When is the best time to perform Umrah?
There is no single best time — there is the best time for what you want. Ramadan for reward and atmosphere, off-peak for space and price, school holidays for travelling with children. Here is how each season actually feels, and what it does to the cost.
Ramadan: the most rewarding, the most crowded
Umrah in Ramadan carries the reward of Hajj in the well-known hadith, and the atmosphere in the Haram during the last ten nights is unlike anything else. It is also the peak of the year: hotels near the Haram sell out months ahead, prices are at their highest, and tawaf takes longer. If Ramadan is your intention, book as early as the packages open — often six months ahead — and choose a hotel within walking distance, because transport near the Haram becomes very slow.
Malaysian school holidays: convenient, busy, pricier
March, late May to June, late August to September and December see strong demand from Malaysian families. Flights and hotels cost more, but the groups are lively and children are well catered for. Book two to three months ahead.
Off-peak: Safar to Rajab
Roughly the months after Muharram and before Sha’ban — the calendar shifts about 11 days earlier each year — are the quiet season. Prices are lowest, the Haram is calm, and you can perform tawaf close to the Kaaba without a crowd. For a first Umrah, especially with elderly pilgrims, this is the season we recommend most often.
The Hajj pause
Umrah is not available during the Hajj season. Saudi Arabia stops issuing Umrah visas in the weeks before Dhul Hijjah and resumes after Hajj concludes. Plan around this window — Eman Way does not schedule departures in it.
Weather in Makkah and Madinah
Makkah is hot from April to October, regularly above 40 °C in the afternoon. November to February is mild, 15–28 °C, and comfortable for walking. Madinah is a few degrees cooler than Makkah year-round. If heat is a concern — for elderly pilgrims or young children — aim for November to February, and choose a hotel close to the Haram in any month.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Umrah cheapest?
- The off-peak months between Muharram and Sha’ban — roughly Safar to Rajab — are usually the cheapest, with the fewest crowds.
- Can I perform Umrah during Hajj?
- No. Umrah visas are paused in the weeks before and during Hajj. Departures resume after Hajj concludes.
- Is Umrah in Ramadan worth the higher price?
- For many pilgrims, yes — the reward and atmosphere are exceptional. Book months ahead and choose a hotel within walking distance of the Haram.
- What is the weather like in Makkah?
- Hot from April to October, often above 40 °C. Mild and comfortable from November to February at 15–28 °C.