Best Time for Umrah: When to Go and What to Expect

Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, so there is no single “right” time to go. The best time for Umrah depends on what matters most to you: cooler weather, quieter crowds, the spiritual reward of Ramadan, or simply when you and your family can travel. This guide explains how the seasons, Ramadan, school holidays and the Hajj period affect your trip, so you can choose the time that suits you best.

The rulings (masa’il) in this article follow the Hanafi school. They are taken from fatwas published by Dar-ul-Ifta Ahlesunnat (Dawat-e-Islami), which are listed with links in the Sources section below. This article is a general guide and is not itself a fatwa. If you have a question about your own situation, please ask a qualified scholar.

When Can You Perform Umrah?

Unlike Hajj, which takes place on fixed days, Umrah can be performed throughout the year. In the Hanafi school there is one exception: entering ihram for Umrah between the 9th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah is makruh tahrimi (impermissible and sinful) for everyone, whether or not they are performing Hajj. Separately, Umrah permits are usually paused for several weeks around Hajj (see below).

Islamic months follow the lunar calendar, so they move around 11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar. Ramadan, for example, falls in a different season over the years. When planning your Umrah dates, check both calendars.

How to Choose the Best Time for Umrah

When deciding when to go, think about:

  • Crowds: Ramadan, school holidays and the weeks after Hajj are usually the busiest times.
  • Weather: Makkah is hot for much of the year, but the summer months are especially intense.
  • Availability: hotels close to the Haram and flights tend to book up early in busy periods.
  • Your own schedule: work, school terms and the needs of children or elderly relatives travelling with you.
  • Your spiritual goals: some pilgrims want the reward of Umrah in Ramadan, while others prefer a calmer time for reflection.

Umrah by Season

Winter

Winter is often considered the most comfortable time for Umrah. Daytime temperatures in Makkah are usually around 30°C, evenings are milder, and there may be occasional light rain. Because the weather is pleasant and it includes the winter holidays, this season can be busy, so it helps to plan early.

Spring

Spring brings warmer days, but the heat is generally still manageable, especially in the early part of the season. Crowds vary depending on when Ramadan and the Easter or spring school holidays fall.

Summer

Summer is the hottest time of year in Makkah, with daytime temperatures often above 40°C. If you travel in summer, plan Tawaf and Sa’i for the cooler hours, drink plenty of water and rest during the hottest part of the day. Summer school holidays mean many families travel at this time.

Autumn

Temperatures start to ease in autumn, particularly later in the season. It can be a good balance between weather and crowds, depending on where Ramadan and the post-Hajj period fall that year.

For advice on what to wear and pack for different weather, see our Umrah packing checklist.

Umrah in Ramadan

Many pilgrims hope to perform Umrah in Ramadan because of its special reward. The Prophet ﷺ said that Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj in reward (Sahih al-Bukhari 1782). In another narration, he ﷺ said that Umrah in Ramadan is equal to performing Hajj with him (Sahih al-Bukhari 1863). This refers to the reward: performing Umrah, even many times, does not fulfil the obligation of Hajj for a person on whom Hajj is fard. You can read more about this in our guide to the difference between Hajj and Umrah.

Ramadan is also the busiest time of year for Umrah, especially in the last ten nights. If you plan to travel in Ramadan:

  • book your accommodation as early as possible, as hotels near the Haram fill up quickly
  • expect large crowds for Tawaf, Sa’i and prayers
  • plan for fasting while walking long distances, and rest when you can
  • allow extra time to reach the mosque before prayers, especially Taraweeh

Umrah During School Holidays

School holidays are a popular time for families from the UK, USA and Canada to perform Umrah. The winter holidays, the spring or Easter break and the summer holidays tend to be busier, as many pilgrims from other countries travel at the same time. If you need to travel during school holidays, plan early and consider a hotel within easy walking distance of the Haram, especially if you are travelling with young children.

The Quietest Times for Umrah

Crowds are usually lighter outside Ramadan and the main school holidays, and away from the busy weeks right after the Umrah season reopens. Within any visit, the Haram is generally quieter late at night and in the middle of the morning. If you prefer a calmer experience, these are often the best times to go.

When Does Umrah Open After Hajj?

How Long Is Umrah Closed Around Hajj?

Each year, the Saudi authorities pause Umrah permits for a period before and during Hajj, so that Makkah can prepare for and host Hajj pilgrims. The pause usually lasts several weeks, and the exact dates are announced each year.

Is Umrah Open Now?

The new Umrah season usually opens shortly after Hajj ends, and permits become available again through the Nusuk app. Dates change from year to year, so check the latest official information on Nusuk before you book. For visas and permits, see our Umrah visa guide.

Best Time of Day for Tawaf and Sa’i

Masjid al-Haram is busy around the five daily prayers, especially Maghrib and Isha. Many pilgrims find it easier to perform Tawaf and Sa’i:

  • late at night, after Isha has eased
  • in the middle of the morning, after the post-Fajr crowds
  • outside Friday prayers, which draw very large numbers

In hot weather, the cooler night hours are usually the most comfortable. For a step-by-step explanation of each rite, see our guide to Umrah rituals and duas.

Best Time for Umrah FAQs

When is the best time to go for Umrah?

It depends on your priorities. Winter offers the most comfortable weather, Ramadan offers a special reward, and quieter periods outside school holidays offer a calmer experience.

Can you perform Umrah at any time of the year?

Yes, with one exception in the Hanafi school: entering ihram for Umrah between the 9th and 13th of Dhul Hijjah is not permitted. Umrah permits are also usually paused for a period around Hajj. See our Umrah guide for more about Umrah.

Is Umrah in Ramadan the same as Hajj?

Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj in reward, but it does not replace the obligation of Hajj for those who are able to perform it.

When should I book my Umrah hotel?

For busy periods such as Ramadan and school holidays, it is best to book as early as you can. Read about Makkah and Madinah hotels, or let our hotel booking assistance help you find suitable options.

Sources

The rulings (masa’il) in this article are taken from the following fatwas of Dar-ul-Ifta Ahlesunnat (Dawat-e-Islami), published on FatwaQA. English fatwas are listed first; the others are in Urdu.

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