The Significance of March for Umrah – Not Just “Any” Month!
The Rajab and Shaban Connection
Most travel agencies merely cast dates at you. But let’s consider what actually matters spiritually. March generally spans the Islamic months of Rajab and Shaban (exact dates vary annually with the lunar calendar). These are preparation months. For many of us Muslims, this time is about ramping up your worship, fixing your habits and getting spiritually prepared for Ramadan.
Performance of Umrah in Rajab or Shaban? Like millions of Muslims globally, you are entering this mode of preparation. During these months the Haram feels different—people are more contemplative, more intentional. The Ramadan rush is not here yet, but there’s a lovely air of anticipation.
Spring Weather (When It Behaves)
The beginning of March in Makkah and Madinah is beautiful, with temperatures ranging from 18-22°C during the day, decreasing to 12-16°C during the night. Mid to late March? It’s getting warm at about 24-26°C, but it is nothing like the summer heat.
But March is when things get interesting for this place: rain. It is March when there is the most rainfall in Saudi Arabia. Sounds like a problem? It’s actually considered a blessing. It rains in the Haram, it rains on the Kaaba—this is what people pray for. If you’re there when it rains, you’re seeing something wonderful.
That said, pack layers. Morning Fajr is cool and midday is warm. You’ll want options.
The Pre-Easter Quiet Period
Early or mid-March is wonderful, because UK schools have not broken up. Easter holidays tend to fall in late March or early April. What does this mean for you? Fewer British families travelling; better flight availability; empty hotel rooms.
Late March? If you have an early-date Easter, that’s when you start getting the holiday push. Prices inch up, flights fill. If you’re able to be a smidge flexible, target the first two weeks of March!
Our March Packages (Real Talk)
We’ve set this up so you have real decisions, not just any old price points.
| Package Type | Duration | Price/Person | Nights Split | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|
| Quick Spring Umrah | 7 nights | £820 | 4 Makkah, 3 Madinah | Working professionals, tight schedules | Done in a week, pre-Easter pricing |
| Standard Spring Package | 10 nights | £950 | 5 Makkah, 5 Madinah | First-timers, couples | Balanced, not rushed |
| Extended March Package | 14 nights | £1,150 | 7 each city | Families, elderly, Rajab/Shaban focus | Time for deep worship |
| Budget Spring Option | 7 nights | £795 | 4 Makkah, 3 Madinah | Students on budget | Bare essentials, clean & close |
Prices are per person and based on two sharing. Includes return flights, transfers, Travel Formalities – ATOL Protected.
The 7-Night Spring Express
£820 per person
What you get:
- 4 nights in Makkah (Hotel – 3 Star, Distance from Haram: 10-15 Minutes)
- 3 nights Madinah (3 star, walking distance to Prophet’s Mosque)
- Return flights from London, Manchester or Birmingham
- All transfers handled
- Travel Formalities processing complete
- UK support team
Who books this?
Folks who can steal a week away from work. Solo travellers. Couples who need a little spiritual reset. Whoever wants to squeeze in an Umrah between now and when the Easter madness gets going.
It’s tight but totally doable. You’ll do your Umrah on day 2 or 3 and spend the rest of your time in a state of worship and awe, then travel to Madinah for some tranquillity before you fly home.
Not as chill as 10 or 14 nights, obviously. But if seven days is what you must work with, don’t let that stop you. Our 10-night package will allow you some breathing room if you can swing it.
The 10-Night Balanced Package
£950 per person
The setup:
- 5 nights in hotel Makkah (4 star, 5-10 min away from Haram)
- 5 nights Madinah (4 star, near to Prophet’s Mosque)
- Flexible departure also for return flights
- All transfers included
- Fast-track Travel Formalities
- Optional Ziyarah tours
- Insurance included
Perfect for:
Novices looking for plenty of time to take everything in. Couples. Small families. Anybody who does not want to feel like they are ticking boxes on a list.
Ten nights gives you space. Perform your Umrah early, but take time actually being there. Pray 5 times a day for multiple days in the Haram. Go sightseeing at the historical centres, without having to hurry. Spend quality time in Madinah.
The 4-star hotels make a difference as well (better location, nicer rooms, breakfast you’d actually want to eat). Worth the extra £130? Depends on your priorities.
