Best Time to Perform Umrah in 2026: Month-by-Month 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 

How to Decide the Best Time for Your Umrah in 2026

When planning your Umrah journey, there are several factors you should consider. Here’s what you need to think about:

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 February or May 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, or November is a better option. 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 September or October, 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 Hajj. Off-peak months generally have more availability at lower prices.

5. Family Schedules

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

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 Umrah Guide for 2026

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

January 2026 – Cool Weather & Moderate Crowds

• Best for: Families, elderly, first-timers
  
• Pros: Pleasant weather (~22-26°C), stable prices, low crowds
  
• Cons: Post-holiday flight demand
  
• Rating: ★★★★☆
  

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. However, the post-holiday flight demand might make travel a bit more expensive.

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

• Best for: Budget travelers, pre-Ramadan spiritual preparation
  
• Pros: Lower airfare, cheaper hotels
  
• Cons: Ramadan approaching, slight increase in demand
  
• Rating: ★★★★★ for affordability
  

February is one of the best months for budget-conscious pilgrims. The weather remains mild, and prices are generally lower compared to peak months. However, as Ramadan draws near, demand will start rising towards the end of the month.

March 2026 – Ramadan (Huge Crowds)

• Best for: Pilgrims seeking maximum spiritual rewards
  
• Pros: High reward, spiritual atmosphere, Taraweeh prayers
  
• Cons: Very crowded, highest prices of the year
  
• Note: Book 8-10 months early for Haram-area accommodations
  
• Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ for comfort, ★★★★★ for spiritual rewards
  

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, but be prepared for crowds and high prices. If you’re planning for Ramadan, early booking is crucial.

April 2026 – Post-Ramadan Umrah (Reduced Crowds, Great Deals)

• Best for: Pilgrims who want to continue their journey after Ramadan
  
• Pros: Fewer crowds, cheaper hotels and flights
  
• Cons: Weather starts warming up
  
• Rating: ★★★★☆
  

After Ramadan, the crowds thin out, and it becomes easier to perform Umrah. Prices for accommodation and flights decrease, making it a great time for budget-conscious pilgrims. However, temperatures start rising in April, so make sure to stay hydrated.

May 2026 – Pre-Hajj Umrah (Limited Availability)

• Best for: Last-minute pilgrims before Umrah restrictions due to Hajj
  
• Pros: low crowds
  
• Cons: Limited availability of accommodations and services
  
• Rating: ★★★☆☆
  

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. It’s a great time for pilgrims who want to perform Umrah just before the peak season begins.

June 2026 – Post-Hajj Restrictions (Hot Weather)

• Best for: VIP packages (if you can handle the heat)
  
• Pros: Lower costs after Hajj
  
• Cons: Extremely hot weather (over 40°C), limited services
  
• Rating: ★★☆☆☆
  

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 who are staying in luxury accommodations and can handle the heat.

July 2026 – Off-Peak (Low Prices but Extreme Heat)

• Best for: Budget travelers, experienced pilgrims who can handle the heat
  
• Pros: Cheaper packages, smaller crowds
  
• Cons: Extremely hot weather (over 40°C)
  
• Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ for comfort, ★★★★☆ for cost
  

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 and are prepared to handle the heat.

August 2026 – Low Crowds but Scorching Heat

• Best for: Budget-conscious travelers who can handle extreme heat
  
• Pros: Affordable packages, fewer crowds
  
• Cons: Intense heat
  
• Rating: ★☆☆☆☆ for comfort, ★★★★☆ for cost
  

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

September 2026 – Balanced Weather & Moderate Prices

• Best for: Families and those seeking a mix of pleasant weather and moderate crowds
  
• Pros: Comfortable weather, mid-level prices, fewer crowds
  
• Cons: Moderate crowd size
  
• Rating: ★★★★☆
  

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 without the extreme heat or overwhelming crowds.

October 2026 – Ideal for Comfort, Pricing, and Crowds

• Best for: Most pilgrims, including families and solo travelers
  
• Pros: Ideal weather (pleasant temperature), reasonable prices, and manageable crowds
  
• Rating: ★★★★★ Overall Best Month
  

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

November 2026 – Pre-Vacation Travel Surge

• Best for: Pilgrims seeking moderate crowds and great weather before the holiday season
  
• Pros: Comfortable weather, fewer crowds than Ramadan
  
• Cons: Airfare starts rising due to upcoming holiday seasons
  
• Rating: ★★★★☆
  

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 Demand

• Best for: Families and long-stay travelers during school breaks
  
• Pros: Comfortable weather, ideal for family groups
  
• Cons: Higher flight prices, more crowded due to the holiday season
  
• Rating: ★★★★☆
  

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.

Cheapest Months for Umrah in 2026

1. Muharram (Mid-June to mid-July) (Post- Hajj)
   
2. Safar (Mid-July to mid-August)
   
3. April (Post-Ramadan dip)
   

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

• Mid Feb-March 2026: Ramadan.
  
• November-December: Holiday and Winter season.
  

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.