The best time of the year to perform Umrah depends on personal preferences. However, the best time is usually considered when the weather is pleasant, activities are enjoyable, and Umrah travel is easier. If we define the angle of best time according to the weather comfort, then it’s the time when not too hot or cold, clean air, and outdoor activities are possible. Hence, spring, autumn, and winter become the top seasons of Umrah. In this post, we will see which time of the year is best for Umrah.
Umrah is a religious journey in the Islamic religion, and every Muslim desires to do this at least once. But they are not aware of the month of the year to perform Umrah. Makkah is the city in Saudi Arabia where pilgrimage rituals should be conducted. Saudi Arabia is a hot-climate country, and therefore the majority of pilgrims find winter as the most favourable time to visit the country to do Umrah.
So, in short, “best time of the year for Umrah” relies on:
- Low crowds in Makkah and Madinah
- No Hajj season
- Flight tickets and accommodation should be affordable
- The weather must be comfortable
- Enough finances to cover the Umrah cost
October to February – The Peak Best Time
October to February is a comfortable period with favourable weather to perform Umrah. In this period, the temperature of Makkah and Madinah remains low compared to the summer months. The best thing from October to February is that the temperature becomes cool and comfortable. You can expect the temperature in this period to be between 25°C to 30°C during the day and 15°C to 20°C during the night.
October to February typically fall between autumn and winter days in Saudi Arabia. So, in this season, crowds are low and Umrah tickets are affordable. However, in late December and early January, you may expect high values and prices. Because in December, schools and offices are usually on break and holidays.
In 2026, February will mark the start of Ramadan worldwide in the middle of the month. You should keep in mind that there are a lot of pilgrims of Umrah during Ramadan, so walking and performing rituals may be difficult.
Performing Umrah Following Hajj Days
As we know, Hajj is the fifth pillar and major pilgrimage of Islam. Hajj is only done in the last month (Dhul Hijjah) of the Islamic calendar. It has five to six fix days in which pilgrims have to perform rituals. Some pilgrims also perform Umrah while combining it with Hajj rituals. This type of Hajj is also called Hajj Tamattu. What if you intend to perform Umrah after following Hajj days?
Umrah after the Hajj days has low crowds because pilgrims have already gone to their home countries. At this time, Haram is comparatively quieter during rush and provides the best period for ritual performance. If Hajj falls in summer, then it will be difficult to perform the lesser pilgrimage after the Hajj days. Hajj in 2026 is coming from May 24 to May 29. In May, Makkah’s temperature remains around 40°C during daytime and 27°C during nighttime. You can plan these days if you have a very strong will to go.
Umrah During March and April
During March and April, the weather in Saudi Arabia is mild and quite comfortable.
- March temperature: 28°C – 35°C (day) and 18°C – 23°C (night)
- April temperature: 32°C – 38°C (day) and 20°C – 25°C (night)
As per the mentioned temperature, the March and April heat is lower. Moreover, you can experience heat during late April since it is the beginning of summer in Saudi Arabia. In addition, the spring-April crowds are not as high as during Ramadan and Hajj. This helps in praying in a calm and focused manner.
The spring season normally falls in March and April. It is therefore a seasonal benefit to enjoy the beautiful nature in Makkah and Madinah. During March 2026, the final 10 days of Ramadan will be at the beginning of the month. You can visit Makkah during this comfortable month and experience the Umrah in Ramadan. However, you will see very crowds and rush inside the Grand Mosque of Makkah in the last Ashra (stage) of Ramadan.
Budget-Friendly Times to Perform Umrah
Budget-friendly Umrah is completely rely on the type of package and services you would want, either the luxury one or the economy one. Safar, Rabi ul-Thani and Jumadi al-Awwal are months in the Islamic calendar that are known to be budget-friendly. During these months, the demand for the Umrah is generally low and the flights and the hotels are a little cheaper than the normal rates.
Such months can be during summer when the crowds are already low. These months are ideal, therefore, for those who wish to travel on a tight budget to undertake Umrah. Safar, Rabi ul-Thani and Jumadi al-Awwal are low seasons, and the travel agencies offer discounted prices of Umrah. However, the drawback is that the pilgrims, who are old and health-aware, may encounter difficulties.
In conclusion, every time of the year is best to perform Umrah, and it depends on your personal choice which months you choose. Anyhow, October, November, December, January, February, March, and Ramadan are considered best. The reason is only comfortable weather and the best experience than the summer months.
