The Best Time of Year for Umrah from the UK
Weather, crowds, prices and school holidays: how to choose the right month for your Umrah from the UK.
There is no wrong time for Umrah, but the month you choose changes the weather, the crowds and the price. For British families the school calendar matters just as much.
Weather in Makkah through the year
| Months | Daytime temperature | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| November to February | Around 24 to 31°C | The most comfortable season |
| March to April | Around 30 to 35°C | Warm, busy around Ramadan and Easter |
| May to September | Often above 40°C | Very hot, quieter, lower prices outside the school holidays |
| October | Around 35°C | Cooling down, good value |
Madinah is a little cooler than Makkah in winter and can feel chilly at night in December and January, so pack a light jumper.
The UK school calendar
- October half term: a short but popular window, good for 7 to 9 nights.
- Christmas holidays: pleasant weather, but flights from the UK fill early and cost more.
- February half term 2027: falls in Ramadan, a rare chance to perform Umrah in the holy month with only a few days off school.
- Easter holidays: warm weather and a good length for 10 nights.
- Summer holidays: the longest break but the hottest weather. Choose hotels close to the Haram.
Ramadan
Umrah in Ramadan carries great reward and an atmosphere you will never forget. It is also the busiest and most expensive time of the year, especially the last ten nights. Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February.
Our advice
If you can travel outside the school holidays, November and late January give the best balance of weather and price. For families, the October half term and the Christmas holidays are the most practical, and booking early makes the biggest difference to the price.
Quick answers
What is the best month for Umrah for families?
The October half term and the Christmas holidays are popular with British families because of the school calendar and the milder weather.
Is summer too hot for Umrah?
It is very hot, often above 40°C, but many pilgrims manage well by performing Tawaf at night and resting in the day. Choose a hotel close to the Haram.
