For many British Muslim families, December is the only time everyone is free at once. The kids are off school, a lot of people take time off work over Christmas, and the weather in Saudi Arabia is at its coolest. So it is no surprise that December has become one of the busiest months of the year for Umrah from the UK.
That popularity comes at a price. Flights and hotels around Christmas cost more, and the best places sell out early. This guide explains why December works so well, what it costs, when to book and what to pack, so you can plan a family Umrah without any nasty surprises.
Why December is a good month for Umrah
The weather. December is one of the coolest months in Makkah and Madinah. Daytime temperatures in Makkah are usually around 28°C to 31°C, and nights drop to about 18°C to 21°C. Madinah is cooler again, with days around 20°C to 24°C and nights that can fall to 10°C. Compare that with summer, when Makkah is often over 40°C, and it is easy to see why families like December. Walking to the mosque five times a day is much easier on children and older parents.
The school holidays. Most schools in England break up for Christmas around 18 December and go back in early January. That gives families about two weeks, which is enough for a 10 to 14 night trip without taking children out of school.
Rajab. In 2026, the Islamic month of Rajab is expected to start around 10 or 11 December. Rajab is one of the four sacred months in Islam, and many Muslims like to do Umrah during it.
The two halves of December
It helps to think of December as two different months.
• 1 to 17 December. Schools are still open, so it is quieter. Flights and hotels are cheaper, and the mosques are less crowded. This is a good choice for couples, retired parents or anyone who does not need to fit in with the school calendar.
• 18 December to early January. This is the Christmas holiday rush. Prices go up and the Grand Mosque in Makkah gets very busy, mainly on the days around Christmas and New Year. It is still a great time to go, but you need to book early.
If you can go in the first half of the month, you will save money and have a calmer trip. If you have school-age children, the second half is often the only option, so plan well ahead.
How much does a December Umrah cost from the UK?
As a rough guide, a December Umrah package from the UK with flights, visa, hotels and transfers costs from around £650 per person for 5 nights in 3-star hotels. Longer stays and 5-star hotels near the mosque cost more, and 14 nights in a 5-star hotel can be around £1,250 per person. Trips over the Christmas week are usually at the top end.
These prices are normally per person in a room of four. That suits families well, as parents and two children can share one room. If you need a double or triple room, the price per person goes up.
The main things that change the price are:
• Your dates. Early December is cheaper than Christmas week.
• How close the hotel is. Hotels right next to the Grand Mosque cost the most. A hotel a 10 to 15 minute walk away is much cheaper.
• Your flight. A direct flight from London to Jeddah takes about six hours. A flight with a stop in Dubai, Doha or Istanbul takes longer but often costs less.
• How long you stay. Most families book between 7 and 14 nights.
What “all inclusive” really means for Umrah
You will see the words “all inclusive” on a lot of Umrah deals. It is worth knowing what this means, because it is not the same as an all-inclusive beach holiday.
For Umrah, all inclusive usually means your return flights, Umrah visa, hotels in Makkah and Madinah and all your transfers are covered in one price. Some packages also include breakfast, guided visits to historic sites (ziyarat) and the Haramain high-speed train between Madinah and Makkah. Lunch and dinner are usually not included.
Booking this way is much easier for families than sorting out each part yourself, as there is one price, one booking and one person to call if something goes wrong. If you are comparing options, looking at all inclusive Umrah packages from a few UK agents will quickly show you what is covered and what a fair price looks like.
Even with a package, keep some money aside for things that are rarely included:
• Travel insurance
• The meningitis ACWY jab, about £40 to £70 at UK chemists
• Lunch, dinner and snacks
• Extra luggage, such as Zamzam water on the way home
• Gifts and shopping
When to book a December Umrah
Christmas week flights are always the first to go. As a rule:
• For the Christmas holidays, book by June at the latest. Earlier is better if you want a hotel close to the mosque.
• For early December, four to six months ahead is usually enough.
Booking early also gives you longer to pay. Many UK agents take a small deposit and let you pay the rest monthly, which makes a family trip much easier to budget for. If you are travelling in the school holidays, it makes sense to look at December Umrah packages from UK as early as possible. These are built around the December dates, so you can see which fit the school calendar straight away.
What to check before you pay
A good price is only a good deal if the trip is right for your family. Ask these questions first:
• Is it ATOL protected? Every UK package with flights should be. Ask for the ATOL number and check it on the CAA website. If the company goes bust, ATOL protects your money.
• Which hotels will we stay in? Ask for the hotel names in Makkah and Madinah before you pay, and how many minutes’ walk they are from the mosque.
• Is breakfast included? With children, a hotel breakfast saves time and money every morning.
• How do we get between cities? Check whether it is by coach or by the high-speed train, which takes under three hours.
• Is there help on the ground? Find out if a group leader travels with you and who to call in Saudi Arabia.
Packing for a December Umrah
December weather surprises many first-timers, mainly in Madinah. Here is what to bring:
• A warm layer. Madinah can be cold at night and early in the morning. Pack a jumper or light jacket for Fajr.
• Comfortable sandals. You will walk a lot. Make sure they are already broken in.
• Two sets of ihram for men. A spare set is handy.
• A small shoe bag. You will need to carry your shoes inside the mosque.
• A refillable water bottle. Zamzam water is available all over both mosques.
• Basic medicine. Coughs and colds spread fast in big crowds. Pack paracetamol, throat sweets and any regular medicine.
• Copies of your papers. Keep your passport, visa, insurance and hotel bookings on your phone and in an email to yourself.
Tips for doing Umrah with children
• Pick your time. The Grand Mosque is often quieter late at night or mid-morning. Avoid the hour before and after Friday prayer.
• Agree a meeting point. Crowds are big in December. Choose a fixed spot, such as a numbered gate, in case anyone gets separated. Put a card with your hotel name and phone number in each child’s pocket.
• Use a pushchair or wheelchair. These are allowed in parts of the mosque and make long walks easier for small children and older relatives.
• Plan rest time. Build in quiet afternoons at the hotel so no one gets worn out.
• Book the Rawdah early. In Madinah, slots to pray in the Rawdah are booked on the Nusuk app and go quickly in the holidays.
Visa and health
UK passport holders can apply for the Saudi tourist e-visa online, which can be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season. Many agents also arrange an Umrah visa as part of the package. Umrah permits are handled through Nusuk, the official Saudi app, and they are free.
Everyone travelling, including children, needs the meningitis ACWY jab at least ten days before the trip. It is also worth checking the NHS Fit for Travel page for Saudi Arabia before you go.
Final word
December is one of the best months for a family Umrah from the UK. The weather is mild, the kids are off school, and you can come home in time for the new year. The only real downside is the cost and the crowds over Christmas week.
If you can, go in early December. If you need the school holidays, book by early summer, share a room and choose a hotel a short walk from the mosque. Check that your agent is ATOL protected and clear about what is included, and you can spend your time on what matters most: your worship.