The Best Time to Perform Umrah in 2026–2027: Month-by-Month Guide

A Complete Guide by Month (Hajj to Hajj)

Updated 9 October 2026

After the completion of Hajj, a new Umrah season begins — a time when millions of Muslims travel to Makkah to perform the minor pilgrimage. Although Umrah is permissible at any time of the year, travel conditions vary greatly from month to month, affecting the weather, prices, crowd levels at the Holy Sites, and the overall atmosphere of worship. To make your journey as blessed and tranquil as possible, it is essential to choose the right time.

Why Choosing the Right Time Matters

Umrah requires spiritual focus and physical stamina. Choosing the right month helps you avoid unnecessary difficulties and gives you more time for worship.

• Comfort in the Haram: fewer queues, more time for prayer.
• Budget: hotel and flight prices change with the season.
• Weather: hot months make movement difficult, especially for the elderly.
• Spiritual reward: certain months have special significance.
• Availability: during peak periods, demand soars and rooms sell out early.

Month-by-Month Guide to the Umrah Season 2026 – 2027

The period runs from the end of Hajj 2026 to the beginning of Hajj 2027

Islamic Month	Approximate Dates (Gregorian 2026 – 2027)	Crowd Level	Weather in Makkah (daytime)	Hotel Prices	Best For	Spiritual Highlights
Dhul Hijjah (Post-Hajj)	18 May – 15 June 2026	Restricted	~+42°C	High	—	Hajj period; Umrah is practically not performed
Muharram	16 June – 14 July 2026	Low	~+43°C	Moderate	Experienced pilgrims who can handle the heat	Start of the Umrah season and the Islamic year 1448, calm atmosphere
Safar	15 July – 13 August 2026	Low	~+43°C	Moderate	Individual pilgrims	Quiet month, easiest to find a room
Rabi al-Awwal	14 August – 11 September 2026	Low – Medium	~+41°C	Moderate	Groups, family trips	Month of the Prophet’s ﷺ birth
Rabi al-Thani	12 September – 11 October 2026	Low – Medium	~+39°C	Moderate	Families, elderly, women	Heat starts to ease
Jumada al-Ula	12 October – 10 November 2026	Medium	~+36°C	Moderate	Those who want milder weather	Good balance of climate and prices
Jumada al-Thani	11 November – 9 December 2026	Medium – High	~+32°C	High	Holidaymakers, tourist groups	One of the most comfortable months; demand rises toward the winter holidays
Rajab	10 December 2026 – 8 January 2027	High	~+30°C	High	Those seeking spiritual intensification; winter holiday travelers	Sacred month, noticeable increase in pilgrims, peak of the winter holidays
Sha’ban	9 January – 7 February 2027	Very High	~+30°C	Very High	Those ready for a busy schedule	Preparation for Ramadan, high activity
Ramadan	8 February – 8 March 2027	Maximum Peak	~+32°C	Highest	All categories of pilgrims	The reward of Umrah in Ramadan is likened to Hajj; the cool season makes this Ramadan easier on the body
Shawwal	9 March – 7 April 2027	Medium – High	~+36°C	Moderate – High	Families and working individuals	Eid al-Fitr on 9 March, then crowds ease after the peak of Ramadan
Dhul Qa’dah	8 April – 6 May 2027	Medium	~+40°C	Moderate	Individual pilgrims	Approaching Hajj, heat rises
Dhul Hijjah (Pre-Hajj)	7 May – 5 June 2027	Restricted	~+42°C	High	Hajj pilgrims	Umrah is suspended for the Hajj season; Hajj is expected on 14–19 May

Note on Dates

The dates follow the Umm al-Qura calendar. Hijri months depend on moon sighting and may shift by 1–2 days, and the temperatures are approximate daytime highs. Before booking, check the calendar and the actual start dates of the months.

What Is Different in the 2026 – 2027 Season

• Ramadan 2027 begins on 8 February, in the cooler part of the year, so the heat is milder than in the summer Ramadans of recent years.
• Rajab and Sha’ban (December to early February) overlap with the winter holidays, so this is the busiest stretch before Ramadan.
• Hajj 2027 is expected on 14–19 May, so book Umrah in April early and expect the season to close in early May.

How to Use the Table

• Need a tranquil Umrah without crowds — choose months with Low or Medium crowd levels (Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani).
• Aiming for the maximum spiritual reward — plan for Rajab, Sha’ban, and especially Ramadan (note the high prices and crowds).
• Budget is limited — avoid late December, January and Ramadan; book in Safar or Rabi al-Awwal.
• Traveling with the elderly or children — choose months with mild weather (November, early December, March).

Practical Tips

• Book well in advance for high-demand periods (December – January, Rajab – Ramadan).
• Plan your budget: hotel and flight prices rise sharply during peak months.
• Watch the weather and schedule your time in the Haram to avoid the midday heat.
• Check the rules and schedule for transportation from your hotel to the Haram (shuttles, walking distance).

Conclusion

Choosing the time for Umrah is key to a peaceful, conscious, and blessed journey. The 2026 – 2027 season offers a range of options: from the quiet, affordable months of summer and autumn, to the comfortable weather of November, to the spiritual peak of Ramadan in February and the high demand of the winter holidays. Select the period that matches your goals and capabilities, and dedicate yourself to the main purpose — worship and inner renewal in Holy Makkah.