The best time for umrah varies for every individual based on his/her personal preferences, budget constraints and convenience. Some pilgrims prefer to arrive in the region during the off-peak season for the availability of all inclusive cheap Umrah packages while others opt for travel during the peak season as well. So, it’s hard to specify a particular timeframe that may be best regarded for Umrah travel.
Here’s a brief comparison of the best times for umrah.
Umrah Seasons:
Though Umrah can be performed any time of the year because it is sunnah Ibadah, there are peak and off-peak travel seasons for Umrah travel as well. For instance, the month of Ramadan is the busiest time for Umrah travel as it holds higher rewards for the pilgrims. Therefore, not only it is the most expensive time to travel but also the busiest. On the other hand, summer months are considered to be off-peak months because of the intensely hot temperatures during this time.
The month of Ramadan:
Many Muslims opt for Umrah performance during the month of Ramadan because it has higher spiritual rewards associated with it. It has been narrated in the Hadith of Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW) that, umrah performed in the month of Ramadan holds an equivalent reward of performing Hajj. However, it doesn’t suffice for one’s obligatory Hajj (there’s a difference). For this reason, the last ten days of Ramadan, bring the highest crowd in Haramain with millions of pilgrims present for the Holy rituals in the Grand Mosque of Makkah.
Consequently, it brings higher travel and accommodation prices for Umrah during Ramadan. So if you intend for Umrah travel during the month of Ramadan, consider booking your slots at least three to four months before departure to secure affordable fares and other benefits.
Avoiding Hajj Season:
During the Hajj season, it is not permissible to offer Umrah rituals. That’s why the Saudi Ministry doesn’t issue Umrah visas during the Hajj period i.e. from the 8th to the 12th of the Islamic month of Dhu al-Hijjah. As millions of pilgrims are arriving for Hajj during this time, it can make travel and accommodation arrangements challenging for the authorities there to manage.
Weather Considerations:
The weather in Makkah and Madinah is intensely hot because Saudia Arabia has a hot desert climate. The summer temperatures can rise to 50°C with intense heat and sun whereas nights can be chilly. On the other hand, the winter season brings pleasant weather conditions in the region with the average daytime temperature of 25°C to 31°C. So, these months are often preferred by the pilgrims travelling from cold climatic regions due to the milder weather conditions.
So, it’s essential to be mindful of the time you are travelling for Umrah as the holy rituals are physically demanding and laborious. Ultimately, summer months can pose a challenging time for elderly people, children, as well as women.
Lower Prices:
If you are looking for lower prices for Umrah travel then the months from May to August and December are best regarded. Since the temperature is moderate and a lesser number of pilgrims are arriving in the region, you can get more budget-friendly travel and accommodation options.
Post-Hajj Season:
Right after the Hajj season, it is a more relaxed time for Umrah travel because a smaller number of pilgrims are present in Masjid-al-Ahram. Therefore, making it a quieter and peaceful time for Umrah with budget travel and accommodation options.
Personal Convenience:
As Umrah is a sunnah Ibadah, it’s advisable to choose a time that best aligns with your personal schedule, work and family commitments as well as your budget. For some pilgrims travelling during the summer months can be an ideal option because of vacations while others prefer the winter months. All in all, you must travel during a time that works out best for you.
Avoiding Peak Seasons:
Umrah packages may be more expensive with lesser availability of options in the peak season. So if you are travelling with family or have budget constraints, avoid peak travel season for Umrah and prefer to travel either during the shoulder months or off-peak seasons i.e. when demand is lower.
So, these are some of the best times for Umrah travel including December Umrah Packages.
