UK pilgrims should also pack according to season. Summer Umrah (April-October) requires breathable clothes at 40°C+ Summer heat, and winter travels (November-March) require layered options due to 10-30°C differences. Most economy class flights with British Airways, Saudi Airlines and Emirates from UK airports allow 23kg for your checked baggage.
| Season | Temperature Range | Key Packing Priorities | Common Mistakes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Apr-Oct) | 35-50°C daytime | Ultra light Ihram, SPF 50+ sunscreen, cooling towels | Heavy fabrics, dark colours |
| Winter (Nov-Mar) | 10-30°C (20°C avg) | Madina comfy jacket for evenings, layers to wear | Overpacking warm clothes |
I have personally assisted more than 800 UK families for Umrah through our Manchester-based agency since 2019. Anyway, here’s what really matters when you’re packing, if not from Britain.
How Your UK Exit Alters Everything
There are specific challenges of flying from Manchester, you could fly from Heathrow or even Birmingham. Economy British Airways standard luggage is 23kg, but here’s the thing they don’t tell you: Leave yourself at least 3-4kg spare for Zamzam water and gifts on your way back. I have seen hundreds of pilgrims at Manchester Airport rushing to re-pack the check-in.
The seasonal disconnect is real. I remember leaving grey, shitty Manchester in January and landing in 25°C Jeddah, only to end up shocked with my packing skills (or lack thereof).
Summer Umrah Essentials (April-October)
Makkah escapes a slightly cooler hellish heat in the summertime, where temperatures average between 45-48°C during July and August! I’ve witnessed genuine shock at the intensity of British pilgrims.
Ihram fabric choice matters. After so many feedback after years long, I only suggest microfibre or terrycloth ihram. They’re at least £15-20 as opposed to £5, but they keep you cooler and will never go see-through.
For brothers: 2 full sets of ihram (one you will be wearing and a spare). Pack in hand luggage.
For sisters: 3 lightweight cotton or viscose abayas. Opt for looser weave fabrics for breathability.
What to Buy Before You Fly From the UK, the Smart Way
Buy these at Boots or Superdrug, not in Saudi Arabia where choice is limited:
- Factor 50+ sunscreen (unscented)
- Aqueous cream or unscented moisturiser
- Rehydration sachets (Dioralyte works brilliantly)
- Basic medications: ibuprofen, antihistamines, plasters
Tesco and Asda deliver specials on travel-sized unscented toiletries. Much cheaper than Saudi supermarkets.
Winter Umrah Packing (November-March)
You’re leaving 5°C cold in Manchester, arriving to an air temp of 25+°C Jeddah. Then the evenings in Madinah reach 12°C and you’re wishing for a jumper.
Makkah: Daytime temperatures are around 22-28°C in December/January. You don’t need heavy clothes; you just have to be smart about layering:
- 1 light weight cardigan OR zip up hoodie (For Madinah nights only)
- Long-sleeve cotton t-shirts
- Pashmina or light shawl (ladies, this is a must)
I have seen too many UK pilgrims take complete winter wardrobes. “Cold Saudi weather” doesn’t exist. Despite being January, it’s warmer in Makkah than even a British summer’s day.
Winter specific additions: Padded travel prayer mat (bid hard flooring in the heat, marble gets cold), socks for hotel rooms (not for ihram).
Universal Essentials: Every Season
Documents (Hand Luggage Only)
Your passport must have at least 6 months’ validity. One of my clients was denied entry at Manchester Airport. Print everything twice.
- Passport (6 months validity minimum)
- Printed eTravel Formalities confirmation
- Return flight tickets
- Travel insurance with ATOL protection
- Hotel confirmations
- Vaccination certificates (meningitis ACWY mandatory)
The Tech Setup
UK phone networks want to rent you a wheelbarrow full rather than just give you a hose. Buy a Saudi SIM from Jeddah Airport (£15-20 for 2 weeks) or just rely on WiFi and WhatsApp.
Saudi Arabia uses Type G plugs as in Britain, but take a universal adapter from Argos (£8) for older hotels.
Power bank: 20000mAh and able to keep your phone running for navigation, Quran apps.
The Baggage Strategy Nobody Teaches
Pack 19kg maximum outbound. This would give you 4kg to spend on potential souvenirs on the way home and not pay £65 overweight fees at Jeddah Airport.
Use packing cubes. They keep clothes compressed and living out of a suitcase less stressful.
Leave at Home
- Expensive jewellery
- 2-3 regular clothes (laundry is very inexpensive)
- Heavy books (download apps instead)
- Full-sized toiletries
- Fancy suitcases
Cost-Saving Reality
I can buy anything at the Saudi supermarkets from Tesco. Basics tend to come at lower prices.
Pack from UK: Medication, unscented items, special dietary requirements.
Buy in Saudi: Water, snacks, extra clothing (keep a couple of loose wrenches available to tighten the nozzles of your zamzam containers), prayer mats, zamzam containers.
Your 5-Step Packing Plan
Step 1 (3 Weeks Before): Check to make sure your passport’s valid, and print confirmations and back them up digitally.
Step 2 (Two Weeks Out): GP Drugs up from the Medics. Bring in manufacturer’s packaging with prescription.
Step 3 (1 Week Before): Purchase sunscreen, unscented toiletries, rehydration packets.
Step 4 (Two Days Before): Lay everything out, weigh suitcase, reconfirm ihram is in hand luggage.
Step 5 (Night Before): Documents? Medications? Charger? Adapter?
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I carry Zamzam water outbound from the UK? British airways permit 5 L as additional free baggage on the return either sealed in a separate bag from Jeddah airport.
Will I need unscented products for the entire journey? Only during ihram. You should only use non-scented products after your Umrah is finished. Most remain unscented in order not to be used inadvertently before a further tawaf.
What do UK pilgrims never remember? A money belt or secure pouch. Crowded tawaf gets chaotic. Keep passport and cash secure.
Do I bring my own prayer mat? The Haramain offer space, but your personal thin mat gives you flexibility to pray in a hotel room.
How much cash from the UK? Change about £150-200 to Saudi Riyals UK banks (rates are better than Jeddah Airport). Credit cards are accepted most places, but taxi drivers prefer cash.
Can I pack UK food? Non-perishable snacks are fine. Cadbury and McVitie’s appear in Saudi supermarkets anyway.
Is travel insurance mandatory? Not legally, but essential. There’s thousands in out of pocket cost for medical emergency with no insurance. Start at £20 for 2 weeks UK Travel insurance 4 Saudis.
The Bottom Line
Packing for Umrah from the UK is not about 50 things to take! It is smart planning to realize in advance you are flying out of a different climate with an airline that has its own set of baggage rules.
Important papers, clothing for the season, unscented toiletries, open mind. Everything else you can buy while in Saudi Arabia or really don’t need.
Your Umrah is a spiritual trip. Don’t waste precious mental energy over what you forgot or the fact that your luggage cost way more than you’d expected. Pack smart, travel light, concentrate on what counts.
Embark, and may the ocean be pleased with your passage.
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