especially for elderly pilgrims and young children. In the 2026–27 season, December to February are usually the most comfortable months. Check the forecast for your dates, drink water often and rest when you need to.
How Tawaf Global can help you choose
Tawaf Global states that its Umrah packages are built around your dates, UK departure airport, hotel category, number of nights and room needs, with flight options discussed as part of a tailored itinerary. It offers 3-star, 4-star and 5-star options, plus family, group and bespoke arrangements. As a UK-based Hajj and Umrah agency, it also states it is IATA-accredited and ATOL protected. Please verify these points when you book.
Planning for Hajj instead? See our Hajj packages from the UK.
Best months for Umrah: FAQs
There is no single best month. For fewer crowds and lower prices, November, early December and January are usually good choices, outside school holidays. For the spiritual weight of Ramadan, expect higher prices and large crowds.
Umrah is usually cheaper outside Ramadan and UK school holidays. Exact prices depend on your dates, hotel, flights and room type, so ask for a written quote.
Ramadan 2027 is expected to run from about 8 February to 8 March 2027. The exact dates depend on the moon sighting and can differ by a day.
No. The Umrah season pauses around Hajj. Saudi Arabia announces the exact season dates each year, so check before you book.
Under the announced calendar, the final date to issue Umrah visas is 9 March 2027. Pilgrims can enter Saudi Arabia until 23 March 2027 and must leave by 7 April 2027. Always confirm the latest dates.
Many pilgrims find it deeply rewarding, and a well-known narration mentions the reward of a Hajj. It is also the busiest and most expensive time, so it needs early planning and patience.
As early as possible. Hotels close to the Haram and good flights sell out first. For Ramadan 2027, you should start planning now.
Summers can be very hot, while winter months are cooler and more comfortable. Check the forecast for your dates and plan rest and water breaks.
Yes. Tawaf Global states that it builds tailored Umrah packages around your travel dates, UK departure airport, hotel category, number of nights and room requirements.
Plan Your Umrah at the Right Time, from the UK
The right month can mean fewer crowds, a lower price and an easier journey. Tell us your dates, budget and group size, and we will help you plan the rest.
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