Best Time of Year to Perform Umrah from the UK (Weather, Prices & Ramadan)

Saudi Arabia is extremely hot in summer, with daytime temperatures in Makkah often above 40°C. The winter months, roughly November to February, are noticeably cooler and far more comfortable for walking between your hotel and the Haram, performing Tawaf and Sa'i, and visiting the Ziyarat sites in Makkah and Madinah.

Evenings can be cool and Madinah in particular can feel chilly after dark, so pack a light jacket alongside your Ihram and everyday clothing. The cooler months are popular with older pilgrims and families with children, who benefit most from milder temperatures.

Flights and hotels are driven by demand, and UK demand follows the school calendar. Fares are usually cheapest when schools are in session, so outside the October and February half-terms, the Christmas and New Year break, Easter and the summer holidays. Midweek departures are often cheaper than weekends.

Term-time travel can also mean quieter surroundings in Makkah and Madinah, shorter waits and a more peaceful experience. If you have flexibility, such as being retired, working flexibly or travelling without school-age children, term time is usually the best-value way to perform Umrah, and our 7, 10 and 14-day packages make it easy to fit a trip around your dates.

Many Muslims choose to perform Umrah in Ramadan because of its special virtue. A well-known hadith reports that Umrah in Ramadan carries a reward like that of Hajj, and spending the blessed month in Makkah or Madinah, with Taraweeh and Qiyam in the two holy mosques, is a deeply moving experience that many pilgrims save for.

Ramadan is expected to begin around 8 February 2027, depending on the moon sighting. Be aware that it is the busiest and most expensive period of the year. The crowds are very large, especially in the last ten nights, and flights and hotels close to the Haram cost considerably more and sell out early. If Ramadan is your goal, start planning several months ahead and expect to pay a premium.

Choose November to February in term time if you want comfortable weather and a good price. Choose Ramadan if the reward matters most and you are happy to book early and pay more. Choose summer only if you are prepared for the heat, and expect higher UK fares during the school holidays.

Dates around Hajj also need care. Umrah arrangements and availability are restricted around the Hajj season, so check your travel dates and visa timing with us before you book.

Hotels within walking distance of the Haram sell out well ahead of peak periods, and visa processing takes longer when demand is high. Booking early gives you the widest choice of flights, rooms and dates. See our guide to Umrah visa requirements for UK pilgrims, and tell us when you would like to travel for a quote on the right package.