Why September Works for Certain Travelers
Back-to-School Timing (UK Advantage)
By the first week of September, almost all UK schools are back in session. This means families with children have returned home from summer holidays, creating a massive drop in travel demand. Airlines and hotels respond with lower prices – we’re talking 20-30% cheaper than July/August packages for the exact same service.
If you’re a working professional who can take leave in September, you’re traveling when others can’t. No competing with families for hotel rooms, no packed flights, no children running around the Haram during rituals. It’s a calmer, more focused experience.
Post-Hajj Crowd Reduction
August will see the annual Hajj pilgrimage, which brings 2-3 million people to Makkah. The second Hajj ends (typically mid-late August), there’s a visible exodus. By early September, the overwhelming crowds have cleared out.
Our September 2024 groups reported Tawaf wait times of 20-25 minutes during off-peak hours (midnight-5am) compared to 60+ minutes during August Hajj period. The Haram feels manageable again. Elderly pilgrims can move around without being pushed or jostled.
The Weather Reality (Let’s Be Honest)
Here’s where I need to be straight with you: September in Makkah is brutally hot. We’re talking 27-41°C with high humidity. This isn’t “warm and pleasant” weather – it’s extreme desert heat that requires serious preparation.
Week-by-Week Breakdown:
| Period | Makkah Temperature | Madinah Temperature | Humidity | Best Strategy |
|---|
| Early September (1-10) | 28-40°C | 27-40°C | 70-80% | Rituals 3-6am only, rest during day |
| Mid September (11-20) | 27-39°C | 26-39°C | 65-75% | Slightly cooler, still requires caution |
| Late September (21-30) | 26-38°C | 25-38°C | 60-70% | Best period, temps dropping |
The saving grace? By late September, temperatures start their autumn decline. If you can book for September 20-30, you’ll catch the transition period when heat becomes more bearable.
Islamic Calendar Context (Muharram/Safar)
September corresponds with Muharram and early Safar in the Islamic calendar – the first two months of the new Islamic year. There’s no specific religious significance for Umrah during these months (unlike Ramadan or Dhul Hijjah), but many pilgrims appreciate the fresh start symbolism of the new year.
Muharram is also a sacred month where good deeds are emphasized. While Umrah is rewarding year-round, performing it during Muharram carries its own spiritual weight.
Our September Umrah Packages – Honest Pricing
Budget Package (7 Nights, £795)
What’s Included:
- 4 nights Makkah (3-star hotel, 900m to Haram)
- 3 nights Madinah (3-star hotel, shuttle service to Masjid Nabawi)
- Return flights from London Heathrow
- Umrah Travel Formalities processing
- All transfers
- 24/7 UK support
Best For: Solo travelers, couples on tight budgets, heat-tolerant pilgrims.
Reality Check: You’re walking 900m to the Haram in 38°C heat. Doable if you’re fit and prepared, but elderly travelers should consider the 10-night package with closer accommodation.
Standard Package (10 Nights, £925)
What’s Included:
- 6 nights Makkah (4-star hotel, 400m to Haram)
- 4 nights Madinah (4-star hotel, 600m to Masjid Nabawi)
- Flights from London/Manchester/Birmingham
- Travel Formalities processing
- All transfers
- Breakfast included
- Optional Ziyarat tours (£50pp)
Best For: Working professionals, couples wanting comfort, first-time September travelers.
Reality Check: The sweet spot. Closer hotels mean less time outdoors in the heat. 4-star means better air conditioning and breakfast so you’re not searching for food in midday sun.
Extended Package (14 Nights, £1,150)
What’s Included:
- 8 nights Makkah (4-star hotel, near Haram)
- 6 nights Madinah (4-star hotel, walkable distance)
- UK-wide airport departures
- All Travel Formalities and transfers
- Full breakfast + 3 group dinners
- Comprehensive Ziyarat tours
- Travel insurance included
Best For: Retirees, couples wanting leisure pace, those who can handle September heat with proper rest days.
Reality Check: With 14 nights, you can schedule rest days during peak heat (noon-4pm). Pace your rituals for early morning and evening only. This package gives you that flexibility.
Heat Management Strategies (Critical for September)
September’s extreme heat isn’t just uncomfortable – it’s dangerous if you’re not prepared. Here’s what actually works:
Daily Schedule (Recommended):
- 3:00am – Wake for Suhoor-style hydration
- 3:30-6:30am – Perform Tawaf and Sa’i (coolest hours)
- 7:00am-1:00pm – Stay in air-conditioned hotel, rest
- 1:00-5:00pm – Mandatory rest period (peak heat)
- 5:30-8:00pm – Second Haram visit or Ziyarat
- 8:00pm onwards – Dinner, evening prayers
What You Must Pack:
- Insulated water bottles (2 liters minimum capacity)
- Electrolyte sachets (Dioralyte or similar)
- Cooling towels (wet, wring, wear around neck)
- Wide-brim hat or umbrella for walking
- High SPF 50+ sunscreen
- Lightweight, breathable Ihram fabric
Signs of Heat Exhaustion: If you experience dizziness, heavy sweating, rapid pulse, or nausea – immediately move to air-conditioned space, drink water with electrolytes, and contact our 24/7 support team. We have English-speaking doctor contacts in both cities.
ATOL Protection & Booking Timeline
Every September booking receives ATOL 12834 protection within 24 hours of deposit. This isn’t optional insurance – it’s government-backed financial protection. If we go out of business before your trip, the CAA ensures you’re refunded or arrangements are made. If we fail while you’re abroad, they get you home.
Best Booking Window:
| Booking Period | Package Pricing | Hotel Selection | Savings |
|---|
| July | Lowest (£795 7-night) | Full selection | Save £120pp |
| August | Rise 10% | Good selection | Save £60pp |
| September | Last-minute 15% higher | Limited | No savings |
Payment Options:
- Full payment: 2% discount
- Deposit + balance: £200 deposit, balance 8 weeks before
- Monthly instalments: £200 deposit, split remainder over 3 months (zero interest)
Departure Cities & Travel Formalities Timeline
UK Airports: London Heathrow (direct flights, best value), Manchester (direct, +£40), Birmingham (connecting, +£60), Glasgow/Edinburgh (connecting, +£80-100).
Travel Formalities Processing:
- Book package (July)
- Submit documents within 5 days
- Processing: 5-7 business days
- Approval: Late July/Early August
- Travel: September
Required: Passport (6+ months validity), photos, vaccination certificates (Meningitis ACWY), marriage certificate (couples), proof of accommodation and flights (we provide).
Deadline: August 15th, for September travel.
Book Your September Umrah Today
September offers significant savings for UK Muslims who can travel outside school holidays and handle extreme heat. Our packages from £795 ensure ATOL-protected, well-planned journeys with 9 years UK Muslim community experience.
Take Action Now:
📞 Call: 0203 504 1818 (Monday-Saturday 9am-6pm)
📧 Email: info@aqdastravel.co.uk
🌐 Website: aqdastravel.co.uk
🛡️ ATOL: 12834 (Fully protected)
Early Bird Deadline: August 15th, for maximum savings.
“September bookings grew 41% from 2020-2024 in our data. Working professionals appreciate the off-peak pricing and smaller crowds. Just be prepared for the heat – it’s intense but manageable with our heat safety protocols.” – Aqdas Travel Team
