Best Time to Perform Umrah in 2026 | Complete Month, Weather & Price Guide

Planning Umrah is one of the most beautiful journeys of a Muslim’s life. But choosing the right time to travel can make your trip easier, more peaceful, and even more affordable.

The year 2026 is expected to be one of the smoothest years for Umrah so far. Saudi Arabia has added new systems, more hotels, and better travel options to help pilgrims enjoy a comfortable journey.

If you are planning with KSA Travels, this guide will help you decide the best time to perform Umrah in 2026 

Key Takeaways

• Best for Spiritual Rewards: Ramadan (mid-February to mid-March 2026) – reward equals Hajj
• Best for Weather: January, October, November (22-32°C / 72-90°F)
• Cheapest Months: Muharram, Safar, April (post-Ramadan prices drop)
• Least Crowded: July-September (off-peak, but temperatures exceed 40°C)
• Best Overall Month: October 2026 – perfect balance of all factors
• Best Time of Day: 7:30-10:30 AM or 11:00 PM-2:00 AM for fewer crowds

Quick Decision Tool: Find Your Perfect Umrah Timing

Answer these questions to find your ideal month:

1. What matters most to you?
   • Spiritual rewards → Ramadan (Feb-March 2026)
   • Comfortable weather → January, October, November
   • Saving money → Muharram, Safar, April
   • Avoiding crowds → July-August
2. Who’s traveling with you?
   • Elderly or children → January, October (mild weather)
   • Solo/young adults → Any month works
   • Large family group → School holidays (July, December)
3. What’s your budget level?
   • Budget-conscious → April, June-August
   • Mid-range → September, October, November
   • Premium/VIP → June, October

How to Decide the Best Time for Your Umrah in 2026

When planning your Umrah journey, there are several factors you should consider:

1. Budget

The time of year you choose for your Umrah journey will have a significant impact on the cost. Prices for flights, hotels, and packages can vary depending on the month.

For example, Ramadan and the Hajj season are peak periods, which means prices will be higher. If you’re on a budget, off-peak months such as Muharram, Safar, or April will offer more affordable options.

2. Weather

Makkah experiences extremely hot temperatures, especially during the summer. If you’re sensitive to heat, traveling during cooler months like January, February, October, or November is a better option.

Temperature ranges:

• Winter (Dec-Feb): 22-29°C (72-84°F) – Most comfortable
• Spring (Mar-May): 31-38°C (88-100°F) – Moderate
• Summer (Jun-Aug): 40-45°C (104-113°F) – Extremely hot
• Autumn (Sep-Nov): 32-36°C (90-97°F) – Pleasant

The comfortable weather will make it easier to perform the rituals without the exhaustion of extreme heat.

3. Crowds

The number of pilgrims varies depending on the month. Ramadan is the most spiritually rewarding but also the busiest, with long queues and higher prices.

If you prefer fewer crowds, consider traveling in off-peak months like Muharram, Safar, or September, when fewer people perform Umrah.

4. Hotel Availability

During peak months, hotel availability near the Haram can be limited. Make sure to book your accommodation early if you’re traveling during busy months like Ramadan or December.

Off-peak months generally have more availability at lower prices. Pro tip: Check hotel proximity to Haram, not just star ratings.

5. Family Schedules

School holidays and work schedules can influence when you plan your Umrah. For family travelers, school breaks like February half-term, July, or December holidays might be ideal.

Best Time to Perform Umrah by Season

Spring (Mid-March to Mid-June)

Several Muslims choose to book Umrah during spring as it’s neither scorching hot nor unbearably cold at this time. Spring is among the best times to perform Umrah for pilgrims who wish to avoid extreme weather.

Pros: Moderate temperatures, good availability Cons: Includes Ramadan (peak prices and crowds) Best for: First-time pilgrims, families

Summer (Mid-June to Mid-September)

These months witness relatively low pilgrim activity due to the harsh desert heat. Particularly, families with kids and elderly pilgrims avoid these months, as the intense Saudi Arabian heat can be unrelenting.

On the flip side, fewer crowds often translate to more affordable Umrah deals, thanks to competitive pricing. If you can handle scorching temperatures and want super-cheap deals with fewer crowds, this is the best time for Umrah.

Pros: Lowest prices, smallest crowds, wide hotel selection Cons: Extreme heat (40-45°C), challenging for elderly/children Best for: Budget travelers, experienced pilgrims who can handle heat

Autumn (October to November)

The chances of rain are less in autumn, and it can be quite humid in Saudi Arabia. Nevertheless, the temperatures are comfortable enough for pilgrims of all ages to perform Umrah anytime during the day.

