Best Time to Visit Makkah and Madinah for Umrah in 2026

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There is nothing more spiritually rewarding than Umrah. This pilgrimage gives believers a chance to be the guest of the Almighty. There is no better feeling than this. Through this journey, Muslims find solace, a chance at redemption, and endless rewards and blessings. Therefore, anyone who wants to perform this pilgrimage wants to choose the best time to visit Makkah and Madinah for Umrah. The best time for this journey is when you get the type of weather you want, and the spiritual rewards are also maximum.

The best time to visit the sacred countries depends on your preferences. Some people prefer the peak season and don’t mind the crowds, while some prefer fewer crowds and a budget-friendly pilgrimage. Therefore, if you want to be among the fortunate UK Muslims planning to travel to Makkah and Madinah in 2026, we are here to tell you about some of the best times. We can help you book your Umrah package 2026 at the right time and have the most unforgettable pilgrimage. 

Best Times for Umrah According to the Islamic Calendar

Umrah has no time restrictions. This is a voluntary act of worship that you can perform any time of the year, excluding the Hajj days. Therefore, you have complete flexibility to perform your Umrah whenever you want. Here are some of the best times to perform this pilgrimage according to the Islamic calendar. 

Ramadan 

There can be no better time to perform the pilgrimage than Ramadan if you want to yield maximum rewards. Anyone who performs Umrah during the blessed month of Ramadan receives rewards equivalent to those of the obligatory pilgrimage, the Hajj. 

You get the spiritual atmosphere in Makkah and Madinah during this holy month. Everyone is more motivated to draw closer to the Almighty and seek His forgiveness. Also, nights filled with Taraweeh and the blessings of Suhoor, Iftar, and the last ten days of Ramadan are genuinely incredible. The only drawbacks of performing Umrah during this blessed month are that crowds are at their peak and costs increase due to high demand. 

Shawwal 

Shawwal is the month right after Ramadan. It is also a sacred month with many spiritual benefits. The atmosphere at the pilgrimage sites is also very uplifting during this time. Also, this is a great time to avoid large crowds, as pilgrimage sites are quieter after the peak season of Ramadan.

You get an energetic atmosphere in the sacred cities, with better logistics due to fewer crowds. Also, this is an excellent time for budget travellers. You will find lower fares and more cost-effective accommodation during this period. 

Best Times for Umrah Depending on Weather Conditions

Saudi Arabia has a desert climate. Therefore, the weather can be highly extreme in the country, especially during the summer. The winters are also mild here. Here are some of the best times for Umrah, depending on the weather conditions in Saudi Arabia. 

Winter (November to February)

This is the best season to perform Umrah if you want to have the most pleasant weather conditions in Saudi Arabia. The temperatures are mild, ranging from 18 to 28°C, making it easier to perform pilgrimage rites and explore the sacred cities. You also get fewer crowds during these months, when Ramadan and Hajj are over. This means you have a better chance of securing lower rates on flights and accommodation. 

Spring (March to May)

Spring is also a good time for pleasant weather, but temperatures start to rise earlier. Crowds are smaller during this season as well. Therefore, spring is a good bargain for anyone who wants fewer crowds and better rates. Pilgrimage sites are much quieter than in the winter season and the blessed month of Ramadan. 

Summer (June to September)

Summer in Saudi Arabia is very hot. Temperatures can exceed 40°C. Therefore, this is not one of the best times to visit Makkah and Madinah for Umrah in 2026 if you prefer more pleasant weather. There is a high risk of dehydration and exhaustion during this time. Therefore, if you plan to visit the sacred cities during this time, you must be aware of the weather conditions and prepare yourself accordingly. 

Practical Tips for 2026 Pilgrims

As you wait for your Umrah visa, you must learn about some practical tips that will enable you to have a smooth and memorable pilgrimage in 2026. 

Book as Early as Possible

Booking as early as possible is crucial to secure the best deals, especially if you plan to undertake your pilgrimage during Ramadan or the winter season. Try to book months in advance. Book everything with flexible cancellation to ensure you get the best deals at the best price. 

Choose Your Accommodation Wisely 

Choosing accommodation wisely is very important for a smooth pilgrimage. Many people prefer to stay near pilgrimage sites for easy commuting. Some don’t mind the distance, especially when they have a tight budget. Also, the accommodation you choose should meet all your requirements for a comfortable stay. 

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated will address most health issues during the pilgrimage. It becomes even more crucial if you plan to undertake the pilgrimage in the summer or spring. This is the time to avoid midday exposure and focus on hydration. 

Final Words

An Umrah journey can be much more memorable when you choose the right time. However, the perfect time can vary from person to person. You will have to keep your requirements and budget in mind while choosing the time to visit Makkah and Madinah. Therefore, it is time to keep all factors in check and determine the best time to visit Makkah and Madinah for Umrah in 2026.