Planning Umrah in Ramadan: Dates, Crowds and Practical Advice

Performing Umrah in Ramadan is a lifelong hope for many Muslims. The atmosphere in Makkah and Madinah during the blessed month is unlike any other time of year: nights of prayer, the breaking of the fast with strangers in the mosque courtyards, and the special devotion of the last ten nights. It is also the most demanding time to travel. This guide helps you plan realistically.

The virtue of Umrah in Ramadan

In a well-known hadith reported by al-Bukhari and Muslim, the Prophet (peace be upon him) told a woman who had missed Hajj that Umrah in Ramadan is equal in reward to Hajj. Scholars explain that this refers to reward, and that Umrah in Ramadan does not fulfill the obligation of Hajj for someone who has not yet performed it.

Verifying the dates

The Islamic calendar is lunar, so Ramadan moves about eleven days earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, so the exact start of Ramadan is confirmed only on the evening before.

• Ramadan 1448 AH is expected to begin on or around February 8, 2027, with Eid al-Fitr expected around early March 2027
• The actual dates may differ by a day, depending on the moon sighting announced in Saudi Arabia
• The last ten nights are therefore expected to fall in late February and early March 2027

When booking, build in a day or two of flexibility. If your main goal is the last ten nights, plan your stay so it covers them even if Ramadan starts a day later than expected. Treat any date on a calendar or booking as an estimate until the official announcement.

Crowds

Ramadan is one of the busiest times of year in both holy cities, and the crowds grow toward the end of the month.

• The mosques, courtyards and surrounding streets fill well before each prayer, especially Maghrib, Isha and Taraweeh
• Tawaf and Sa’i can take much longer than at quieter times
• Security staff manage the flow of people, and some entrances or areas may be closed when full
• Traffic around the Haram is heavy, which affects shuttle hotels and transfers

Many pilgrims perform their Umrah at a quieter hour, such as late morning, rather than straight after Taraweeh. If you are traveling with older relatives or children, plan carefully; our guide to Umrah with elderly parents and children can help.

The last ten nights

The last ten nights of Ramadan are the most sought-after, because Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, is sought among them, especially on the odd nights. In Makkah, many worshippers stay in the mosque for night prayers (Qiyam) and some perform i’tikaf, spiritual retreat in the mosque.

• Crowds are at their peak, and finding space to pray can take a long time
• Hotels near the Haram are in very high demand and fill early
• Many people pray in the courtyards or on upper levels when the main areas are full
• Rest during the day becomes essential if you plan to pray through the night

The first two thirds of Ramadan are generally less crowded and less costly, while still offering the blessing of Umrah in Ramadan. For many families, this is a wise choice.

Budget pressure

Ramadan is typically the most expensive time of year for Umrah. Flight fares and hotel rates, particularly near the Haram, rise with demand, and many packages require full payment earlier than usual.

• Ask for an itemized, dated quote, and check how long it is valid
• Compare the same hotels, room occupancy and nights across quotes
• Consider sharing a room or staying slightly farther out, while weighing the extra effort in crowded conditions
• Consider the first part of the month rather than the last ten nights

For more on cost components, see Planning Your Umrah Budget and our Umrah cost guide.

Fasting with travel

The Quran permits travelers not to fast and to make up the missed days later (Surah al-Baqarah, 2:184–185). Scholars discuss the details, including what counts as travel and when the concession ends after arrival.

• Many pilgrims choose not to fast on the long flight from the United States and make up the day later
• Once settled in Makkah or Madinah, many fast as usual
• Those who are ill, elderly or pregnant should seek both religious and medical advice before deciding
• Iftar and suhoor times shift as you cross time zones, so check local timings on arrival

Performing Umrah while fasting can be tiring. Many pilgrims perform it after iftar or at night once they have eaten and rested. Stay well hydrated between iftar and suhoor.

Ihram and Umrah in Ramadan

The rites of Umrah are the same in Ramadan as at any other time. If you fly directly to Jeddah, you enter Ihram before the miqat during the flight; if you go to Madinah first, you enter Ihram when traveling to Makkah. See How to Perform Umrah and Ihram Explained for the details.

Permits and official rules

Umrah permits and visits to the Rawdah in Madinah are managed through the official Nusuk platform. In busy periods such as Ramadan, authorities may adjust permit availability, appointment rules or access arrangements at short notice. Visa and health requirements can also change.

• Check the Nusuk platform and the Saudi eVisa portal for current rules
• Check the CDC page for Saudi Arabia and speak with your doctor about vaccinations
• Review the State Department’s travel information and consider enrolling in STEP

Check the official source before you travel, and again shortly before departure.

No guaranteed bookings

Because demand is so high, no agency can guarantee a particular hotel, flight or Rawdah appointment for Ramadan until it is confirmed in writing. Even then, hotels can occasionally substitute rooms, and permit rules may change. Ask what happens if a booked hotel becomes unavailable, and read the cancellation terms carefully.

A Ramadan planning timeline

1. As early as possible: decide whether you want the first part of the month or the last ten nights, and request quotes
2. Once dates are chosen: check passports, visas and health requirements; see Your First Umrah from the USA
3. A few weeks before: confirm all bookings in writing and set up the Nusuk app
4. Final days: watch for the moon-sighting announcement and pack for long nights; see What to Pack for Umrah

This guide is general information based on mainstream practice. Details vary between schools of thought, and it is not a personal religious ruling. For questions about your own situation, please consult a qualified scholar you trust.

Hoping to spend Ramadan in Makkah or Madinah? Tell us your preferred dates and we will prepare an itemized quote, or explore Umrah packages.