Pros: Ideal weather, moderate crowds, reasonable prices Cons: Airfare increases toward December holidays Best for: Most pilgrims – families, elderly, first-timers

Winter (December to February)

Outside of Ramadan, winter is considered the best time to perform Umrah by many. It welcomes pilgrims with warm, cozy weather, and relatively fewer tourist crowds.

The pleasant daytime temperatures also make it ideal to enjoy organized tours, historical excursions, and Ziyarat visits to holy sites.

Pros: Perfect weather, ideal for sightseeing Cons: Holiday season pricing (December), Ramadan crowds (February) Best for: Families during school breaks, elderly pilgrims

Best Time to Perform Umrah by Month

Ramadan: The Most Spiritually Rewarding Time

For a majority of Muslims, the best time to go to Umrah is Ramadan (mid-February to mid-March 2026), the holy month of fasting. Umrah during Ramadan carries significant rewards, and in some hadiths, it has been equated to Hajj.

If you want abundant rewards and blessings for your devotion and pure intention, travel to Haram during Ramadan for Umrah. Experience the holy atmosphere in Makkah during this blessed month, with days of fasting followed by sacred nights of Taraweeh (special night prayers).

Important considerations:

• Crowds: Maximum – expect long queues everywhere
• Prices: Highest of the year (book 8-10 months early)
• Best strategy: Book early and consider the first 20 days (slightly less crowded than last 10 days)

Complete Month-by-Month Umrah Guide for 2026

Quick Comparison: Best Months for Different Needs

Here’s a decision matrix comparing the best months for price, weather, and crowds. The period covers the time from November 2025 to December 2026:

Note on Dates

Hijri (Islamic) dates change based on moon sighting, so they may move by 1–2 days. Before booking your Umrah, always check the Umm al-Qura calendar and confirm the actual start of each Islamic month.

How to Navigate the Chart:

• Want a peaceful and calm Umrah?
  Choose months with Low or Medium crowd levels, such as Muharram, Safar, and Rabi al-Thani.
• Looking for high spiritual reward?
  Aim for Rajab, Sha’ban, and especially Ramadan.
  (Keep in mind: prices and crowds are much higher.)
• Have a limited budget?
  Avoid late December and January.
  Instead, book in Muharram or Safar for better prices.
• Travelling with elders or children?
  Pick months with mild weather and manageable crowds, like November and February.

Detailed Month-by-Month Analysis

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the best time to perform Umrah in 2026, month by month:

January 2026 – Cool Weather & Moderate Crowds

Rating: ★★★★☆

Best for: Families, elderly, first-timers

Pros:

• Pleasant weather (~22-26°C / 72-79°F)
• Stable prices
• Low to moderate crowds
• Perfect for sightseeing and Ziyarat

Cons:

• Post-holiday flight demand may increase prices slightly

January offers cool weather, perfect for performing Umrah without the risk of heat exhaustion. The crowds are moderate, making it a peaceful time to visit the Holy Sites.

February 2026 – Budget-Friendly (Ramadan Begins Mid-February)

Rating: ★★★★★ for affordability

Best for: Budget travelers, pre-Ramadan spiritual preparation

Pros:

• Lower airfare in early February
• Cheaper hotels before Ramadan
• Mild weather
• Can perform Umrah before the rush

Cons:

• Ramadan approaching means demand increases mid-month
• Need to book quickly as prices surge

February is one of the best months for budget-conscious pilgrims who want to perform Umrah before Ramadan. The weather remains mild, and prices are generally lower compared to peak months.

March 2026 – Ramadan (Huge Crowds, Maximum Rewards)

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ for comfort | ★★★★★ for spiritual rewards

Best for: Pilgrims seeking maximum spiritual rewards

Pros:

• Highest spiritual reward – Umrah equals Hajj
• Incredible spiritual atmosphere
• Taraweeh prayers at Haram
• Iftar at the Holy Mosque
• Opportunity to observe Laylat al-Qadr (last 10 nights)

Cons:

• Very crowded – expect long waits
• Highest prices of the year
• Hotel rooms near Haram sell out months in advance
• Need to fast during the day

 Critical: Book 8-10 months early for Haram-area accommodations.

Best strategy: Consider the first 20 days of Ramadan, which are generally calmer than the intensely spiritual last 10 nights.

Performing Umrah during Ramadan is spiritually enriching, but it is also the busiest and most expensive time of the year. The atmosphere is deeply spiritual, and the reward for your prayers is immense.

April 2026 – Post-Ramadan Sweet Spot

Rating: ★★★★☆

Best for: Pilgrims who want to continue their journey after Ramadan

Pros:

• Fewer crowds (post-Ramadan dip)
• Cheaper hotels and flights
• Still spiritually elevated atmosphere
• Can observe six fasts of Shawwal
• Good availability

Cons:

• Weather starts warming up (~34-36°C / 93-97°F)
• Need sun protection and hydration

After Ramadan, the crowds thin out, and it becomes easier to perform Umrah. Prices for accommodation and flights decrease significantly, making it a great time for budget-conscious pilgrims.