The 14-Night Extended Experience
£1,150 per person
What’s included:
- 7 nights in Makkah (4 star hotel in a superb location)
- 7 nights Madinah (4-star, very close by)
- Direct flights where available
- All transfers private or semi-private
- Express Travel Formalities processing
- Guided Ziyarah in both cities
- Full insurance coverage
- UK support + local assistance
Ideal for:
Families with elderly parents. Somebody who has saved for a long time and wants to do this right. March serves as a month in which believers can spiritually prepare for Ramadan. Those who refuse to watch the clock.
It takes two weeks to get into the rhythm. It’s not like everything you do and think is “only 3 days to go”. You are free there to pray, to reflect, to visit sites, rest when you need it and really take things in.
For senior family members in particular, the extra time has not left them worn out trying to keep up with a tight schedule.
The Budget Spring Package
£795 per person
Includes:
- 4 nights Makkah (standard 3-star, shuttle to Haram)
- 3 nights Madinah (3 star, OK area)
- Economy flights (might be connecting)
- Standard transfers
- Travel Formalities handled
- UK support
Who needs this:
Students. Early career young professionals. Big families for whom every £50 per person makes a difference. Anyone eager to get there without emptying their wallets.
It’s back to basics, but it’s clean and it works. You don’t get Haram views or fancy breakfasts, but you have bed and shower with two Harams access. Sometimes that’s enough.
Additional economy packages on our Umrah packages page.
March Weather Reality Check
Let’s make it more specific, because “pleasant weather” doesn’t actually mean anything.
Week by Week Breakdown
Early March (1st-10th):
- Morning: 14-18°C (a lightweight jacket is adTravel Formalitiesble for Fajr)
- Afternoon: 20-24°C (ideal for Tawaf and Sa’i)
- Evening: 16-20°C (comfortable for Isha salah)
- Rain chance: 15-20% (and if it showers, it’s a good thing)
Mid March (11th-20th):
- Morning: 16-20°C (warming up)
- Afternoon: 22-26°C (getting properly warm)
- Evening: 18-22°C (still nice)
- Rain chance: 10-15% (decreasing)
Late March (21st-31st):
- Morning: 18-22°C (spring is here)
- Afternoon: 24-28°C (noticeably warmer)
- Evening: 20-24°C (warm evenings)
- Rain chance: 5-10% (rarities at this point)
What to Pack
Essentials:
- Some light layers (mornings can still be chilly)
- Good walking shoes (you will be doing a lot of walking)
- One lightweight jacket or cardigan (for air-conditioned areas and chilly mornings)
- Sunscreen (sun’s getting stronger)
- Small umbrella (you never know if it might rain or be sunny)
Don’t bother with:
- Heavy winter coats (you won’t use them)
- Too many costume changes (they have laundry everywhere)
Who Should Actually Book March?
You’re a Perfect March Candidate If:
You desire the blessings of Rajab/Shaban without the Ramadan prices and crowds. March allows you to be around during these hallowed months in relative peace.
You hate extreme heat. Not ready for 40°C+ summers? March is your window.
You’re budget-conscious and short on taste for summer. Pricing in March falls between winter and Ramadan—reasonable but not rock-bottom cheap.
You have a few school-age kids and you are free to travel in early March. You can pull them out for a week before Easter holidays start and not lose much.
You’re spiritually preparing for Ramadan. There is something powerful about Umrah in the months leading up to Ramadan.
Skip March If:
You want guaranteed perfect weather. March is transitional. Could be beautiful, could rain, could end up warmer than billed. If you like times of certainty, choose January or February.
You’re booking at the last minute for late March. Easter rush begins, prices surge, availability sinks. Early March? Fine. Late March? Book well ahead.
You struggle with unpredictable weather. That 20% chance of rain irks some people. If you’re in the latter group, go during a drier month.
What You Get for Your Money (No Hidden Costs)
Definitely In Your Package:
- Return flights from your UK airport
- Accommodation for stated nights
- Airport pickups and drop-offs
- Transportation from Makkah to Madinah
- Complete Travel Formalities processing
- ATOL protection (12834)
- Basic travel insurance
- Hotel breakfast (most packages)
- 24/7 UK-based support
Not Included (You Pay Separately):
- Lunch and dinner (unless specified)
- Personal shopping
- Ziyarah tours (except the premium package)
- Excess baggage fees
- Tips for drivers/guides
- Room service, laundry, phone calls
- Any personal upgrades
The promise: No surprise charges. What you see is what you pay.
