Umrah is one of the most spiritually awakening journeys and is also one of the most beloved sunnah of our holy Prophet (PBUH). Muslims travel towards the holy city of Makkah every year in order to perform this holy pilgrimage. As the economy is quite unstable, the flight and accommodation rates are at all time high. It could be quiet straining for the pockets of people who are travelling from the countries such as UK and USA. The trusted name of Islamic travel comes to the aid with their Cheap Umrah Packages from UK and provides the customers with the affordable options after a careful survey across all the sites.
Performing Umrah in December is widely considered as one of the best times of the year, offering a perfect blend of comfortable, cool weather and have generally more manageable crowds as compared to the peak season of Ramadan. It is a popular time for families due to the end-of-year holidays. The major factors such as temperature, crowd levels and the necessary travel tips are mentioned in the guide as follows.
Weather in December:
The weather of Saudi Arabia in November and December is much more pleasant as compared to the weather during the summer window. As the maximum region comprises of desert, the temperature rises to a new high during summer window.
· Makkah
In Makkah the weather is mild and pleasant with the temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius. The days are warm while the mornings and nights can be quite cool.
· Madinah
Madinah is generally colder than Makkah, with the temperatures sometimes dropping between 13 to 24 degrees Celsius.
· Conditions
In December the humidity is quite low and a very low rainfall is experienced. Usually, the rainfall roughly reaches 7mm for a month.
Crowd Levels:
The crowd levels surely vary in December and can alter the experience of your pilgrimage for better or worse.
· Early vs. Late December
The first half of December is generally less crowded, while the last two weeks are busier. The reason is that in the last two weeks the Christmas and New years school holidays occur. This is the time when most pilgrims avail December Umrah Packagesduring the last days of the month of December.
· Crowd Nature
December is usually a lot busier than October and November and it is significantly less crowded than Ramadan.
· Traffic and Congestion
As a popular holiday time you might still encounter high traffic in both holy cities.
Travel and Preparation Tips
There are several preparation and travel tips that one must follow in order to have a smooth and hassle-free experience of Umrah in December. Some of these tips are mentioned in the guide below.
· Pack Accordingly
Bring light jackets or sweaters for early morning/nighttime in Madinah and for the air-conditioned hotels.
· Ihram for Men
You must opt for a thicker, warmer yet permissible Ihram fabric as it can feel cold during Fajr and during nighttime, particularly in Madinah.
· Book in Advance
Due to the holiday season, flights and hotels in the last two weeks of December can become expensive and get fully booked.
· Optimal Timing
Plan your Tawaf and Sa’i during cooler, early morning, or late-night hours to avoid the peak heat and maximize tranquility.
· Hydration and Health
Even if the weather id cool, you must keep yourself hydrated. You must also bring the essential medicines for the symptoms of cold or fever.
· Logistics
The best time to visit the Rawdah in Madinah is typically during the off-peak hours at night.
Advantages of performing Umrah in December
Whether you are a first-time pilgrim or have already visited the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, booking and Umrah package in December can provide you with several benefits that enhance your experience. Some of these benefits are mentioned in the guide below.
· Favorable Weather conditions
Saudi Arabia, particularly Makkah and Madinah, is known for its extreme heat, especially during the summer months. The blistering temperatures can be physically challenging for the pilgrims as they walk long distances between the sacred sites, including the Tawaf around the Ka’aba and the journey to the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah.
During December, the temperatures in Makkah and Madinah range from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it an ideal time to visit. This moderate weather means that you can comfortably perform your Umrah rituals without feeling exhausted by the heat. Pilgrims who visit during December can enjoy cooler evenings, making it easier to perform Tahajjud and other voluntary prayers in the peaceful environment of the holy cities.
· Ideal for exploring Religious Landmarks
The cooler temperatures make it more enjoyable to explore the religious landmarks around Makkah and Madinah, including the historical sites that are often overlooked during the hotter months. Traveling in December ensures that you are not only spiritually enriched but physically comfortable throughout your pilgrimage.
The weather also allows for longer walks between key sites such as from the Masjid al-Haram to various important locations in Makkah and from the Prophet’s Mosque to the historical sites in Madinah.
· Off-Peak travel Season
One of the most significant benefits of travelling for Umrah in December is that it falls outside the peak pilgrimage seasons. The Hajj season, which takes place in the Islamic month of Dhul-Hajj, is the busiest period in Saudi Arabia. This attracts millions of Muslims from around the world. Ramadan, too, witnesses a surge in pilgrim numbers, with the last ten days being particularly crowded.
· Availability of Premium Hotels
Another advantage of traveling for Umrah in December is the increased availability of premium hotels in Makkah and Madinah. During the peak season, hotels close to the Masjid al-Haram and Prophet’s Mosque are usually fully booked months in advance and the prices can be extremely high. In comparison, December offers greater availability of high-end accommodations at more affordable rates.
Booking an Umrah package in December offers numerous advantages, including cooler weather, fewer crowds, affordable prices and enhanced spiritual experiences.