May 2026 – Pre-Hajj Window (Limited Availability)

Rating: ★★★☆☆

Best for: Last-minute pilgrims before Umrah restrictions due to Hajj

Pros:

• Lower crowds (many wait for Hajj)
• Moderate prices
• Last chance before Hajj restrictions

Cons:

• Hot weather (~38-40°C / 100-104°F)
• Limited availability as services prepare for Hajj
• Umrah may be restricted late in the month
• Eid al-Adha falls around May 25-26

May marks the last opportunity to perform Umrah before the Hajj season begins. The availability of services may be limited due to the impending Hajj.

June 2026 – Post-Hajj Recovery (Extreme Heat)

Rating: ★★☆☆☆

Best for: VIP packages (if you can handle the heat)

Pros:

• Lower costs after Hajj
• Islamic New Year (Muharram begins mid-June)
• Post-Hajj calm
• Very few crowds

Cons:

• Extremely hot weather (over 40°C / 104°F)
• Limited services during recovery period
• Not suitable for elderly or children
• High heat exhaustion risk

June is the start of the summer heat in Makkah. While prices are lower, the extreme temperatures can be challenging. It’s a good time for VIP travelers staying in luxury accommodations.

July 2026 – Off-Peak Budget Champion

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ for comfort | ★★★★☆ for cost

Best for: Budget travelers, experienced pilgrims who can handle heat

Pros:

• Cheapest packages of the year
• Smallest crowds
• Wide selection of hotels
• Immediate availability
• Safar month (spiritually significant)

Cons:

• Extremely hot weather (over 40°C / 104°F)
• Not recommended for families with children
• Not suitable for elderly or those with health conditions
• Exhausting heat during rituals

July sees lower prices but also extremely hot weather. This month is not ideal for families or elderly pilgrims but can be perfect for experienced travelers who want to save money.

Heat safety tips: Carry water, use umbrellas, wear sunscreen, perform Tawaf during cooler hours.

August 2026 – Scorching Summer, Maximum Savings

Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ for comfort | ★★★★☆ for cost

Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who can handle extreme heat

Pros:

• Affordable packages
• Fewer crowds
• Rabi’ al-Awwal begins mid-August (Prophet’s ﷺ birth month)
• Better availability

Cons:

• Intense heat continues
• Physically demanding
• Not family-friendly

August is one of the hottest months in Makkah, but it’s also an off-peak month with fewer pilgrims and more affordable prices. Stay hydrated and take frequent breaks.

September 2026 – Weather Improves, Balanced Experience

Rating: ★★★★☆

Best for: Families and those seeking a mix of pleasant weather and moderate crowds

Pros:

• Comfortable weather (temperatures dropping to ~36°C / 97°F)
• Mid-level prices
• Fewer crowds
• Rabi’ al-Thani (spiritually blessed month)

Cons:

• Moderate crowd size
• Still warm but manageable

The weather in September is much more manageable than the summer months, and the crowds are moderate. It’s a good time for pilgrims who want a comfortable experience.

October 2026 – The Perfect Month 

Rating: ★★★★★ Overall Best Month

Best for: Most pilgrims, including families, elderly, and solo travelers

Pros:

• Ideal weather (~32-34°C / 90-93°F) – pleasant temperatures
• Reasonable prices – good value for money
• Manageable crowds – peaceful experience
• High availability – wide choice of hotels and flights
• Jumada al-Awwal (comfortable month)
• Perfect for Ziyarat and sightseeing

Cons:

• Minimal – this is the most balanced month

October is the ideal month for Umrah in 2026, offering a perfect balance of comfortable weather, affordable prices, and moderate crowds. This month provides everything that makes your pilgrimage peaceful and spiritually rewarding.

November 2026 – Pre-Holiday Excellence

Rating: ★★★★☆

Best for: Pilgrims seeking moderate crowds and great weather before the holiday season

Pros:

• Comfortable weather (~30-32°C / 86-90°F)
• Fewer crowds than December/Ramadan
• Jumada al-Akhirah (blessed month)
• Good for extended stays

Cons:

• Airfare starts rising due to upcoming holiday seasons
• Book early to secure good prices

November offers great weather, and the crowds are manageable. However, be aware that airfares will start to rise due to the upcoming holiday season.

December 2026 – Holiday Season Begins

Rating: ★★★★☆

Best for: Families and long-stay travelers during school breaks

Pros:

• Comfortable weather (~28-30°C / 82-86°F)
• Ideal for family groups
• Rajab begins mid-December (blessed month)
• School holidays align perfectly
• Great for sightseeing

Cons:

• Higher flight prices (holiday season)
• More crowded due to winter break
• Hotels fill up quickly

December is a great month for families, with comfortable weather and school holidays aligning perfectly. However, the holiday season brings higher prices and more crowded conditions.

