When to Perform Umrah: Seasons, Length of Stay and Choosing a Hotel

Umrah can be performed at any time of the year. Unlike Hajj, it is not tied to specific days. This flexibility makes choosing the right period important. The same programme is far busier and far more expensive in Ramadan than it is a month later.

Seasons and what to expect

Ramadan. The most spiritually intense and most requested period. The last ten days in Makkah are very crowded. Hotel prices reach their highest level of the year, rooms near the Haram sell out months ahead and queues for tawaf and sa'y grow longer. For a Ramadan Umrah we recommend planning at least two or three months ahead. For elderly guests and those with limited mobility, the first half of Ramadan is easier than the last ten days.

School and public holidays. Mid-term and summer holidays and the Eid periods bring more families and higher prices. Not as busy as Ramadan, but still busy.

Around the Hajj season. In the weeks before and after Hajj, Umrah programmes can be restricted by visa rules and crowds. We assess requests for this period separately in advance.

Other months. Outside Ramadan and holidays, especially in autumn and winter, the months are both calmer and more affordable. More comfortable worship at the Haram, reasonable hotel prices and flexible flights are the advantages. Summer temperatures are very high, and daytime hours can be hard for elderly guests.

How many days to stay

Standard programmes run from 7 to 14 days. A common split is 4-7 nights in Makkah and 2-4 nights in Madinah. Short programmes of 5-6 days are possible, but after flights, transfers and fatigue little time remains for worship. For first-time pilgrims we recommend at least 7-8 days.

Whether to go to Makkah or Madinah first depends on flight times, hotel availability and the guest's preference. Both orders work.

Choosing a hotel: distance to the Haram

In Makkah, the hotel's distance to the Haram is the main factor in comfort and the daily routine. Hotels within walking distance make several visits a day possible. From farther hotels every trip needs a shuttle or taxi, which takes longer in crowded periods.

• Walking distance to the Haram (0-500 m): The most comfortable and most expensive option, a priority for elderly guests and families.
• Mid distance (500 m to 1.5 km): A balance of price and comfort, suitable for two or three visits a day.
• Farther hotels: Economical, and reasonable for young people and groups if the shuttle service is well organised.

In Madinah the area around Masjid an-Nabawi is more compact, and hotels within walking distance are easier to find than in Makkah.

Questions to ask when choosing: walking time to the Haram (in minutes, not metres), room type and occupancy, breakfast, lifts and accessibility, room temperature control.

What a private programme changes

Unlike fixed-date programmes with large groups, a private Umrah sets the dates, length, hotel and flight class according to the guest. In our practice this means:

• Flight day and time set by the guest, so very early or night flights can be avoided.
• Separate lengths of stay in Makkah and Madinah.
• Meet and greet by a Turkish-speaking guide at Jeddah and Madinah airports, with private vehicle transfers.
• An optional guided visit programme to historic sites in Makkah and Madinah.
• Wheelchairs, short walking distances and rest breaks planned for elderly guests and those with limited mobility.

Preparation list

• Passport validity: at least 6 months after the trip.
• Visa: we handle the Umrah visa and share the required documents and photo standard in advance.
• Health: current vaccination and health requirements are confirmed before travel. Guests on regular medication should carry their prescriptions.
• Clothing and ihram: ihram and suitable clothing are prepared in advance. For those entering ihram at the airport, the transfer plan is arranged accordingly.
• Money and communication: Saudi riyals or card, notifying the bank of use abroad, a local SIM or roaming package.
• Insurance: travel health insurance is recommended.

Timing summary

Tell us the month you want to travel, how many of you there are and how close to the Haram you want to stay. We suggest flights, hotels and a guide based on those three answers. Details are on our Hajj and Umrah page, and flight classes on International Flights.