And here’s one other thing I’ve learned, after sending over 200 UK families on Umrah packages last winter: December isn’t just another travel month –it might be the only time of the year when everything falls into place at once. It gets cool in Saudi Arabia, UK schools break up for Christmas and most importantly you can perform Tawaf without feeling like you’re going to melt!
Let me explain why December has become my favourite month to recommend Umrah, supported by real temperature statistics and booking trends from our Manchester based agency.
The Things That Make December Weather Good for Umrah
Hmm.. And what is it about crushing cold that makes doing umrah physically easier?
The numbers are an absolute story. When I send them off to Makkah in December, the temperature in the day for their final tawaf prayers is about 28-31°C (82-88°F); warm, but not at all like summer when even standing still outside in the punishing 43°C heat leaves you feeling drained.
Here’s what that means for your rituals: While performing Sa’i between two hills — Safa and Marwa (as in walking 3.15 kilometers) — you’re taking steps, or a “step,” as if it were a nice summer day on UK residents’ trips to the pub. Nightly temperature falls to 18-19°C which is cold enough for some pilgrims who even carry jackets to wear during Fajr prayers.
Medina is even more forgiving. The averages temperatures that month range from 13-26°C — actually pleasant for long periods inside the Prophet’s Mosque.
The UK Comparison Nobody Mentions
British winters are typically between 2-8° C with endless grey skies. You’re effectively swapping cold Manchester drizzle for Saudi Arabian sunshine. And one family from Birmingham told me their children were really looking forward to the “warm weather holiday” element, which made the spiritual journey less overwhelming.
The Christmas Break-In Opportunity (That Barely Gets Mentioned in the Open)
Sure, most Umrah agencies don’t come right out and say this, but let’s be honest: UK schools shut down somewhere around December 21 until approximately January 4. That’s a ready-made two-week window where you don’t have to yank kids out of school, or hustle for leave.
I’ve been tracking package prices across three years. Here’s what consistently happens:
Early December (1-15): Regular, non-holiday season rates; fewer families and more availability with flight times
Mid-December (16th – 20th): Ticket prices begin to rise as departure dates near school closure
Peak Period (19th Dec-28th Jan): Higher Rates, High Demand and fewer seats available.
Late December/Early January (27th-4th): Moderate drop, as families try to fit in a return before school restarts
My honest recommendation? Book a December 5-15 departure if you’re on a budget. You’ll be saving £200-£400pp against the Christmas week rush, and your children miss a mere 5-7 school days (which most schools tolerate for religious purposes).
December Crowd Reality Check
Let’s just clear something up — December is NOT a slow month. In fact, it’s one of the busiest for UK pilgrims in particular. What December DOES have? Better crowd flow than Ramadan offers, of 2+ million people cramming in to a few weeks.
Telegraph Men contributor Neil Tweed sat there a year ago in December at the back of the Haram and found that it housed crowds comfortably. Tawaf lasted about 40-45 minutes at peak hour in the evening — manageable, not crushing. By comparison, Ramadan Tawaf can take longer than 90 minutes under the same conditions.
Weather Risks No One Tells You About (Until You’re Already There)
December is associated with one intermittent annoyance: fog in Jeddah and possibly Medina. It’s not a daily thing, but flights get delayed 2-6 hours when it does. I advise clients to always have a buffer day before any essential UK commitments.
The other consideration? It’s not making up to be hot during the day, but it is very sunny. I’ve even watched white British pilgrims get sunburned during Sa’i because “it wasn’t that hot.” Sunscreen outside rituals is not a choice.
The Package Selection Framework (Out of 73 Bookings in December 2024)
Here’s how to choose, based on the actual feedback from customers:
3-Star Packages (£850-1,100): Hotels are located 10-15 minutes’ walk to Haram. Great if you are fit and unburdened by possessions.” Many offer shuttle services, though they run on hotel time, not yours.
4-Star Packages (£1,200-1,500): Walking distance to Haram (5-8 minutes), more dietary options for meals, higher percentage of English-speaking staff. This is the right place for young families.
5-Star Packages (£1,700-2,400+): Clock Tower and/or easy Haram access; enhanced dining. Worth it if mobility is an issue or you prefer to walk as little as possible post-ritual.
And What Really Matters Instead of Star Rating
According to post-trip feedback, these factors contributed more to satisfaction than hotel opulence:
Velocity of Travel Formalities (speedier > less hairy pre-trip)
Reliability of ground transport (missing connections in Medina suck a day down)
English-speaking representatives (especially for first-timers)
Flexible check out times (important for overnight flights etc.)
Month-by-Month Comparison: How Truly Out of Step December Is
| Month | Avg Temp (°C) | Crowd Level | UK Holiday Alignment | Cost Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| December | 28-31 | High | Perfect (Christmas) | Medium-High |
| Ramadan (March 2025) | 31-35 | Very High | Poor | Very High |
| April | 35-38 | Medium | Good (Easter) | Medium |
| July-August | 40-43 | Medium | Good (Summer) | Low-Medium |
| October | 33-37 | High | Good (Half-term) | Medium |
December isn’t the least expensive, or quietest. There’s no better combination of enjoyable weather, family-friendly timing and spiritual ambience.
Booking Timeline That Prevents Regrets
From hosting 200+ December reservations over three years:
6-8 Months Out (April-June): Lowest prices, most hotel choices, optimal flight times. You’re facing off against the early planners.
3-4 Months Out (August-September): Prices rose 15-20%, prime hotels often sell out for Christmas week but there are still good options available.
1-2 Months Out (October-November) At this point, you’re paying top dollar for your ticket, the hotel options are limited so you could end up with an inconveniently-located room, and you might get stuck with a flight at an annoying hour (hello layovers/red eye).
Last Minute (December): There are indeed last-minute bargains to be had, but you’re having a punt on what’s left, and you may end up paying MORE than those who booked early.
Questions And Answers (Courtesy Of Real Phone Calls)
Can I Discover Dubai with December Umrah?
Absolutely. Most packages have 2-3 day Dubai add-ons. The kids like it, and it’s a respite from the religious fervor, particularly for younger families.
Do I need winter clothing for December Umrah?
Light jacket or cardigan for Medina nights and UK departure/return. That’s it. Don’t pack UK winter gear.
Will the December fog ruin my entire trip?
Unlikely. No fog disrupts take-off and landing more than ground operations. But Makkah and even more regularly Medina seldom get fogged in.
Is December the most expensive month?
It’s mid-to-upper pricing tier. Ramadan is expensive, summer is cheap and summer heat really sucks.
How quickly do flights to Jeddah get grounded in December mist?
Airlines typically send out same-day delay notices. Extreme fog may postpone flights 4-6 hours Or more. That’s why I SUGGEST booking with ATOL-protected packages that sort out any disruptions.
The Honest December Verdict
December is an inspired choice for the vast majority of UK families who can’t wrangle time off school during term-time and favour warm over scorching heat. You’ll pay reasonable premiums, manage healthy crowds and have infrequent fog delays to contend with.
But you’ll also see Umrah when your body isn’t scrabbling against 110 degrees, when your kids are out of school on vacation anyway, and when the spiritual vibe is awesomely communal without being immolating.
With December departures for a third year running, our client satisfaction stands at 94% — the highest of any month we operate. That’s not marketing speak. That’s families telling me “the timing just worked.”
Ready to book? Browse our 5-star packages leaving Dec. 5-15 for the best deal. Speed of processing Travel Formalities, reliability of ground transportation are more important than star rating of hotel. Focus on these factors. And, perhaps, just perhaps, pack some sunscreen even though it’s… “winter.”
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