Best Time to Perform Umrah by Price

Cheapest Months for Umrah in 2026

1. Muharram (Mid-June to Mid-July) – Post-Hajj lowest prices
2. Safar (Mid-July to Mid-August) – Continued off-peak pricing
3. April (Post-Ramadan) – Significant price drop after peak season
4. September – Shoulder season deals

Budget-saving tips:

• Book 3-6 months in advance for best deals
• Compare 7-day vs. 10-day vs. 14-day package options
• Avoid weekends for flights (fly midweek)
• Consider hotels 10-15 minutes walk from Haram (significant savings)

Peak Months to Avoid (If You’re on a Budget)

1. Mid-February to March 2026: Ramadan – prices increase 200-300%
2. December-January: Holiday and winter season premium
3. Late April-May: Pre-Hajj demand increases prices

Best Time to Perform Umrah by Time of Day

Knowing the specific timing to perform the rituals can make your Umrah experience more peaceful and comfortable.

After Fajr Prayer (5:00 AM – 7:30 AM)

Crowd Level: Low 

The least-crowded time to do Umrah is after Fajr prayer, as most pilgrims return to their hotels after the Fajr prayer. It offers the chance to complete Umrah rituals at your own pace with fewer fellow pilgrims around.

Pros:

• Peaceful atmosphere
• Cool morning temperature
• Spiritual tranquility
• Easy movement during Tawaf

Best for: Those seeking a serene, contemplative experience

Morning Peak Hours (7:30 AM – 10:30 AM)

Crowd Level: Low-Medium 

According to Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, this is one of the best timings to perform Umrah. The weather is still comfortable, and crowds are manageable.

Pros:

• Officially recommended time
• Still relatively cool
• Good visibility
• Hotels serve breakfast before this time

After Zuhr Prayer (1:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

Crowd Level: Low-Medium

Besides Fajr prayer, Zuhr is also a good time to perform Umrah, as generally most people return to their hotels for lunch. While there may be a rise in the temperature, the crowds will still be less.

Pros:

• Fewer crowds
• Can complete Umrah and return for Asr prayer
• Hotels less busy (easier to rest after)

Cons:

• Hottest time of day (especially summer)
• Need sun protection

Asr, Maghrib, and Isha Time (4:00 PM – 10:00 PM)

Crowd Level: High 

The time of Asr, Maghrib, and Isha is relatively crowded, as many Muslims choose to stay back at the Haram. The weather is also pleasant, making it a good time to do Umrah without the intense Saudi Arabian heat.

Pros:

• Pleasant evening temperature
• Spiritual atmosphere intensifies
• Can break fast during Ramadan
• Beautiful lighting at Haram

Cons:

• Most crowded time
• Longer wait times for Tawaf
• Difficult to maintain concentration

Late Night (11:00 PM – 2:00 AM)

Crowd Level: Low 

According to Dr. Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, Minister of Hajj and Umrah, this is the second-best timing to perform Umrah. The late-night hours offer incredible tranquility and spiritual connection.

Pros:

• Minimal crowds
• Cool temperature
• Deeply spiritual atmosphere
• Perfect for focused worship
• Best time for making dua

Cons:

• May be tiring for elderly
• Need to stay awake late
• Some services may be limited

Best for: Those seeking maximum spiritual connection with minimal distractions

Best Days of the Week

According to the Saudi Minister of Hajj and Umrah, the least-crowded days for Umrah are:

• Sunday
• Tuesday
• Wednesday

Consider planning your Umrah rituals on these days for a more comfortable experience.

Recommended Months by Traveler Type

Best for Families:

• January, July, December (School holidays)
  

Best for Elders:

• January, February, October (Pleasant weather)
  

Best for Budget Travelers:

• Moharram, April–May, (Off-peak, low prices)
  

Best for VIP/Premium:

• June, October (Exclusive experiences with fewer crowds)
  

Final Tips for Choosing Umrah Timing in 2026

• Avoid school holidays for cheaper flights and hotels.
  
• Book visa early via the Nusuk system.
  
• Compare package prices: 7-day vs. 10-day vs. 14-day options.
  
• Check hotel proximity to Haram, not just star ratings.
  

Conclusion

Choosing the best time for Umrah in 2026 depends on several factors, including weather, crowds, cost, and spiritual significance. Whether you want the peaceful atmosphere of the off-peak months, the spiritual rewards of Ramadan, or the affordability of summer months, there is a perfect time for you.

Plan early and ensure that your Umrah journey is as smooth, comfortable, and spiritually enriching as possible.