Umrah in December from the UK: Weather, Prices & Essential Travel Tips

For many British Muslims, Umrah in December from the UK is one of the most convenient and comfortable times to travel. The weather in Saudi Arabia is cooler compared to the hot summer months, UK schools usually have a winter break, and many people find it easier to take annual leave.

In this complete guide, you’ll learn:

What the weather is like in Makkah and Madinah in December
Typical Umrah prices from the UK in December
Key visa options for UK citizens
Practical booking tips for flights and packages
Essential packing and health advice
Extra tips for families, elderly and first‑time pilgrims

Why Choose Umrah in December from the UK?

1. Cooler and More Comfortable Weather

One of the biggest benefits of doing Umrah in December from the UK is the cooler climate in Saudi Arabia:

Temperatures are milder than in summer
Walking to and from the Haramain is easier
Elderly pilgrims and children find it less exhausting

This makes ibadah more manageable, especially during peak times in the Masjid al‑Haram and Masjid an‑Nabawi.

2. School Holidays and Family Convenience

December often includes the Christmas and winter school holidays in the UK, which is ideal for:

Families travelling together with school‑age children
Teachers and education staff who only get time off in school breaks
Longer 7, 10 or 14‑day Umrah packages

3. Spiritual End to the Year

Many Muslims see Umrah in December from the UK as a chance to:

End the year with repentance and reflection
Make duas for the coming year
Reset spiritually in a blessed environment

Weather in Makkah and Madinah in December

Average Temperatures

While exact numbers change slightly each year, December weather is generally:

Makkah in December
Day: around 28–32°C
Night: around 18–22°C
Madinah in December
Day: around 24–28°C
Night: around 12–18°C

Madinah is usually cooler than Makkah, especially at night and early morning.

How the Weather Feels for UK Pilgrims

If you’re coming from a cold, rainy UK winter, the weather during Umrah in December from the UK feels like a warm spring or summer:

Sun can still be strong in the afternoon
You’ll need sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses
Evenings and early mornings can feel cool, particularly in Madinah and inside air‑conditioned areas

A light cardigan, jumper or shawl is usually enough to stay comfortable.

Umrah Prices in December from the UK

The cost of Umrah in December from the UK depends on:

Departure city (London, Birmingham, Manchester, etc.)
Hotel standard (3, 4 or 5‑star)
Direct vs indirect flights
Length of stay
How early you book

Typical Package Price Ranges

These are rough, per‑person estimates (excluding any major price shocks). Actual prices vary, so always check live offers.

Budget / 3‑Star Packages

Usually 7 nights
Approx £800–£1,100 per person
Indirect flights
Hotels further from the Haram, basic facilities

Mid‑Range / 4‑Star Packages

Around 7–10 nights
Approx £1,100–£1,500 per person
Better hotel comfort and service
Often a reasonable walking distance to the Haram
Some meals (e.g. breakfast) may be included

Premium / 5‑Star Packages

Around 7–10+ nights
Approx £1,500–£2,200+ per person
High‑end hotels very close to the Haram in Makkah and Madinah
Greater convenience for elderly or families
Often includes direct flights and private transfers

Flight Prices for December

December is a busy period for worldwide travel, so flights can be more expensive:

Economy return fares from UK to Jeddah or Madinah in December commonly range from £450–£800+
Prices depend on:
UK departure city
Airline and route
Direct vs indirect
Booking time (early vs last‑minute)

What Affects December Umrah Prices?

Key factors include:

Booking early (3–6 months ahead)
Direct flights (more convenient, usually more expensive)
Hotel distance from the Haram (the closer, the higher the cost)
UK departure city (London often has more options; compare with Birmingham and Manchester in “Best UK City for Umrah Travel: London vs Birmingham vs Manchester.”)

Visa Options for Umrah in December from the UK

Before booking Umrah in December from the UK, pilgrims must understand visa requirements. These can change, so always advise readers to double‑check official sources.

Main Visa Types for UK Pilgrims

1. Traditional Umrah Visa via Agent

Arranged through a licensed Umrah travel agency
Often includes hotels, internal transfers and sometimes flights
Strictly for religious travel (Umrah)

2. Saudi Tourist eVisa / Visit Visa

In recent years, Saudi Arabia has allowed many visitors to perform Umrah using a tourist eVisa or visit visa (outside Hajj season). This gives more flexibility if pilgrims also want to explore other Saudi cities.

