You can perform Umrah at almost any time of year, but the best time depends on your priority. For spiritual reward, Ramadan is unmatched. For the lowest prices and smallest crowds, travel off-peak — the months outside Ramadan and the Hajj season, particularly autumn and early winter. For mild weather, avoid the Saudi summer. Here's a full breakdown to help you choose.
Can you perform Umrah at any time?
Almost. Unlike Hajj, Umrah has no fixed date and can be performed throughout the year — with one exception: Umrah visas are not issued during the Hajj period, so the season pauses for a few weeks around Dhul-Hijjah each year.
The most rewarding time: Ramadan
Performing Umrah in Ramadan carries immense reward — but it's also the busiest and most expensive period, especially the last ten nights. If this is your priority, book early (four to six months ahead) to secure better hotels. Explore our dedicated Ramadan Umrah packages.
The cheapest time: off-peak months
The most affordable time to perform Umrah is outside Ramadan and the Hajj season, when demand and prices fall. The quieter Islamic months after Ramadan and before Hajj — and the autumn period generally — tend to offer the lowest flight and hotel prices, plus a calmer experience at the holy sites. For a full cost picture, see how much Umrah costs from the UK.
Weather through the year
- Summer (June–August): Very hot, often into the low 40s°C. Cheaper, but demanding — consider this carefully if travelling with children or elderly relatives.
- Autumn (September–November): Milder, quieter and usually more affordable — a sweet spot for many pilgrims.
- Winter (December–February): Pleasant temperatures, but it coincides with UK school holidays, so December is busy and pricier.
- Spring (March–May): Comfortable weather; demand depends on when Ramadan and Easter fall.
Best time for families and first-timers
Families often travel during school holidays — December, February half-term and Easter — for convenience, though these are busier and more expensive. If you can travel off-peak, you'll enjoy quieter mosques and lower prices, which can be easier for a first trip. First-time pilgrims may want to read our complete guide for first-timers.
When should you book?
As a rough guide:
- Off-peak Umrah: 2–3 months ahead
- Ramadan Umrah: 4–6 months ahead
- December and school-holiday Umrah: 4–5 months ahead
Booking earlier almost always secures better hotels closer to the Haram and lower flight prices.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to perform Umrah?
It depends on your priority. Ramadan offers the greatest spiritual reward, but it is the busiest and most expensive. Off-peak months outside Ramadan and Hajj are the cheapest and quietest, while autumn offers the mildest weather.
What is the cheapest month to perform Umrah?
The cheapest times are the off-peak months outside Ramadan and the Hajj season — typically the periods after Ramadan and before Hajj, and the autumn months — when flight and hotel prices are lowest.
Can you perform Umrah all year round?
Yes, with one exception: Umrah visas are not issued during the Hajj period each year, so the season pauses for a few weeks around Dhul-Hijjah. Outside that window, you can perform Umrah at any time.
Is it too hot to perform Umrah in summer?
Saudi summer temperatures regularly reach the low 40s°C. Summer trips are cheaper, but the heat is demanding — stay hydrated, plan rituals for cooler parts of the day, and take extra care with children and elderly pilgrims.
Whenever you choose to travel, our Umrah packages from UK cover every season — get a quote for your preferred dates.
