WINTER UMRAH

January Umrah Packages

January Umrah Packages are off-peak winter pilgrimages for UK Muslims — the cheapest, quietest month, with the coolest, most comfortable weather of the year, often falling in the sacred month of Rajab. Packages include return flights, an Umrah visa, hotels in Makkah and Madinah, transfers and guided Ziyarat, in 7, 10 or 14 nights across 3, 4 and 5-star tiers, from £699 per person.

Plan Your Umrah Journey

Showing 1–9 of 9 packages

7 Nights

3 Star 7 Nights Umrah Package

Makkah, Madinah

Return flights from the UKUmrah visa processing included3-star hotels within walking distance of the Haram

10 Nights

3 Star 10 Nights Umrah Package

Makkah, Madinah

Return flights from the UKUmrah visa processing included3-star hotels within walking distance of the Haram

14 Nights

3 Star 14 Nights Umrah Package

Makkah, Madinah

Return flights from the UK (London, Manchester or Birmingham)Umrah visa processing included7 nights in Makkah + 7 nights in Madinah (3-star hotels)

7 Nights

4 Star 7 Nights Umrah Package

Makkah, Madinah

Return flights from the UKUmrah visa processing included4-star hotels close to the Haram

10 Nights

4 Star 10 Nights Umrah Package

Makkah, Madinah

Return flights from the UKUmrah visa processing included4-star hotels close to the Haram

14 Nights

4 Star 14 Nights Umrah Package

Makkah, Madinah

Return flights from the UKUmrah visa processing included4-star hotels close to the Haram

7 Nights

5 Star 7 Nights Umrah Package

Makkah, Madinah

Return flights from the UKUmrah visa processing included5-star hotels near the Haram

10 Nights

5 Star 10 Nights Umrah Package

Makkah, Madinah

Return flights from London, Manchester or BirminghamUmrah visa processing included5-star hotels near the Haram

14 Nights

5 Star 14 Nights Umrah Package

Makkah, Madinah

Return flights from the UKUmrah visa processing included5-star hotels near the Haram

Why January Is the Best-Value Month for Umrah

January is the strongest-value month in the Umrah calendar for UK Muslims, for 3 reasons. It is the cheapest month — demand collapses after the December and Christmas-holiday rush, so fares and hotel rates fall to their lowest of the year. It is the quietest, with the smallest crowds at Masjid al-Haram before the build-up to Ramadan. And it has the coolest, most comfortable weather, ideal for Tawaf and walking. Because UK schools are in term time, January suits flexible, retired and first-time pilgrims more than families.

January Often Falls in Rajab, a Sacred Month

Because the Islamic calendar shifts about 11 days earlier each year, January currently overlaps Rajab — one of the four sacred months (Al-Ashhur al-Hurum) in Islam. In 2026, the early part of January falls in Rajab 1447. Many UK pilgrims choose a Rajab Umrah for its spiritual weight and because it sits comfortably before Ramadan, while remembering that Umrah is rewarding in every month. As the overlap moves each year, tell us your dates and we will confirm exactly which Islamic month your January trip falls in.

January Weather: The Coolest, Most Comfortable Season

January is mid-winter in Saudi Arabia and the most comfortable time of year for Umrah. Daytime temperatures in Makkah average 24-29°C (75-84°F), while Madinah is noticeably cooler at 18-23°C (64-73°F). Desert nights are cold, especially in Madinah where they can drop to 9-12°C (48-54°F), so pack a light jacket or jumper for evening prayers. The cool, dry conditions make daytime Tawaf and the outdoor Ziyarat far easier than in the summer heat.

Is January the Cheapest Month for Umrah?

Yes — January is widely the cheapest month for Umrah, alongside a few low-season weeks in May and late September. Demand drops sharply once the December and Christmas holidays end and UK schools return, so airlines and hotels cut rates. A 7-night January package starts from £699 per person, the lowest entry price of the year. For the best-priced departures in any month, see our cheaper packages.

January Crowds: The Quietest Time at the Haram

January has some of the lowest pilgrim numbers of the year. The December school-holiday and New-Year surge has passed, and the Ramadan rush is still two months away, so Masjid al-Haram and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi are calm. Tawaf is easier, prayer lines are shorter, and getting close to the Kaaba or reaching the Rawdah in Madinah is more achievable than in peak months. This makes January a favourite for elderly pilgrims and anyone performing Umrah for the first time.