Booking Your March Package
When to Book
Best timing: Reserve in December or early January for travel in March.
Why?
- Cheapest flight prices (2-3 months in advance)
- Full hotel selection
- Can grab direct flights
- Avoid late March Easter rush
Can you reserve in February for March? Yes, but expect:
- More expensive (+£50-100 extra per person)
- Limited direct flights
- Fewer hotel options
- Rush Travel Formalities processing
Payment Options
We get it—£800-1,200 a head is not pocket change.
Option 1: Full payment (Save £40 per person)
Option 2: Deposit + instalments
- £200 deposit secures your booking
- Remaining balance in 2-3 chunks
- Balance due 4 weeks before departure
Methods:
- Bank transfer (no fees, preferred)
- Credit/debit card (small processing fee)
- Office visit (cash or credit)
March vs The Rest of The Year (A Quick Comparison)
| Factor | March | January/February | Ramadan |
|---|
| Weather | 18-26°C (warming) | 15-22°C (cool) | 25-35°C (hot) |
| Crowds | Moderate | Low | Very High |
| Price Range | £795–1,150 | £795–1,095 | £1,500–2,200 |
| Islamic Months | Rajab, Shaban | Jumada, Rajab | Ramadan |
| Rain Chance | 15-20% | 10-15% | 5% |
| School Holidays | Easter (end March) | None | Sometimes |
| Flight Availability | Good early, tight late | Excellent | Book 6+ months ahead |
Verdict: March provides you the pre-Ramadan Rajab, Shaban spiritual build up at prices more competitive than Ramadan and temperatures nicer than summer. Trade-off is slight weather unpredictability.
Departure Cities We Cover
Direct Flights (Usually):
- London Heathrow
- London Gatwick
- Manchester
Connecting Flights (1 Stop):
- Birmingham
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- London Stansted
- Leeds Bradford
- Bristol
Note: Direct flights fill faster in March than mid-winter. If you require non-stop, make reservations now. Connecting flights generally £60-90 less, if you’re flexible with times.
Hotels We Use (By Category)
Makkah 3-Star
- Al Kiswah Towers (900m, shuttle)
- Safwat Al Amal (1.2 km, 15-min walk)
- Emaar Al Andalusia (10-min shuttle)
Makkah 4-Star
- Voco Hotel (Walking distance)
- Emaar Grand (750m from Haram)
- Makkah Hilton Towers (Good location)
Madinah Hotels
Generally nicer than Makkah ones at the same price point. Most are 5-15 minutes walking or shuttle from Prophet’s Mosque.
Looking for photos and reviews of specific hotels? Everything can be shown to you by our booking team. Just ask.
Common March Questions
Is March too hot for elderly parents?
Early March? Not at all. Late March? It could be getting warmish, but nothing like summer heat. Plan for the first two weeks if your parents have difficulty in hot weather. They’ll be fine.
What happens if it rains during Tawaf?
People consider rain a blessing. They don’t close the Haram over a little rain. You’re wet, you’re on your way and honestly? It’s quite beautiful. Downpours are uncommon and generally short-lived.
Might I prolong to see more of Shaban, perhaps?
Yes. Additional nights from £45-65 per person, depending on category of hotel. Let us know when you book and we will charge for it.
How will Easter affect my late March reservation?
When Easter is in late March (the date varies annually), there will be more families on the road, tighter flights and slightly higher costs. Early March dodges this entirely.
Is the weather really unpredictable?
It’s transitional, not chaotic. You know it’ll be between 18 and 26 degrees. You know there’s a slim chance of rain. That’s it. Pack layers, you’ll be fine.
Ready to Book March?
Here’s how it works:
Step 1: Get in touch with us (via call, email or through the website form)
Step 2: Tell us your preferred travel dates and number of you travelling
Step 3: We will provide detailed price and hotel options
Step 4: Pay £200 deposit to secure it
Step 5: We take care of Travel Formalitiess, flights, hotels—everything
Step 6: You fly out and focus on your worship
Get in Touch:
📞 Phone: 0203 504 1818
📧 Email: info@aqdastravel.co.uk
🌐 Website: aqdastravel.co.uk
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