Taking the spiritual tour of Umrah is a very personal and meaningful experience to Muslims worldwide. In contrast to Hajj. Which is something that needs to be done at a particular time. Umrah is more flexible and pilgrims have the opportunity to choose the time that will suit them in terms of spiritual, physical and financial conditions. This flexibility, however, also has its question: at what time is the optimum time of doing Umrah? It all depends on what you seek in your pilgrimage, spiritual tranquilizing, nice weather, or low-cost travel.
This guide will take you through the various seasons and months and discuss the merits and demerits of each season. We will embrace all the spiritually rewarding moments to the most comfortable weather and the most economical travelling hours. At the end, you will have a better idea of what every period is bringing. You will be able to make a wise choice and make a journey according to all your hopes and expediency.
The first step in planning this holy pilgrimage involves choosing the most appropriate time to execute Umrah and the reasons why this is the case. Timing can make the difference between the size of the crowds and the price of your vacation to the weather you will be in and the spiritual feeling. You want the increased blessings of Ramadan, the silent repose of the off-season, or the comfortable climate of winter, you have to know all these factors assure you of a well-filled and comfortable visit. This guide will give you all the knowledge needed to choose the most appropriate window to go on pilgrimage to Makkah.
Performing Umrah During Ramadan
To most Muslims, the month of Ramadan is believed to be the most holy and blessed month on the Islamic calendar which makes it a very popular month to go to Umrah. The religious benefits that come with the acts of worship in this month are supposed to be multiplied and this is the reason why millions of pilgrims visit Makkah. In this holy period, many individuals would love to visit the holy land and make their pilgrimage a little more easier and memorable by providing them with Umrah Packages from New York.
The Spiritual Significance
During the month of Ramadan, Hajj is synonymous to Umrah as the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) stated. In this Hadith, there is the high spiritual value of making Umrah during this holy month. The religion is improving the spirit in Makkah and Madinah. Evening prayers are characterized by Taraweeh prayers. Congregational supplication (duas), and an enormous feeling of unity when Muslims the world over fast and pray. Such an experience is what gives a strong spiritual feeling and is exclusive to Ramadan. Makes the process of Umrah a very emotional and memorable one.
Practical Considerations
Umrah is not an exception, it has its fair share of challenges but it is a fulfilling experience particularly during the month of Ramadan. It is the time of year, which is high and the masses are highest. The capacity of one of the grand mosques (Masjid al-Haram) is usually to capacity particularly during the last ten days of the month. This may make the rituals, e.g., Tawaf (circumambulation of the Kaaba) and Sa’i (walking between Safa and Marwa) more physical.
Moreover, flight, accommodation, and other service prices are highest, as the level of demands is enormous. You must make sure that you book your package way ahead of time in case you intend to travel during Ramadan. The physical exercises of Umrah also demand training and strength since it involves fasting between the sunrise and the sunset.
The Serenity of the Off-Peak Season
Provided that you want to have a calmer and less busy time, the months right after Hajj are a good alternative. It is the low season of Umrah, included in this period are Muharram and Safar.
Fewer Crowds and Lower Costs
The pilgrims in Makkah and madinah are greatly diminished as Hajj period is already over. This is useful towards creating a less stressful and more relaxed atmosphere and allows one to enjoy personal and more thoughtful kind of worship. Furthermore, Tawaf and Sa’i can be performed in a more convenient manner and spend more time in a silent reflection of the holy mosques with no hurry and congestion during the hours of rush and traffic.
The decreased demand is also reflected on cheaper travel. During this time, Salah Travels and other agencies usually have packages of Umrah of a low cost hence it is a great time to visit the holy place especially to individuals who are on a tight budget or families with children. There is easer accommodation by the Haram which is cheaper.
Weather Conditions
It is also the period after the summer and thus the weather may still be quite hot. And this is a consideration, in case you are heat sensitive. Nevertheless, the smaller crowds may offer the heat to be manageable to the peak summer months.
Enjoying Pleasant Weather: The Winter Months
The weather is a major concern to most pilgrims especially those in colder regions. The most favorable and comfortable weather in Saudi Arabia is the winter months between the months of November and February.
Ideal Climate for Worship
When the winter comes day temperatures in Makkah and Madinah are pleasant and bearable with a range of 20degC to 30degC (68degF to 86degF). The reduced scorching weather also ensures that the physical aspect of the rituals of Umrah becomes much easier to carry out particularly among the elderly pilgrims or those who have health issues. Location in between the places of worship and Tawaf becomes less taxing to walk, hence you will be able to be more spiritual with your trip.
Moderate Crowds and Costs
The winter is a decent balance between the number of crowds and the price. Although it is cheaper than the post-Hajj off-season, it is not as congested as the Ramadan or school holiday seasons. This will enable one to have a pleasant experience without the peak season rush. Pricing of Umrah packages is fair and good value is received to experience a good pilgrimage. The advance booking is however encouraged particularly when you are intending to travel during the school holidays in December.
Navigating the Peak Summer Season
Summer seasons, which are June to August, are also school holidays in most countries and thus this is the best time to conduct Umrah by the family. But there is one serious problem which comes with this season, extreme heat.
The Challenge of Extreme Heat
Summer in Saudi Arabia is very hot with the temperature in many cases going above 45degC (113degF). It is physically may be too challenging and hazardous to the health particularly dehydration and heatstroke. You should be careful in the event that you are planning to visit Umrah during this season. Also, do not forget to drink plenty of water, and hold the rituals of the outdoors in cooler seasons (i.e., at late night, early morning, etc.), and use the air-conditioned facilities of the Grand Mosque.
Family-Friendly Travel
The greatest advantage of summer season of travelling is that it falls in line with school holidays and all the family members can embark on this religious pilgrimage. The majority of the travel agencies like Salah Travels market family oriented packages at this period. There are many positive memories that can be attained with the assistance of the shared experience of making the Umrah as a family member and the experience can be a great educative one too and the children.
The decision on whether it is right time to visit Umrah and why this decision fits best to your needs implies the process of striking the balance between your spiritual ambitions and the reality. The situation with every season is varied. You can put more weight on the spiritualized atmosphere of Ramadan. The silence of the off-season, the pleasantness of the winter weather or the comfort of the summer vacation, but every pilgrim has the most wonderful experience. Keeping these things in mind, you can be sure that such a trip will not only become a spiritual boost, but also a comfortable and non-stressful one.
Your Path to a Blessed Umrah
Finally, when to do Umrah is up to an individual. It is a call of Allah and when you have time to respond to the call, then that is a blessed time. Consider the key elements to your spiritual life. Are you an individual who loves to be amongst many people or do you love to have a moment of personal contact with your Creator. Are you physically fit to endure hot weather or would a cooler climate permit you to do your worship better?
We also know that at Salah Travels we are meant to help you to plan a hassle free and worthwhile pilgrimage, no matter when you choose to travel. Our professional crew would help you with designing a package that would suit your preferences and your budget as they had more information to present you with what to expect in each season. We also believe that with the right planning; your Umrah trip would be a life changing experience that would bring you even closer to your religion and fill your heart with peace.
