The Best Times of Year for Umrah
Unlike Hajj, Umrah is not tied to a specific time; it may be performed in any season of the year. Nevertheless, there are important differences between periods in terms of virtue, crowds and climate.
Ramadan: The Peak of Virtue
The Prophet (peace be upon him) stated that an Umrah performed in Ramadan is equal (in reward) to a Hajj. For this reason Ramadan is the most virtuous time for Umrah; especially during the last ten nights and Laylat al-Qadr, Masjid al-Haram takes on an incomparable spiritual atmosphere. On the other hand, Ramadan is also the most crowded and most expensive period of the year.
Quieter Periods
- After Hajj (Muharram-Safar): Once the Hajj crowds disperse, Makkah and Madinah become relatively calm.
- School months: With fewer families travelling, tawaf and visits are more comfortable.
- Rajab and Sha'ban: These months before Ramadan offer both spiritual preparation and relatively moderate crowds.
The Climate Factor
In summer, temperatures in Makkah easily exceed 40°C. The period from November to February, with daytime temperatures around 25-30°C, is the most comfortable choice, especially for the elderly and families with children. You can follow the current weather in Makkah and Madinah on our live page.
Which Period Suits Whom?
- Virtue first: Ramadan (be prepared for crowds and higher costs).
- Comfort first: Winter months and school terms.
- Budget first: Quieter off-season periods.
Hisar Balkans organises Umrah programmes in different concepts throughout the year; you can browse our current tour calendar on our website.
