Understanding the Umrah Calendar
Unlike Hajj, which must be performed on specific dates during the Islamic month of Dhul Hijgah, Umrah (the minor pilgrimage) can be performed at almost any time of the year. However, the experience of your pilgrimage will vary dramatically based on when you travel.
Factors like intense summer temperatures, massive crowd surges during school holidays and Ramadan, and fluctuating hotel prices in Makkah all play a vital role. In this guide, we break down these factors to help you make an informed decision for your family.
Seasonal Breakdown
❄️ Winter Season (November – February)
🌡️ Temp: 18°C – 30°C (Comfortable & Pleasant)
👥 Crowds: High Density (Peak General Tourism)
💳 Cost: Moderate to High
This is universally considered the best time weather-wise. Days are warm but comfortable, and evenings in Madinah can be surprisingly chilly. Because the weather is ideal, it is highly popular for families, senior citizens, and group tours, leading to busy mosques and moderately high hotel rates.
🌸 Spring Season (March – May)
🌡️ Temp: 22°C – 38°C (Warm but Manageable)
👥 Crowds: Varies (Extremely High in Ramadan)
💳 Cost: Varies (Ramadan is Peak Pricing)
Spring brings rising temperatures, but mornings and nights remain pleasant. If Ramadan falls in this period, Makkah operates at 100% capacity with maximum hotel prices. Non-Ramadan weeks in spring are excellent shoulder-season choices for pilgrims wanting moderate weather with fewer crowds.
☀️ Summer Season (June – August)
🌡️ Temp: 32°C – 45°C+ (Extremely Hot)
👥 Crowds: Low (Except during Hajj dates)
💳 Cost: Budget Friendly (Low hotel rates)
Summer in Saudi Arabia is characterized by dry, intense heat, often exceeding 43°C during mid-day. Aside from the Hajj period (which blocks Umrah visas), this is the off-peak season. Hotels offer major discounts. If you travel now, perform your Tawaf and Sa'i after Isha or before Sunrise to avoid the blazing sun.
🍂 Autumn Season (September – October)
🌡️ Temp: 26°C – 39°C (Warm Transition)
👥 Crowds: Moderate / Low
💳 Cost: Affordable / Off-Peak Rates
Autumn is a fantastic transition period. The extreme summer heat begins to decline, and the winter rush has not yet started. This is one of the best windows for budget-conscious pilgrims who also want to avoid massive crowds and long queues for Rawdah permits.
Makkah Monthly Guide
A detailed monthly summary to help you plan flight bookings, taxi services, and hotel reservations:
Umrah Monthly Calendar Matrix
| Month | Weather | Crowds | Price | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Cool & Pleasant | Very Busy | High | Best for Seniors |
| February | Warm & Pleasant | Busy | Medium-High | Excellent Weather |
| March | Warm / Hot | Varies | Varies | Check Ramadan Calendar |
| April | Hot Days | High | High | Peak Ramadan / Spring |
| May | Very Hot | Moderate | Medium | Good for Budget Travelers |
| June | Extreme Heat | Blocked for Hajj | N/A | Hajj Season - No Umrah Visas |
| July | Extreme Heat | Low | Very Low | Cheapest Rates (Post-Hajj opening) |
| August | Extreme Heat | Low-Medium | Low | Hot but Affordable |
| September | Very Warm | Moderate | Low-Medium | Best Balance of Crowd/Cost |
| October | Warm & Pleasant | Moderate | Medium | Highly Recommended |
| November | Pleasant Days | Busy | Medium-High | Winter Season Commences |
| December | Cool & Pleasant | Very Busy | High | Peak Winter / Holidays |
Tips for Traveling in Off-Peak/Summer
If you choose to travel during the cheaper, hotter summer months (July to September), follow these survival tips:
⏰ Time Your Rituals
Perform Tawaf and Sa'i during cool hours: between 9:00 PM and 4:00 AM. Avoid walking on the courtyard floors during mid-day.
💧 Drink Zamzam Constantly
Stay hydrated. Zamzam water is readily available in cooled dispensers throughout Al-Masjid al-Haram.
👟 Socks are Vital
The marble floors are cooled by internal water pipes, but the outdoor courtyard floor can get extremely hot. Wear socks to protect your feet.
🚗 Pre-book Transportation
Standing outside in 42°C heat trying to negotiate with taxi drivers at Jeddah Airport is exhausting. Pre-book an air-conditioned private transfer.
Best Time for Umrah FAQ
When is the cheapest month to perform Umrah?
The cheapest months to perform Umrah are typically right after the Hajj season ends (Muharram and Safar) and during late Rabi al-Awwal and Rabi al-Thani. During these periods, hotels in Makkah and Madinah reduce their rates, and flight costs drop significantly compared to peak times like Ramadan and school holidays.
Is Umrah allowed during Hajj season?
No. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj & Umrah suspends the issuance of Umrah visas and Nusuk permits for general visitors starting from mid-Dhul Qadah until the completion of Hajj (around mid-Dhul Hijjah). Only registered Hajj pilgrims are permitted inside Makkah during this period to ensure safety and smooth logistics.
What is the weather like in Makkah and Madinah during winter?
Winter (November to February) is the most pleasant time weather-wise. Temperatures in Makkah range from 18°C to 30°C, while Madinah can get quite cool, dropping to 10°C at night. This comfortable weather makes outdoor rituals like Tawaf and Sa'i physically much easier, though this is also a peak tourist season with higher crowd levels.
What are the virtues of performing Umrah in Ramadan?
Performing Umrah during the holy month of Ramadan holds immense spiritual value. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: "An Umrah performed in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj (with me) in reward." However, Ramadan is also the peak crowd season with the highest hotel and travel costs.
Related Pilgrim Guides
Secure Your Umrah Taxi Transfer
Whenever you decide to travel, ensure your intercity transfers are comfortable and stress-free. Book your air-conditioned Camry, Staria, or GMC Yukon XL from Jeddah to Makkah in advance.