The best months to perform Umrah from the UK in 2026 are February, March, and November, offering a balanced mix of cool weather, lower crowd levels, and affordable travel options. Traveling in post-Hajj or pre-Ramadan months, such as Safar, Rajab, or Sha’ban, can also offer excellent off-peak value.
If you’re sitting in Manchester, London, or Bradford, weighing up school calendars and airline prices, you’re not alone. For most UK pilgrims, timing is half the pilgrimage.
Umrah is both profoundly spiritual and practical. The heat, crowds, and flight times all impact your experience. And in 2026, timing becomes even more critical. Ramadan arrives early, Hajj follows soon after, and the summer heat in Makkah will test even the most prepared travellers.
So, when’s the right moment to go? Let’s take a look.
Why 2026 Is a Year to Plan Carefully
This is a year of early holy seasons and long, quiet windows that follow. Here’s what that means for UK pilgrims:
- Ramadan begins in mid-February, pushing peak prices forward.
- Hajj takes place around late May or early June, so the months that follow are quieter and cheaper.
- School breaks in March, July, and October make family travel easier.
- And the weather swings widely, from cool winter days to blazing summer afternoons.
In simple terms, the year breaks down like this:
- February – calm and mild, just before the Ramadan rush.
- March – warm, family-friendly, and close to the Easter holidays.
- November – peaceful, cool, and perfect for reflection.
Each offers a different kind of blessing: comfort, affordability, or stillness.
How Weather Shapes Your Journey
The climate in Makkah and Madinah changes more than most travellers expect. The difference between 25°C and 45°C might not sound huge on paper, but when you’re performing Tawaf or walking between Safa and Marwah, it matters.
| Month | Average Temperature | Comfort Level |
| February | 20–26°C | Excellent – cool and gentle |
| March | 24–30°C | Very good – warm but bearable |
| April | 30–36°C | Manageable – early heat begins |
| May–August | 38–45°C+ | Difficult – extreme heat |
| September | 35–42°C | Hot, easing slowly |
| October | 28–34°C | Comfortable again |
| November | 24–30°C | Excellent – mild and calm |
| December | 22–28°C | Pleasant but busier |
For most pilgrims, February to March and October to December are the sweet spots; cool enough for long walks, quiet enough for reflection.
The Beauty of Travelling in Off-Peak Months
In the Islamic calendar, the off-peak months, Safar, Rajab, and Sha’ban, carry a different kind of peace. They sit outside the bustle of Ramadan and Hajj, offering pilgrims a quieter, more personal experience.
Hotels are easier to find. Flights are cheaper. The Haram is less crowded. And for many, that calm allows a deeper focus on the reason they came: to reconnect, to pray, to simply be present.
If you’re not tied to school holidays, these months are perfect. You’ll find space to breathe, think, and perform each ritual at your own pace.
What About Ramadan 2026?
Ramadan is special; there’s no denying it. The atmosphere in Makkah during those nights is electric, the sense of unity almost overwhelming.
But it’s also the most demanding time to go. Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin around 17 February, and that means higher demand from the very start of the year. Flights and hotels often double in price, and anything close to the Haram gets booked out months in advance.
If you’re travelling for spiritual intensity, Ramadan is unmatched. If you’re looking for space, rest, and balance, go before or after. Both carry their own rewards.
The Most Affordable Times to Travel
For budget-conscious pilgrims, the months after Ramadan and Hajj, from May to August, bring the lowest prices. Fewer pilgrims travel then, and hotels offer generous discounts.
The trade-off, of course, is the heat. With temperatures soaring above 40°C, it’s not the easiest time to move between sites. But if you’re healthy, experienced, and prepared, it can be done comfortably.
Otherwise, November offers the best of both worlds: gentle weather, moderate costs, and fewer crowds.
The Best Months for Families and First-Time Pilgrims
For families or those performing Umrah for the first time, the goal is a trip that feels guided, safe, and comfortable. You want time to learn, space to move, and support when you need it.
- March 2026: Mild, close to the Easter break, ideal for school-aged children.
- October 2026: A quieter half-term with fair prices.
- November 2026: Peaceful, reflective, and easy on the body.
Family packages during these months often include pre-departure briefings, guided rituals, and convenient UK departures from Heathrow, Manchester, or Birmingham. For new pilgrims, that guidance turns a journey into a true experience.
How to Plan Smartly for Umrah 2026
A well-timed Umrah starts with early preparation. Here’s what matters most:
- Book early. Aim for at least 3–6 months ahead; for Ramadan, 8–9 months is safer.
- Avoid the Hajj season. Prices climb sharply between June and August.
- Fly midweek. Tuesdays to Thursdays often bring the best airfares.
- Consider shoulder seasons. The months just before or after Ramadan or Hajj offer balance: good prices, fewer crowds, and a calm atmosphere.
- Use an ATOL-protected agency. With Ziyuf Al Rahman, your booking is protected, your journey managed, and your peace of mind intact.
Final Thoughts
Every pilgrim’s reason for travelling is different. Some are drawn to the energy of Ramadan, others to the quiet air of November. Some travel for reflection, others for family connection. But all share the same intention: to seek peace and closeness to Allah.
The truth is, timing changes everything. The comfort of cooler weather, the calm of a smaller crowd, the freedom to move at your own pace; these details make your experience richer and more personal.
At Ziyuf Al Rahman, we’ve helped hundreds of UK pilgrims plan their journeys with that same care. Our ATOL protection, UK-based support, and tailored Umrah 2026 packages mean every step, from your first call to your final prayer, is handled with understanding.
Explore our Umrah 2026 Packages for UK Pilgrims, and begin your journey in the month that feels right for you.
