Performing Umrah in Ramadan is a dream for many British Muslims. The reward is great, the atmosphere in Makkah and Madinah is unlike any other time of year, and breaking your fast beside the Haram is something pilgrims never forget.
It is also the busiest and most expensive time of year to go. The good news is that with the right timing and a little planning, Ramadan Umrah can be far more affordable than many people expect. Here is what UK pilgrims need to know for Ramadan 2027.
When is Ramadan 2027?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February, with Eid al-Fitr around 9 March. The last ten nights are expected to start around 28 February, and the 27th night, when many seek Laylat al-Qadr, is expected around 6 March. All dates depend on the sighting of the moon.
For UK travellers, that brings two big advantages. The weather in Makkah in February and March is far milder than in summer, usually around 30°C by day. And in many areas, February half-term falls inside Ramadan, which gives families a chance to travel without taking children out of school.
Why Ramadan Umrah costs more
Prices rise sharply in Ramadan for simple reasons: demand is huge, and hotel rooms near the Haram are limited. The increase is not spread evenly across the month.
- First ten days: the most affordable part of Ramadan, with quieter hotels and lower prices
- Middle ten days: prices start to climb as demand builds
- Last ten nights: the most expensive period of the year, especially for hotels closest to the Haram
February half-term adds extra pressure, as UK families all try to book the same week.
How to save on Ramadan Umrah
You do not need to give up on Ramadan to keep costs down. These steps make the biggest difference:
- Book early. The best-value hotels near the Haram sell out months ahead. Booking in autumn for the following Ramadan usually gets you better prices and more choice.
- Travel in the first half of Ramadan. You still experience fasting, taraweeh and iftar in the Haram, often for much less than the last ten nights.
- Be flexible with flights. One-stop routes are usually cheaper than direct flights, and mid-week departures can save money.
- Split your hotels wisely. Spending a little more in Makkah and a little less in Madinah often works well.
- Compare full packages. When looking at cheap Ramadan Umrah packages, check what is included rather than just the headline price.
Your booking checklist
Not all Umrah packages UK travel agents advertise for Ramadan include the same things. Before paying a deposit, check:
- ATOL protection: any package with flights should be ATOL-protected. You can check an operator’s ATOL number on the Civil Aviation Authority website.
- Hotel names and walking distance: ask for the exact distance from the Haram in metres.
- Exact dates: confirm which part of Ramadan your nights fall in, especially if you want the last ten nights.
- Visa and Nusuk support: every pilgrim needs a Saudi visa and an Umrah permit through the official Nusuk app.
- Meals: check whether suhoor and iftar are included, or whether you will need to budget for them.
If you are unsure where to start, compare a few Umrah packages UK operators offer side by side, using the checklist above.
Rules to know for Ramadan
Ramadan is the most crowded time in Makkah, and Saudi Arabia manages it carefully. In recent years, Nusuk has limited pilgrims to one Umrah permit during Ramadan to manage crowds, so do not plan on repeating Umrah several times in the month.
The Umrah season also has a cut-off. Saudi Arabia’s published calendar shows Umrah visa issuing stopping in early March 2027, ahead of Hajj. If you hope to travel late in Ramadan or stay for Eid, make sure your visa is arranged well before then.
Tips for Ramadan in Makkah and Madinah
- Go early for prayers. The Haram fills up hours before taraweeh, especially in the last ten nights.
- Rest during the day. Most activity happens at night, so plan naps in the afternoon.
- Stay hydrated at suhoor. Drink plenty of water and Zamzam before dawn.
- Carry a small prayer mat. Pilgrims often pray in the outer courtyards when the mosque is full.
- Check health advice. The NHS-backed TravelHealthPro website has current guidance for Umrah pilgrims.
Final thoughts
Ramadan Umrah is worth the extra planning. Book early, travel in the first half of the month if your budget is tight, choose an ATOL-protected operator, and check exactly what your package includes. With Ramadan 2027 just a few months away, now is the time to start.
Frequently asked questions
When is Ramadan 2027?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around 8 February, with Eid al-Fitr around 9 March. The last ten nights are expected to start around 28 February. Exact dates depend on the moon sighting.
When should I book Ramadan Umrah from the UK?
As early as possible, ideally in the autumn before Ramadan. The best-value hotels near the Haram sell out months in advance, especially for the last ten nights.
How can I find cheap Ramadan Umrah packages?
Travel in the first ten days of Ramadan, book early, consider one-stop flights and compare full packages rather than headline prices. Always check the operator is ATOL-protected.
Can I perform Umrah more than once in Ramadan?
In recent years, the Nusuk app has limited pilgrims to one Umrah permit during Ramadan to manage crowds. Check the current rules on Nusuk before you travel.
Is February half-term a good time for Ramadan Umrah?
It can be, as in many areas it falls inside Ramadan 2027, so children do not miss school. Expect higher prices that week and book early.
About the author: This article was written by the team at Islamic Travel Agency, a London-based, ATOL-protected Umrah and Hajj specialist offering Ramadan Umrah packages from airports across the UK.
Caesar