Is January a Good Time for Umrah in 2027? Weather, Crowds & Prices
Yes, January is a good time for Umrah for most UK pilgrims. The weather is mild. Prices usually settle after the Christmas rush. The crowds are often calmer than in peak months.
There is one thing to plan around. Ramadan 2027 is not starting. It is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027, though the official start depends on the Saudi crescent sighting. So late January can get busier as Ramadan travellers book early.
Adam Travel provides and sells Umrah packages for every month of the year. This guide shows you what January 2027 looks like, so you can pick the right week.
Factor | What to Expect in January 2027 | Verdict |
Weather | Mild days and cool nights | Very good |
Crowds | Busier early in the month, calmer mid-month | Good |
Package prices | Usually lower after the Christmas peak | Good value |
Flights | Easier to find than in school holidays | Good |
Ramadan link | Ramadan is expected in early February | Book early |
Visa timing | Well before the Umrah visa cut-off in March | Safe |
January is the coolest month of the year in Saudi Arabia. For UK pilgrims, this feels very comfortable. You can perform Tawaf and Sa’i without the harsh summer heat.
Makkah usually sees daytime temperatures of around 25 to 30°C. Nights in Makkah seldom drop below 13°C in January.
Madinah is cooler. January highs average about 24°C, and lows are around 12°C. Early mornings and late nights can feel chilly.
City | Daytime | Night | What to Pack |
Makkah | About 25 to 30°C | About 13°C or above | Light cotton clothes and a thin jacket |
Madinah | About 24°C | About 12°C | Light layers, a warm cardigan or jacket |
Sources give slightly different ranges. Check the forecast a few days before you fly.
Crowds change week by week. January is not one single level.
Period | Crowd Level (Typical) | Why |
Early January | Busy | Christmas and New Year travellers are still returning |
Mid-January | Calmer | UK schools are back and demand eases |
Late January | Rising | Pilgrims begin to arrive early for Ramadan |
Travel sources describe the picture in different ways. Some call December and January the busiest season in Madinah. Others say the first half of January should be calmer and better value than December.
Based on this, mid-January is often the sweet spot. Fridays and weekends stay busy at the Haram in any month. For a quieter Tawaf, try the hours after Fajr or late at night.
Prices usually fall in January. Umrah prices often drop after the Christmas peak, especially in the first half of the month once schools go back. Then they can start to rise again as Ramadan gets closer.
Period | Price Trend (Typical) | What Drives It |
Late December | Highest | Christmas and New Year holidays |
Early January | Falling | Holiday demand ends |
Mid-January | Lowest point | Fewer travellers, more hotel and flight choice |
Late January | Starting to rise | Early Ramadan bookings |
February and Ramadan | Higher | Demand peaks in the holy month |
Month | Weather | Crowds | Package Prices |
December | Mild | Busy | High |
January | Mild and cool | Moderate | Lower |
February and Ramadan | Mild | Very busy | Higher |
Summer | Very hot | Moderate | Mixed |
The exact price you pay depends on your hotel, the number of nights, your departure city and your travel date. Hotel distance from the Haram changes the cost more than anything else.
- Book early to lock in your date.
- Travel in mid-January rather than the first week.
- Compare 3-star, 4-star and 5-star options.
- Choose a mid-week flight if you can.
Adam Travel lets you secure a January package with a £50 deposit. Instalment plans are available.
A cooler month is easier on the body. It still needs planning. Here are the key precautions.
Area | What to Do |
Meningitis vaccine | Saudi Arabia requires the MenACWY vaccine for all Umrah pilgrims aged one and over. The Saudi Ministry of Health says it must be given at least 10 days before you arrive. |
Health advice | The UK Health Security Agency also recommends this vaccine for UK pilgrims. Speak to your GP or travel clinic early. |
Nusuk registration | Nusuk is mandatory for all pilgrims, and your Umrah and Rawdah permits are issued through it. Adam Travel can guide you. |
Passport | Your passport should have at least six months’ validity. |
Cold nights | Pack a jacket and layers, especially for Madinah. |
Dry air | Drink water often. Even in winter, you lose fluids walking in the Haram. |
Sun | Use sun cream and wear comfortable footwear. |
Medicines | Carry your prescriptions in your hand luggage. |
Crowds | Pick quieter hours. Keep your group together and agree a meeting point. |
Saudi rules can change at short notice. We confirm the latest requirements with you before you travel.
Traveller | Why January Works | Our Advice |
Families | Mild weather suits children | Mid-January, when it is calmer |
Elderly pilgrims | No extreme heat | Choose a hotel close to the Haram |
First-time pilgrims | Easier pace and lower stress | 10 or 14 nights gives time to settle |
Couples | Good prices and cooler evenings | A 4-star or 5-star package |
Ramadan seekers | Late January is a warm-up | Book Ramadan separately and early |
Both are special. They suit different needs.
January gives you milder prices and more space. Ramadan gives you the spiritual atmosphere of the holy month, with higher prices and very large crowds.
Some pilgrims perform Umrah in January and return for Ramadan. If you plan Ramadan, book as early as you can.
Umrah visas stop for the Hajj season. Travel guides say Saudi Arabia plans to stop issuing Umrah visas in early March 2027. A January trip is well ahead of this.
Adam Travel is a UK Umrah and Hajj specialist. We sell Umrah packages in 3-star, 4-star and 5-star grades, with monthly packages for every month from January to December.
- ATOL protected: ATOL number 74904.
- Approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
- Trusted since 1998, with a 4.9 out of 5 Google rating.
- Packages include flights, visa processing, transport, Ziyarat and hotel accommodation.
- Your choice of hotel in Makkah and Madinah, including Clock Tower options.
- Easy payment: a £50 deposit and instalment plans.
FaQ's
Is January a good time to perform Umrah?
Yes. The weather is mild, and prices usually fall after the Christmas peak. Mid-January is often the calmest period.
Is Umrah cheaper in January than in December?
Usually, yes. Prices tend to fall once UK schools go back. They can rise again as Ramadan approaches.
What is the weather in Makkah in January?
Days are mild, at around 25 to 30°C. Nights are cooler. A light jacket is enough for most pilgrims.
Is Madinah cold in January?
It is cooler than Makkah. Highs are around 24°C and nights drop to about 12°C. Pack warm layers.
When does Ramadan 2027 start?
It is expected to begin on Monday 8 February 2027. The official date depends on the Saudi moon sighting.
Do I need a vaccine for Umrah in 2027?
Saudi Arabia requires the MenACWY meningitis vaccine for all Umrah pilgrims. Get it at least 10 days before you travel.
Does Adam Travel sell January Umrah packages?
Yes. We offer 3-star, 4-star and 5-star January Umrah packages. They include flights, visa processing, transport, Ziyarat and hotels.
Book Your January 2027 Umrah with Adam Travel
Ready to plan a calm, comfortable Umrah? Secure your 2027 Umrah Package today with a £50 deposit. Our team will match you with the right hotel, dates and budget.
Travel with confidence. Return with barakah.
Verified Travel Specialist
Written By: Yasir Ali
Our content and package information are carefully reviewed by experienced Umrah travel specialists to ensure accuracy, reliability, and the latest updates.