First Umrah Experience: Choosing the Right Time to Go

Published: 21 Aug 2025

Umrah is the voluntary act of worship (Sunnah) that you can perform at any time of the year. It is often called the mini-Hajj because of the spiritual importance it holds. You have seen images of the Kaaba on social media, but seeing this in front of your eyes for the very first time is something else. Just thinking of it gives goosebumps. If it’s your first Umrah experience, choosing the right time is as crucial as other preparations, because timing can affect your comfort, cost, and overall experience.

If you have never been to Makkah for the sacred journey before, don’t worry, I’m here to help. Well, it depends on your preferences and your travel schedule. In this blog post, I’ll mention what the best time to perform Umrah is, when it’s cost-effective, and when it’s less crowded out there.

Why Timing Matters

Umrah is sometimes known as the lesser pilgrimage. It is not obligatory as Hajj, but it’s a beautiful Sunnah that brings great rewards. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“From one Umrah to the next is an expiation for what is between them, and Hajj Mabrur (an accepted Hajj) has no reward but Paradise.” (Sahih al-Bukhari & Sahih Muslim)

As I’ve mentioned earlier, Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, but many Muslims ask: What is the best time to go? Well, timing can affect your whole experience, like the weather, the size of the crowds, and even the costs of flights and hotels. If you are a first-time pilgrim, these factors can shape your overall experience.

Understanding Umrah Seasons

If you understand the Umrah seasons, it helps you a lot in planning your journey. For this, you have to know the Saudi Calendar. Here I’ve mentioned two seasons that might help you plan your Umrah trip.

High Season: The busiest times are during Ramadan, school breaks, and the months before Hajj. Many people like to do Umrah during Ramadan because it is considered very blessed.
Low Season: The time after Hajj, especially from the Islamic months of Muharram to Rajab, is usually less crowded. You will find smaller groups of people, and the cost of hotels and flights is often lower, during this period.

If you keep these patterns in mind, this can help you choose the right dates.

Best Times of the Year for Umrah

Umrah in Ramadan

Ramadan is a blessed month for Muslims. Now, just imagine the spiritual importance and rewards of performing Umrah during Ramadan. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) said:

“Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj with me.”

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

This trip doesn’t take the place of Hajj, but it offers a great reward. However, Ramadan is also the most crowded time. The Grand Mosque is packed all day and night, and places to stay are at their most expensive, so it’s a budget-friendly option as well. If it’s your first time, this can feel like too much unless you are prepared for the huge crowds.

Winter Months (November to February)

It’s one of the best times for Umrah. The weather is cooler, which makes walking between the rituals much easier. The crowds are not too big, so if you are travelling with older people and families, it’ll be a more relaxed and manageable trip for them.

Spring and Autumn

If you are a first-time pilgrim traveling from the UK, this period is ideal for your journey. From March to May and September to October, the weather in Saudi Arabia is generally mild, making it easier to perform rituals comfortably.

While there may still be some crowds due to UK school holidays, it is usually less busy compared to Ramadan or peak holiday times. Many UK-based service providers highlight October Umrah Packages as particularly convenient during this season, offering both comfort and affordability.

Times to Avoid for First Umrah

When to avoid going for Umrah:

During Hajj Season: You can’t do Umrah from the 8th to the 13th of the Islamic month of Dhul-Hijjah because of the Hajj pilgrimage. So, the time right before and after Hajj is also very busy.
Summer Months (June to August): It gets extremely hot, often over 45°C (113°F). The heat can make the rituals very difficult and even dangerous for some people.
School Holidays: You can expect higher prices and more people travelling in large groups, so it’s not a good option for first-time pilgrims.

Practical Tips for First-Time Pilgrims

Book Your Trip Early: Try to book your flight and hotel early, because places near Haram fill up very fast. So, if you book early, you’ll get the best options.

Stay Close: Try to find a hotel near the Haram so you don’t have to walk too far. It’s much easier for everyone.

Prepare physically: You’ll be walking a lot, so try to walk more at home to get ready.

Keep Your Heart Pure: The most important thing is your good intention for the journey. Planning is good, but your sincere heart matters most. As the Quran reminds us:

And take provisions, but indeed, the best provision is Taqwa (piety).” (Qur’an 2:197)

Final Thoughts

Your first Umrah is always very special, no matter when you go. Some people like to go during Ramadan for extra blessings, while others prefer a quieter time. The best time to go is really up to you. Think about what’s most important: getting a better price, avoiding big crowds, or just feeling ready for the trip.

No matter when you go, the real goal is the same: to be at the Sacred Mosque, to walk around the Kaaba, and to ask for Allah’s forgiveness. Just start with a sincere heart and be patient. Trust that your journey will be accepted.