Best Time to Perform Umrah A Month by Month Breakdown for UK Muslims
As an experienced Umrah travel consultant based here in the UK, I often get asked the same question: “When’s the best time to do Umrah?” Truth is, there’s no fixed time to perform Umrah — and that’s the beauty of it. You’ve got the flexibility to choose what works best for you and your loved ones. But make no mistake, not all months are created equal when it comes to Umrah.
Depending on your priorities — whether it's avoiding the heat, staying within a budget, or making it easier for elderly parents — each month brings its own pros and cons.
So, let’s break it all down. Here’s your UK-focused, month-by-month guide to choosing the best time for Umrah, complete with practical insights, real-life advice, and honest tips from the ground.
Umrah in January – March (Cool Weather, Ideal for the Elderly)
✅ Pros:
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Pleasant weather in Makkah and Madinah — ideal for older travellers.
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Comfortable for walking between Masjid al-Haram and your accommodation.
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January is usually post-peak, offering quieter moments after the New Year.
❌ Cons:
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Prices spike as Ramadan approaches, especially in March.
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High demand for flights from London, Birmingham, and Manchester.
If you're planning to take your parents or grandparents, January or early February is perfect. I recently helped a family from Leicester arrange their Umrah in late January. Their father had knee issues, so we arranged a wheelchair-friendly hotel close to Haram, and their Umrah taxi from Jeddah had wide access doors and patient drivers — little touches that made a big difference.
Pro Tip: Travel insurance is often overlooked. Always get it — especially in winter months when delays can occur.
Umrah in April – June (Ramadan Umrah Tips)
✅ Pros:
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Ramadan is the most spiritually rewarding time to perform Umrah.
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An incredible atmosphere prevails in the Haramain during Taraweeh and Tahajjud.
❌ Cons:
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Most expensive time of the year — hotels and flights can triple in price.
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Extremely crowded, especially in the last 10 nights.
If you're spiritually inclined and want maximum reward, Umrah in Ramadan is unmatched. But it comes with a price tag and physical intensity. I worked with a young couple from Bradford who wanted to spend the last 10 nights in Makkah. We booked them 6 months in advance — securing a family Umrah transport package that included iftar delivery and guided Ziyarah tours.
Important Tip:
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Book 3–6 months ahead. Last-minute bookings often mean poor hotels or unreliable cabs.
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Arrange airport to Makkah travel in advance — Ramadan traffic can delay you for hours.
Umrah in July – September (Best for Bargain Hunters, But Bring a Fan!)
✅ Pros:
This is your sweet spot if you're watching the budget flights and hotels are noticeably cheaper, and you won’t be elbowing through crowds to get into the Rawdah. Immigration queues? Practically a breeze compared to peak times.
❌ Cons:
But let’s not sugarcoat it, the heat is no joke. Think hairdryer-to-the-face levels of hot. Temperatures often soar above 45°C, which can make outdoor walking exhausting, especially for elderly pilgrims or little ones.
Now, if you’re young, fit, or just keen to stretch your savings further, this is prime Umrah timing. I worked with a group of university friends from London who went in mid-August. They saved around £400 each, which they used for extras like a private Ziyarah tour and even a scenic escape to the cool breezes of Taif. One of them told me, “The heat was wild, but we planned well and had the trip of a lifetime.”
🔥 Smart Tip:
Pack light, but smart cooling towels, a handheld fan, and electrolyte tablets can be lifesavers. And don’t just trust “AC included” on a hotel listing dig into the reviews. Some budget places cool the lobby better than the rooms!
Umrah in October – December (Mild, Fewer Crowds)
✅ Pros:
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Pleasant weather, perfect for exploring Makkah and Madinah on foot.
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Post-Hajj lull means lower prices and manageable crowds.
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Easier visa processing as demand decreases.
❌ Cons:
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Not as spiritually “charged” as Ramadan or Dhul Hijjah, but still deeply fulfilling.
Families with kids and school holiday plans often opt for October half-term or early December. A family from Glasgow I recently worked with did their Umrah in late November. We arranged family Umrah transport with car seats, and a British-Arab driver who helped with their luggage and even showed them a few lesser-known Ziyarah spots.
Visa Tip:
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Use authorised UK agents to avoid scams. Sadly, fake “Umrah visa agents” still target British Muslims online.
Which Time Is Best for You?
Let’s summarise based on who you’re travelling with:
👤 Solo Travellers
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Best time: July to September (lower prices, less stress).
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Tip: Go with a group tour if it’s your first time — easier to navigate transport, visas, and rituals.
👪 Families
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Best time: October, December school holidays.
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Tip: Book airport to Makkah travel in advance to avoid long taxi queues — kids get restless!
👴🏽 Elderly Pilgrims
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Best time: January to March (mild weather, less risk of heat exhaustion).
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Tip: Choose hotels near Haram with wheelchair access and arrange a reliable Umrah taxi from Jeddah that doesn’t rush.
When to Book Your Cab
Let’s Make Your Arrival Peaceful, Not Stressful
You've just landed. It’s late. You’re tired. The last thing you want is to haggle with taxi drivers at the arrivals hall or struggle with broken English and high fares.
That’s why we recommend booking your airport transfer in advance — with someone who speaks your language, understands your needs, and shows up when they say they will.
✨ Let us handle the driving, so you can start your Umrah with calm, not chaos.
📅 Ready when you are — Click here to reserve your transfer.
FAQs – Common UK Pilgrim Questions
Q: Do I need to speak Arabic to get around during Umrah?
A: No, but it helps to know a few basic phrases. If you book with UK-based services, your drivers and hotel staff often speak English.
Q: Are Umrah taxis safe for women travelling alone?
A: If pre-booked through a reputable service, yes. We always match solo female travellers with vetted, professional drivers.
Q: How do I get from the airport to Makkah?
A: The easiest way is to pre-book an airport to Makkah cab. It saves you time, hassle, and confusion — especially late at night.
Conclusion
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer — and that’s what makes Umrah so beautiful. Whether you’re seeking spiritual intensity in Ramadan, a family-friendly window in October, or a quiet, budget-conscious trip in summer, there’s a time that fits you.
What truly matters is the intention in your heart and the preparation you put in.
🌟 My advice?
Plan early, especially if you’re travelling with elders or children. Book your transport before you fly — those small steps make a world of difference when you land.
Your journey begins the moment you say Bismillah — let’s make every part of it easy, blessed, and meaningful.
👉 Click here to book your airport transfer — we’ll be there, InshaAllah, when you arrive.
