Ramadan is the most popular time of year for British Muslims to do Umrah. It is also the busiest and the most expensive. Hotels near the Grand Mosque in Makkah fill up months ahead, and flights from the UK go up in price as the month gets closer.
The good news is that a Ramadan Umrah does not have to cost a fortune. With some planning, you can get there, stay somewhere decent and still have money left for the rest of the year. This guide explains when Ramadan 2027 falls, what it costs from the UK and how to keep the price down.
Why so many people go in Ramadan
Umrah can be done at most times of the year, but Ramadan is special for Muslims. A well-known hadith says that Umrah in Ramadan carries the reward of Hajj. Many people also want to pray taraweeh at the Grand Mosque, break their fast in the courtyard with thousands of others, and spend the last ten nights in worship.
For UK families there is a practical side too. Ramadan 2027 falls in February and early March, when the weather in Saudi Arabia is much kinder than in summer. Daytime temperatures in Makkah are usually around 30°C and the nights are cooler. That makes fasting and walking to the mosque far easier than it would be in July.
When is Ramadan 2027?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to start on the evening of Sunday 7 February, with the first fast on Monday 8 February. Eid al-Fitr is expected around 9 or 10 March. The exact dates depend on the moon sighting, so it is worth leaving a day or two of room in your plans.
Most UK pilgrims split Ramadan into three parts when they book:
•            First ten days (about 8 to 17 February). The quietest and cheapest part of the month.
•            Middle ten days (about 18 to 27 February). A little busier, with prices starting to rise.
•            Last ten days (about 28 February to 9 March). The busiest and most expensive time. This is when Muslims look for Laylatul Qadr, the Night of Power, on the odd nights.
If your budget is tight but you still want to be there in Ramadan, the first ten days give you the best value by far.
What does a Ramadan Umrah cost from the UK?
Prices change a lot depending on which part of the month you choose and how close your hotel is to the mosque. As a rough guide, a 10-night Ramadan package from the UK with flights, visa, hotels and transfers starts from around £650 to £700 per person in the first ten days with 3-star hotels. For the last ten nights in a 5-star hotel near the Haram, expect to pay well over £1,000 per person.
Most prices you see are per person in a room of four. If you want a double or triple room, the price per person goes up.
On top of the package, keep some money aside for:
•   Travel insurance
•  The meningitis ACWY jab, which costs about £40 to £70 at UK chemists
•   Meals other than breakfast, including iftar and suhoor if they are not included
• Extra luggage, such as Zamzam water on the way home
•  Gifts and shopping
Around £150 to £200 per person usually covers these, depending on how much you eat out.
How to keep the cost down
Ramadan will never be the cheapest month for Umrah, but these steps can save you a good amount.
1. Book early
This is the big one. Ramadan places, and the last ten nights in particular, are usually the first to sell out. Many agents suggest booking the last ten nights by October the year before. The earlier you book, the more hotels you can choose from and the longer you have to pay.
2. Pick the first or middle ten days
If you can be flexible, going earlier in the month saves money and the mosques are less crowded. You still get the reward of Umrah in Ramadan.
3. Stay a short walk away
Hotels right next to the Grand Mosque, such as those in the Clock Tower, cost the most in Ramadan. A clean 3-star hotel a 10 to 15 minute walk away can take hundreds of pounds off the price. Think about who is travelling, though. With elderly parents, a closer hotel may be worth the extra.
4. Share a room
Booking a quad room with family or friends is the simplest way to lower the price per person.
5. Think about a flight with a stop
A direct flight from London to Jeddah takes about six hours. Flying via Dubai, Doha or Istanbul takes longer but is often cheaper, which helps a lot in peak season.
6. Compare packages side by side
Booking flights and hotels yourself in Ramadan can be hard, because many hotels sell their rooms in blocks to travel agents. For most people, a package is simpler and often cheaper. Looking at cheap Umrah packages from a few licensed UK agents will give you a good idea of what a fair price is for your dates.
If you already know you want to go in Ramadan, look at Ramadan Umrah packages from UK rather than general deals. These are built around the Ramadan dates, and many show separate prices for the first, middle and last ten days, so you can see the difference straight away.
What to check before you book
A low price is only a good deal if the trip is right. Ask these questions before you pay a deposit:
• Is it ATOL protected? Any UK package with flights should be. Ask for the ATOL number and check it on the CAA website.
• Which hotels? A good agent will name your hotels in Makkah and Madinah before you pay, and tell you how far they are from the mosque in minutes.
• Which meals are included? In Ramadan, ask about suhoor and iftar. Some hotels offer them. Others only serve breakfast, which is not much use when you are fasting.
•  Is transport covered? Check that airport transfers and travel between Makkah and Madinah are included, by coach or by the Haramain train.
• Can you pay monthly? Many UK agents take a small deposit and let you pay the rest in parts.
• Who can you call? Find out who will help you if something goes wrong in Saudi Arabia.
Tips for doing Umrah while fasting
Umrah is harder when you are fasting, so plan your day around it.
• Do your Umrah after iftar or late at night. The Grand Mosque is busy all day in Ramadan, but it is cooler at night and you will have eaten and had a drink.
•  Drink plenty of water between iftar and suhoor. Zamzam water is available all over the mosque.
•  Rest in the afternoon. Ramadan nights are long, with taraweeh and qiyam, so a sleep after Dhuhr makes a big difference.
•Get to the mosque early. In the last ten nights, the main areas fill up hours before Isha.
•  Book your Rawdah visit on the Nusuk app. In Madinah, slots to pray in the Rawdah go quickly in Ramadan.
• Keep a small bag with you. A prayer mat, a water bottle, some dates and a bag for your shoes are all you need.
Visa and health
UK passport holders can get the Saudi tourist e-visa online, and it can be used for Umrah outside the Hajj season. Many agents also arrange an Umrah visa as part of the package. Umrah permits are handled through Nusuk, the official Saudi app, and they are free.
You must have the meningitis ACWY jab at least ten days before you travel. It is also worth checking the NHS Fit for Travel page for Saudi Arabia, and speaking to your GP about fasting if you have a health condition.
Frequently asked questions
Is Umrah cheaper at the start of Ramadan?
Yes. The first ten days are usually the cheapest part of the month, and the last ten days cost the most.
How far ahead should I book a Ramadan Umrah?
For the last ten nights, book eight to twelve months ahead. For the first or middle ten days, four to six months is usually enough, but earlier is always better.
Can I stay in Makkah for Eid?
Yes, but flights home just after Eid are in high demand, so book them at the same time as the rest of your trip.
How long should a Ramadan Umrah trip be?
Most UK packages are around 10 nights, split between Makkah and Madinah. This gives you time for Umrah, daily prayers and a visit to the Prophet’s Mosque.
A Ramadan Umrah is something many Muslims save up for over years. It costs more than other months, but it does not have to be out of reach. Pick the part of Ramadan that suits your budget, book as early as you can, share a room, and be honest with yourself about how close to the mosque you really need to be.
Most of all, check that your agent is ATOL protected and clear about hotels and costs. Get those basics right and you can focus on what matters most in Ramadan: your worship.