Best Time to Perform Umrah in Makkah & Madinah
May 17, 2024
Discover the ideal time to perform Umrah with our comprehensive guide on factors such as climate, crowd levels, and affordability.
Key Takeaways:
- Best Months: November to February, and Ramadan are ideal for Umrah.
- Less Crowded Times: Muharram and Safar, post-Hajj, offer fewer crowds and lower prices.
- Cost-Effective Months: December, April, May, and September are the most affordable.
- Weather Considerations: December to February offer pleasant weather conditions.
- Special Times: Ramadan holds special rewards but may be more expensive.
When is the best time to perform Umrah? This is a pivotal query most pilgrims have, especially those planning on embarking on this sacred journey for the very first time. While there is no specific date or month that is perfect for performing Umrah, the ideal Umrah time changes from one pilgrim to the next. This change in the right time to perform Umrah depends on several key factors, including financial capability, physical fitness, health concerns, weather preferences, etc.
Nevertheless, the best aspect of performing Umrah is that you can do it all year-round, and as many times as you want. Simply, figure out the most suitable time for your journey to the Holy Land based on the following helpful guide.
The Best Time to Perform Umrah – Month, Weather, and Prices
The best time to perform Umrah can depend on various factors including climate, crowd levels, and personal preferences.
What are Your Priorities?
You need to know what your priorities are to find the best time to go to Umrah. Only then can you truly understand the significance of picking a pilgrimage time suitable to your specific needs.
If you want a less-crowded, quieter time to perform the Umrah rituals, it's best to avoid the peak seasons of Ramadan and Hajj. If you are planning Umrah with your family, including kids, book Easter Umrah packages, as it is a major school holiday.
Best Months to Perform Umrah
The best time for Umrah is in the months of November to February and Ramadan.
For peak Umrah performance, most pilgrims generally select grand months, which are the ones that follow Hajj. These are Muharram and Safar months, considered among the most auspicious times to perform Umrah. With the end of Hajj, the mosque is relatively empty as Hajj pilgrims leave for home.
Therefore, Muharram and Safar are among the less-crowded grand months to go for Umrah in Makkah. Even the prices for most hotels and flights are cut almost in half at this time, making it an affordable time for Umrah pilgrimage.
Umrah during Ramadan
The blessed month of Ramadan is considered by many Muslims to be the best time to perform Umrah, as it carries special rewards. Performing Umrah in Ramadan not only brings blessings and acceptance of Allah, but it is believed that the rewards for a pilgrimage at this time are manifold. In certain cases, it is equivalent to Jihad!
As a result, a large number of Umrah pilgrimage aspirants pick Ramadan as the best time to travel to Makkah. However, prices may be costlier at this time, owing to the huge rush. If you wish to go for Umrah during Ramadan, book your packages well in advance to beat peak-season costs. Ideally, it’s best to book them at least 4 months ahead of time.
When is the Best Time to Perform Umrah Cost-Wise?
When is Umrah cheapest? Besides the grand months of Muharram and Safar, the best time to go to Umrah cost-wise is December. It is the end of Hajj and Ramadan, so the mosque and the Holy cities of Makkah and Madinah are relatively crowd-free. This ensures you have a choice of the best flight prices and hotels.
April, May, and September are also affordable times to go for Umrah, primarily because of low demand against high supply. These are excellent months to plan for family Umrah travel, as package deals which include several pilgrims are typically costlier during peak Umrah times.
Best Time to Go for Umrah Weather-Wise
How long does it take to perform Umrah in Makkah? You can complete Umrah rituals in a couple of hours, depending on your physical abilities and mental strength. But since Umrah rituals can be physically demanding for most pilgrims, picking the right weather to travel is paramount.
Saudi Arabia's climate can be scorching hot during the summer, making it challenging to perform Umrah under the intense desert heat. This time can be especially hard for elderly pilgrims, children, and those with limited mobility or health ailments. So, avoid booking Umrah packages at this time if you cannot handle extreme heat.
The months of December to February are ideal for pleasant weather, with average high temperatures of 31°C during the day. A month earlier or later than this is also a suitable time to go to Umrah for good weather.
To Conclude
It's important to understand your priorities and keep the other crucial aspects listed above in mind to determine the best time to go to Umrah. However, remember that the sacred Umrah journey is not just about picking the right time. It's also about living each moment with pure intention as you make your way to the Holy Land. It will ensure you find favour and blessings from Allah, and your Umrah is accepted.
Ultimately, the best time for an Umrah pilgrimage is when you are absolutely ready physically, mentally, emotionally, and financially, to undertake the sacred journey.
FAQs
Which Islamic month is best for Umrah?
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, is the best time to go for Umrah. The holy month of fasting, Ramadan is considered a most pious time for Umrah, with the pilgrimage carrying manifold blessings during this time.
Which month is the cheapest for Umrah?
The months of December, April, May, and September are usually considered the cheapest Umrah time. The demand is less and supply high during these months, making them affordable for Umrah pilgrimage to Makkah.
What is the cost for Umrah?
Ideally, a basic 3-star deluxe all inclusive Umrah package can cost around £1,100 onward per person. But the exact Umrah cost will depend on the travel dates, hotels, and package inclusions. With the right agency, you can book cheap Umrah deals and customise them to your liking.