Best time for Umrah in 2026–27
Crowds, prices and weather, month by month.
Umrah can be performed all year except during the Hajj days. What changes from month to month is crowds, prices and the weather.
When most people search for Umrah
Worldwide searches for Umrah packages peak from October to February, before Ramadan, and are lowest in April and May. Prices and crowds follow the same pattern.
| Period | Crowds and prices | Weather in Makkah |
|---|---|---|
| October to February | Busy, especially school holidays and December | Mild to warm, the most comfortable months |
| Ramadan | The busiest and most expensive, above all the last ten nights | Depends on the year; in 2027 Ramadan falls in February and March |
| After Ramadan until Hajj | Quiet, then Umrah visas stop for the Hajj season | Getting hot |
| After Hajj, summer | Quieter and often cheaper | Very hot, often above 40°C |
Season dates for the 1448 AH season (2026–27)
The Ministry of Hajj and Umrah announced the calendar for the 1448 AH Umrah season on 17 May 2026 (official announcement):
- Umrah visas began to be issued, and pilgrims could start arriving, on 31 May 2026 (14 Dhul-Hijjah 1447).
- Entry to Makkah and Nusuk Umrah permits began on 1 June 2026.
- The last day for issuing Umrah visas is 9 March 2027 (1 Shawwal 1448).
- The last day for pilgrims to arrive is 23 March 2027 (15 Shawwal 1448).
- The last day to leave Saudi Arabia is 7 April 2027 (30 Shawwal 1448).
Ramadan 1448 is expected to begin on about 8 February 2027, with Eid al-Fitr on 9 or 10 March 2027. Hajj 1448 is expected in mid-May 2027, with the Day of Arafah on 15 or 16 May. These Ramadan and Hajj dates are projections from the UAE's astronomy centre; the real dates depend on the moon sighting.
Cheapest times to go
- Outside Ramadan and school holidays.
- Weekdays rather than weekends, when flights cost less.
- Group departures on fixed dates.
Best time for older pilgrims and families
The cooler months from November to February are easiest on the body. Book early, because these months fill first, and ask for a hotel close to the Haram so there is less walking.
See also Ramadan Umrah 2027 and Umrah cost by country.
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