Best Ziyarat Sites to Visit in January

January's cool weather makes it one of the best months for guided Ziyarat — the tours of historical Islamic sites — with comfortable temperatures for the outdoor and uphill sites. Every January package includes guided Ziyarat in both holy cities. Around Makkah you visit Jabal al-Nour (the Cave of Hira), the Cave of Thawr, Jabal Arafat and Mina; a day trip to Taif can be added, crisp and clear in winter. In Madinah the tour covers Masjid Quba (the first mosque in Islam), Masjid al-Qiblatain, Mount Uhud and Jannat al-Baqi. For the rituals themselves — entering Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba and Sa'i between Safa and Marwah — an English-speaking guide assists you on arrival at Al-Masjid al-Haram.

Choose Your January Umrah Package

Pick your January Umrah by hotel rating, length of stay or departure city:

By rating: 3-star hotels from £699 · 4-star hotels from £749 · 5-star hotels from £899 · cheaper packages
By duration: 7 nights · 10 nights · 14 nights
By departure city: London · Manchester · Birmingham · Bradford · Glasgow

Masjid an-Nabawi under a clear sky in Madinah

What's Included, and Booking with Insha Travel

Every January Umrah package includes return UK flights, Umrah visa processing through the Saudi Nusuk platform, hotels near Al-Masjid al-Haram in Makkah and Al-Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah, all transfers and guided Ziyarat; meals are room-only as standard, with breakfast or half-board as an add-on. Insha Travel is an IATA-certified UK Muslim travel agency and every flight-inclusive package is ATOL protected, with hotels near the Haram and UK-based support by phone and WhatsApp. See the Umrah visa, read our reviews, or browse other months: the December window, the February window and the Ramadan window, or all browse all packages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest month for Umrah?

January is widely the cheapest month for Umrah, with a few low-season weeks in May and late September close behind. After the December holidays, demand drops and airlines and hotels cut rates, so January packages start from £699 per person.

Why is January the cheapest time for Umrah?

Demand collapses once the December and Christmas holidays end and UK schools return to term, so airfares and hotel rates fall to their lowest of the year. Fewer pilgrims also means more availability at lower-priced hotels.

Does January Umrah fall in the sacred month of Rajab?

Often, yes. The Islamic calendar shifts about 11 days earlier each year, and in 2026 the early part of January falls in Rajab 1447, one of the four sacred months. The overlap moves each year, so tell us your dates and we'll confirm the Islamic month.

Is performing Umrah in Rajab recommended?

Rajab is one of the four sacred months and many Muslims choose it for Umrah for its spiritual significance. There is no obligation tied to Rajab specifically — Umrah is valid and rewarding in every month of the year.

What is the weather like for Umrah in January?

January is mid-winter and the coolest, most comfortable season. Makkah averages 24-29°C in the day; Madinah is cooler at 18-23°C, with cold nights down to 9-12°C, so a light jacket is useful for evening prayers.

What should I pack for Umrah in January?

Pack light layers for warm days plus a jumper or light jacket for cool evenings, especially in Madinah. Bring comfortable walking shoes, your Ihram, sunscreen and a refillable water bottle. Heavy winter coats are not needed.

Is the Haram quieter in January?

Yes. January is one of the quietest months — the December and New-Year surge has passed and Ramadan is still two months away, so Tawaf is easier and prayer lines are shorter.

Is January a good time for families with school-age children?

January is term time in the UK, so it suits flexible, retired and first-time pilgrims more than families. For a family trip in the school holidays, see our Easter, summer and October half-term months.

Is January good for elderly or first-time pilgrims?

Yes. The cool weather, low crowds and lowest prices of the year make January ideal for elderly pilgrims and anyone performing Umrah for the first time, with easier Tawaf and access to the Rawdah.

Do I need a Mahram to perform Umrah in January?

No. Since 2022, women can perform Umrah without a Mahram in any month, including January, travelling alone or in a group. See our women's Umrah packages for details.

Which UK airports offer January Umrah departures?

We arrange January departures from London, Manchester and Birmingham, with connecting options from Bradford (Leeds Bradford), Glasgow and other UK airports.

How much does a January Umrah package cost?

A January Umrah package costs from £699 per person for 3-star, £749 for 4-star and £899 for 5-star, including flights, visa, hotels and transfers — the lowest entry prices of the year.

Are January Umrah packages ATOL protected?

Yes. Every flight-inclusive January Umrah package is ATOL protected, so your money and return flight are financially secured.