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UK travelers can now plan their Umrah trips with more freedom thanks to the Saudi Government's decision to remove the 2000 SAR repeat fee. The only cost we need to worry about is the standard 300 SAR visa fee. This applies whatever number of times we perform Umrah within two years
The best time to visit still matters by a lot. Winter months are pleasant with temperatures around 31°C. Summer temperatures can reach 45°C and make the rituals tough to perform. Smart travelers book their trips 4-6 months ahead to save money. April and May tend to be the most economical months to travel for Umrah.
This piece will help you pick the perfect month for your sacred experience. We'll look at the weather patterns, spiritual aspects, and ways to keep costs down. You'll find practical advice about planning your trip across different seasons that will help you make the right choice for your spiritual journey.
UK Muslims need to understand the stark differences in climate and seasonal patterns between the UK and Saudi Arabia to plan their Umrah. A well-timed pilgrimage can make your spiritual trip more comfortable and meaningful.
The temperature difference between London and Mecca stands out all year round. London's mild average of 11.15°C sharply contrasts with Mecca's hot 29.57°C – that's an 18.42°C gap. January brings chilly 4.73°C temperatures to Londoners, while pilgrims in Mecca enjoy a warm 22.22°C. This gap reaches its peak in April and May with more than 20°C difference.
Sunlight patterns show similar contrasts. Mecca bathes in nearly 11 hours of daily sunshine throughout the year, while London gets just 7.24 hours. Rain patterns also differ greatly – London sees 1.89mm of monthly rain compared to Mecca's sparse 0.39mm.
Ramadan brings the biggest crowds to holy sites, especially during its last ten nights. December also gets busy as Christmas holidays let UK Muslims travel without disrupting their regular schedules.
The months right after Hajj - Muharram and Safar - give pilgrims a peaceful experience with less crowded mosques. Safar (mid-August to mid-September) ranks as the quietest month that ever spread for Umrah.
November through March offers a sweet spot with manageable crowds and pleasant temperatures between 28-32°C.
British Muslim families often plan their Umrah around school breaks. Christmas, Easter, and half-term holidays have become prime times that families choose for pilgrimages.
Easter time in Saudi Arabia brings moderate temperatures (25-35°C) and lower humidity. This makes it a great time especially when you have children and elderly pilgrims. Winter school holidays in December also give families a chance to perform Umrah together without missing school.
Notwithstanding that, school holiday periods usually mean higher prices and bigger crowds. So, it's best to book 4-5 months ahead if you plan to travel during these busy times.
Weather is a vital part of choosing the right time to go Umrah from the UK. British weather differs drastically from Saudi Arabia's desert climate. Good planning will help you improve your pilgrimage experience.
UK pilgrims find winter the most comfortable season to visit Saudi Arabia. Makkah sees warm days with temperatures ranging from 25-31°C (77-86°F). The evenings cool down to around 18°C (64°F). This mild weather lets you perform Tawaf and Sa'i without getting exhausted from extreme heat.
Soft winter light bathes the Kaaba and creates a magical atmosphere. The cooler weather helps you reflect better and pray longer without physical discomfort.
Spring (mid-March to mid-June) and autumn (mid-September to mid-December) work well as alternatives. Temperatures usually stay between 25-35°C. These seasons strike a nice balance with comfortable weather that avoids summer's intense heat.
Spring brings beautiful flowers and clear skies. This creates an uplifting environment for worship. Autumn has more humidity but less rain. These conditions suit pilgrims who like it warmer than winter but can't handle summer heat.
Saudi Arabian summers (June-September) bring the toughest weather conditions. Temperatures often rise above 45°C, hitting their peak in August. The scorching heat comes with some benefits: smaller crowds and cheaper packages.
You can handle summer heat by planning your rituals early morning (7:30-10:30 am) or late evening (11 pm-2 am). Staying hydrated is key – keep a reusable water bottle with you. Summer Umrah needs extra preparation but gives you a peaceful, less crowded experience.