However, rules may change, so direct readers to:

Your detailed post “Umrah Visa Requirements for UK Citizens (2025)”
The official Saudi eVisa portal:
https://visa.mofa.gov.sa

Can You Perform Umrah on a Visit Visa?

Many ask if they can do Umrah in December from the UK using only a visit or tourist visa. In many recent seasons, this has been allowed under certain conditions.

Booking Tips for Umrah in December from the UK

1. Book Early for Best Choice and Price

Because December is busy:

Start researching agencies and prices at least 4–6 months before travelling
Compare multiple UK‑based ATOL‑protected agencies
Be flexible with dates if possible to catch cheaper flights

2. Choose a Reliable Umrah Travel Agency

A good agency makes Umrah in December from the UK much smoother:

Check ATOL and, ideally, IATA registration
Read independent reviews from UK travellers
Ask for full details in writing:
Flight details (airline, route, baggage allowance)
Hotel names and star ratings
Distance to the Haram (in metres/minutes walk)
Visa type and processing time
Transfers, ziyarah tours, meals, and extras

3. Decide on Length of Stay

When doing Umrah in December from the UK, the most common choices are:

7 days – good for those with limited time and budget
10 days – better balance of worship and rest
14 days – ideal for families and elderly pilgrims who need a slower pace

Packing Tips for December Umrah from the UK

Clothing

Because you’re moving from winter in the UK to a warm climate:

Light, breathable everyday clothes
A light cardigan, jumper or shawl for cooler nights and air‑conditioned areas
For men:
1–2 ihram sets
A few thobes or comfortable long‑sleeve shirts
For women:
Loose, breathable abayas
Several hijabs in comfortable fabrics

Footwear

Comfortable walking shoes or trainers
Simple sandals or flip‑flops
A small shoe bag for footwear in the Haram

Travel Documents and Money

Valid passport (check expiry rules)
Printed and digital copies of bookings (flights, hotels, visas)
Debit/credit card and some Saudi Riyals cash

Health Tips for Umrah in December from the UK

Even though December is cooler, crowds and travel can still be tiring.

Basic Health Advice

Stay hydrated: drink bottled water regularly
Use hand sanitiser in busy areas
Carry a small first‑aid kit (painkillers, plasters, cold/flu tablets, diarrhoea tablets)
Get any recommended vaccinations as per UK and Saudi guidance

Looking After the Elderly and Vulnerable

If travelling with older parents or relatives:

Consider wheelchair assistance at airports and in the Haramain
Choose hotels close to the masjid to reduce walking
Allow plenty of time to rest between acts of worship

Tips for Families and First‑Time Pilgrims

Travelling with Children

For Umrah in December from the UK as a family:

Choose flight times that are child‑friendly
Book hotels with family rooms or inter‑connecting rooms
Pack snacks, water, small toys and Islamic storybooks

First‑Time Pilgrims

If it’s your first Umrah:

Learn the steps of Umrah (ihram, tawaf, sa’i, shaving/trimming) beforehand
Carry a small guide or pocketbook of duas
Understand what is not allowed in Umrah and common mistakes

Spiritual Preparation

Beyond the logistics, Umrah in December from the UK is above all a spiritual journey.

Renew your niyyah purely for Allah
Seek forgiveness from family and friends before travelling
Prepare a list of personal duas for dunya and akhirah

Check Official Guidance Before You Travel

Rules and guidance can change, so always refer to official sources:

UK Government travel advice for Saudi Arabia:
https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/saudi-arabia
Saudi eVisa and visa information:
https://visa.mofa.gov.sa

Final Thoughts on Umrah in December from the UK

For many British Muslims, Umrah in December from the UK offers the perfect mix of:

Cooler, more comfortable weather
Convenient school and work holidays
A powerful opportunity to end the year in worship and reflection

To continue planning, read these blogs below by clicking on there links for better understanding:

With good planning, the right package, and sincere intention, Umrah in December from the UK can be a deeply rewarding and unforgettable journey, in sha Allah.