What is the best time to avail Umrah? When is the peak-season and is it recommended?

Those travelling exclusively for the sake of Umrah are likely to have a more disciplined trip if reservations are made in haste and without prior knowledge of the prevailing weather conditions in Makkah and Madinah. With a fierce sun upon their backs, pilgrims cannot enjoy the freedom of hours. This, in turn, puts their health at risk as well as discourages travelling and shopping. Therefore, it is highly recommended to get in touch with your Umrah agents at least 4-5 months before making a plan. Also, booking well in advance with a proper strategy in mind might help you in scoring the best Umrah deals possible.

Give me a general idea on the weather conditions in Makkah and Madinah:
As far as the temperature in Makkah is concerned, it is considerably better in the months of December, January and February, averaging 31°C during daytime. Madinah enjoys an even milder climate. For the same months, temperature in Madinah ranges between 24-25 °C. A fairly recent trend among British Muslims is to take advantage of the Christmas vacations when planning for Umrah. If you have any similar plans, why not check our December Umrah?

Supposing you have plans to engage in outdoor activities or just visit your immediate surroundings, in addition to the lesser pilgrimage, this is the time. Especially the midday sun is fine and shade alone can cool off that heat, unlike the June-July period when the desert is, simply put unbearable, without an air conditioned vehicle; for many the hardest months of all.

If I want to avail low price Umrah, which months should I be looking forward to?
Those in search of a more serene and quieter Saudi Arabia should consider visiting after Hajj in the months of Muharram and Safar. This is when the temporary Umrah-ban has been lifted and life, on the whole, moves on a slower pace.

Which months are recommended for performing Umrah in the true Islamic spirit?
Celebrating the arrival of Ramadan, Muslims from all over the world rush to avail Ramadan Umrah. As a result the holy cities get jam-packed with pilgrims and other tourists alike. Same goes for the Christmas and Easter holidays, which also witness a boost in foreign arrivals, and explain that increase in accommodation rates to which most pilgrims can easily relate.

Is there really such a thing as an Umrah-ban? If so, for how long must it remain in effect?
We believe that pilgrims have a right to know that Islam does not specify any particular dates to perform Umrah; you can perform it anytime of the year. However, Saudi authorities do not issue visas to foreign travellers three months prior to Hajj i.e. Shawwal, Dhul Qadah and Dhul Hajj. The reason being of a very administrative nature, this is the time when necessary arrangements are being carried out for the upcoming Hajj. Travellers will be positively refused by the authorities and the feeling will be very unsettling. But no need to worry as prospects for Umrah pilgrims are most likely to turn for the better in the month of Muharram.