Packing Tips for Each Season: Winter calls for light layers to handle temperature changes between day and night. A light jacket or thermal undershirt helps during cool evenings. Pack breathable fabrics for spring and autumn to deal with moderate temperatures and humidity. Comfortable footwear is important year-round, especially in winter when the Haram's marble floors feel cool. Summer needs special attention: pack light-colored, loose clothes, sun protection items (umbrella, sunscreen, cap), and moisture-wicking fabrics. Whatever the season, take prayer mats, modest clothes, and simple first aid supplies.
The spiritual dimension plays a profound role in choosing the best time to go Umrah, beyond weather and cost considerations. Special periods in the Islamic calendar add deeper meaning to your spiritual experience.
Ramadan emerges as the most spiritually rewarding time to perform Umrah. According to authentic hadith, "Umrah during Ramadan is equivalent to performing Hajj with me (the Prophet Muhammad PBUH)". This blessed month multiplies all good deeds, including Umrah rituals, up to 70 times. The spiritual atmosphere in Makkah grows stronger throughout Ramadan. Pilgrims spend their days fasting and nights in special Taraweeh prayers.
The last ten days of Ramadan carry exceptional significance as they include Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Decree), where worship becomes "better than a thousand months". Statistics show that 9.3 million pilgrims completed their Umrah during the first ten days of Ramadan in 2024.
The months after Hajj provide an unmatched Umrah experience. Muharram (the first month of the Islamic calendar) and Safar bring special blessings. The holy sites become peaceful after Hajj pilgrims leave, which allows devotees to perform their rituals without rushing.
Practical benefits come with this timing. Hotel prices and flight costs drop by almost half. This makes it perfect for pilgrims who seek spiritual fulfillment on a budget without crowds.
Religious dates throughout the year create meaningful opportunities for Umrah. Early Muharram (Islamic New Year) brings a peaceful and uplifting experience. Rajab holds special significance, especially around Isra and Mi'raj (the Night Journey). This adds a deeper spiritual dimension to your pilgrimage.
Pilgrims can perform Umrah throughout the year. These special periods are a great way to get more spiritual benefits. They allow a deeper connection during your sacred experience.
UK Muslims must think about their budget as a vital part of planning their sacred trip. The search to find the cheapest time to go Umrah means finding the right balance between saving money and meeting spiritual goals.
Flights from major UK airports to Saudi Arabia are most affordable during summer months from June to August. Mecca's intense heat leads to lower demand during this time. You can cut costs by booking weekday flights instead of weekend ones. Your airfare could be 30% cheaper if you book 6-8 months ahead.
Budget carriers like Flynas, Wizz Air, and FlyDubai offer cost-effective direct flights from London to Jeddah. You can find great deals by setting up fare alerts and staying flexible with your travel dates.
The same hotel room might cost £70 in off-peak times but jump to £240 during peak season. September to November are quiet months with better room rates. Prices spike during Ramadan, Hajj, Christmas, and Easter because of high demand.
The best deals come from booking complete Umrah packages 4-6 months ahead. Early booking can save you up to 30% on packages that cover flights, accommodation, and transportation.
UK travelers will find Umrah costs vary widely:
The best time to perform Umrah depends on several factors that shape our sacred experience. Winter's ideal weather hovers around 31°C, while Ramadan remains the most spiritually rewarding time despite its larger crowds.
Good planning helps balance these elements well. Early bookings made 4-6 months ahead result in great savings, particularly during quieter months from September through November. UK's Easter break works perfectly for families with its moderate temperatures and school holidays.
Our Umrah experience largely depends on the weather. Summer temperatures soar above 45°C but reward pilgrims with smaller crowds and better rates. Winter brings comfortable conditions that are perfect for longer worship times.
Your spiritual goals should shape the final choice. Each season brings its own special connection - Ramadan's blessings, the peaceful post-Hajj period, or winter's comfortable climate. A well-planned journey becomes deeply meaningful, whatever time you choose for this blessed pilgrimage.
