Yes, December is one of the best months for Umrah from the UK. The weather in Makkah is warm rather than hot, and the school holidays let families travel together. However, prices rise from mid-December, so the right dates matter. This guide to December Umrah 2026 gives you the weather, crowds, prices and best dates in one place.
Quick answer: Go in the first two weeks of December for lower prices and calmer crowds. If you need the school holidays, book by October, because those seats sell out first. See our December Umrah packages or call 020 3504 6001.
December Umrah 2026 at a Glance
| What you want to know | The short answer |
|---|---|
| Makkah weather | About 32°C by day, 20°C at night |
| Madinah weather | About 26°C by day, 14°C at night |
| Quietest dates | 1 to 14 December |
| Busiest dates | 19 December to 3 January (school holidays) |
| Our prices | From £720 per person for 7 nights, flights included |
| When to book | By October for Christmas, 6 to 8 weeks ahead for early December |
Is December a Good Time for Umrah?
Makkah and Madinah weather in December
Makkah weather in December averages a high of 32°C and a low of 20°C, according to the Jeddah Regional Climate Center. In contrast, summer highs average above 40°C. As a result, tawaf and sa'i at midday are far easier for older pilgrims and children.
Madinah is cooler, with an average high of 26°C and a low of 14°C (World Meteorological Organization, 1991 to 2020). Moreover, mornings before Fajr can feel cold in the open courtyards. Rain is rare, with about three or four wet days a month in Makkah.
How busy the Haram gets over Christmas and New Year
The first two weeks are steady but calm by Haram standards. However, crowds build fast once UK and European schools close. The week between Christmas and New Year is the busiest of the month. Therefore, plan your tawaf after Fajr or late at night, when the mataf is often quieter.
How Much Does December Umrah 2026 Cost from the UK?
Our December packages start from £720 per person for 7 nights in 3-star hotels. Additionally, 4-star packages start from £760 and 5-star packages from £1,250. Every package includes return flights, visa processing, hotels, transfers and ziyarat tours.
Why prices rise from mid-December
Three things push up the price of Christmas Umrah. First, school holidays bring a rush of family bookings. Furthermore, airlines raise fares to Jeddah and Madinah in the week before Christmas. Finally, the hotels closest to the Haram fill first, so the rooms that are left cost more.
Cheaper December dates: the first two weeks
For cheap December Umrah, travel between 1 and 14 December. Flights cost less, and you get a wider choice of hotels. For example, couples and retired parents who do not need the school holidays often save the most this way.
The Best December Dates to Travel in 2026
For December Umrah 2026, the month splits into two clear windows. Your choice depends mainly on whether you need the school holidays.
Early December (quieter, cheaper)
Departing between 1 and 12 December gives you the best prices and the most space in the Haram. Moreover, you get home well before Christmas. If your dates are flexible, this is the window we recommend.
Christmas school holidays (busiest)
In Croydon and Greenwich, for example, schools close on Friday 18 December 2026 and reopen on Monday 4 January 2027. Most English councils follow similar dates, but check yours. Consequently, families booking Umrah in the school holidays will fly out on 19 or 20 December, and these seats sell first.
How Many Nights Should You Book?
Here is how our 4-star December packages compare. Prices are from, per person, with return flights from the UK.
| Package | Makkah | Madinah | Hotels | From | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 nights 4-star | 4 nights | 3 nights | Voco Makkah, Zowar International | £760 | One week off work |
| 10 nights 4-star | 6 nights | 4 nights | Nawazi Watheer, Waqf Ousman | £955 | A relaxed pace |
| 14 nights 4-star | 7 nights | 7 nights | Voco Makkah, Zowar International | £1,155 | Families using the whole break |
Seven nights covers Umrah and a few days of worship, but it feels rushed with children or elderly parents. In contrast, ten nights gives you time to rest between visits to the Haram. For instance, a family of four on the 10-night package pays from £3,820 in total.
Fourteen nights gives you a full week in each city. For 5-star comfort, our 10 nights 5-star December package uses the Hilton Convention in Makkah and the Anwar Al Madinah Movenpick.
What to Pack for Umrah in December
- Ihram (two sets for men) and loose cotton clothes for Makkah
- A light jumper or shawl for Madinah evenings and cold air conditioning
- Comfortable sandals and a small bag for your shoes
- Unscented soap and toiletries for your time in ihram
- A refillable water bottle, sun cream and sunglasses
- Medicines in your hand luggage, with a copy of your prescription
Booking Tips: How to Get a Good December Package
Book flights and hotel together with ATOL protection
When you buy flights and a hotel together from a UK travel company, the package should be ATOL protected. As a result, if the company fails, the Civil Aviation Authority's scheme refunds you or brings you home. Always ask for your ATOL certificate when you pay. You can also secure our packages with a £100 deposit and pay the balance monthly.
Check the hotel distance from the Haram in metres
"Near the Haram" can mean a two-minute walk or a bus ride. Therefore, ask for the walking distance in metres to the nearest gate, and ask whether the hotel runs a shuttle. December crowds make every extra 100 metres feel longer.
Book your Rawdah visit early
Visits to the Rawdah in Masjid an-Nabawi need a time slot booked in the Nusuk app. However, slots are limited and go quickly in December. So book yours as soon as you know your Madinah dates.
At Al Marwa Travel, our December Umrah packages include return flights, visa processing, hotels, transfers and ziyarat tours, from £720 per person. Secure your dates with a £100 deposit.
View December PackagesFrequently Asked Questions
Is December a good time for Umrah?
Yes, December is one of the best months for Umrah from the UK. Makkah averages about 32°C by day, which is far cooler than summer. Moreover, the school holidays let families travel together. However, the first two weeks are quieter and cheaper than Christmas.
How hot is Makkah in December?
Makkah averages a high of 32°C and a low of 20°C in December. In contrast, summer highs average above 40°C. Madinah is cooler still, at about 26°C by day and 14°C at night. So pack a light jumper for the evenings.
Is Umrah more expensive in December?
Yes, prices rise from mid-December, when school holidays, flight fares and hotel demand all peak. However, the first two weeks are noticeably cheaper. Our December packages start from £720 per person for 7 nights, with flights, visa, hotels and transfers included.
How early should I book December Umrah?
Book by October for the Christmas school holidays, because those dates sell out first. Prices also rise as seats go. In contrast, for early December, booking six to eight weeks ahead is usually enough.
Can I take my children out of school for Umrah in December?
Head teachers in England only allow term-time absence in exceptional circumstances. Moreover, since August 2024 an unauthorised absence fine is £80 per parent, per child, rising to £160 if paid late. Therefore, the simplest option is the Christmas holidays, from 19 December 2026 to 3 January 2027.
Final Thoughts
In short, December Umrah 2026 suits most UK pilgrims, with mild weather and school holidays for families. If your dates are flexible, choose the first two weeks. However, if you need the Christmas break, book now, check the hotel distance and ask for your ATOL certificate.
New to Umrah? Our Complete Umrah Guide 2026 walks you through every step. You can also compare all our Umrah packages 2027.
Call 020 3504 6001 for a quote, or send us an enquiry.
Sources
- Makkah climate: Jeddah Regional Climate Center, via Climate of Mecca
- Madinah climate: World Meteorological Organization, 1991 to 2020, via Medina
- School dates: Croydon Council term dates 2026 to 2027 and Royal Greenwich term dates
- School absence fines: Cornwall Council, national penalty framework
- ATOL: Civil Aviation Authority, what is ATOL protection
- Prices and hotels: Al Marwa Travel December package pages