Winter Has Arrived in Saudi Arabia — And Millions Begin Their Journey of Umrah

Winter has quietly arrived in Saudi Arabia.
Not with icy winds or falling snow,
but with a gentle coolness that softens the desert air
and a calm drizzle that washes the land clean.

The National Center of Meteorology has announced it officially:
Winter begins this Monday, and rain will continue across several regions in the coming days.

For many, this means cooler nights in Madinah, misty mornings in Makkah, and the rare beauty of raindrops falling around the Haramain. It is the kind of weather that makes the soul slow down, breathe, and reflect.

And in this season, something extraordinary is happening.

13.9 Million Umrah in One Month — A Tide of Hearts Returning

As the world enters winter and school holidays begin, Muslim travellers from every continent are making their way to the holy cities.

Official records show:
More than 13.9 million Umrah performed during Jumada Al-Awwal 1447 AH alone.

As we now step into Jumada Al-Akhirah (the sixth month of the Hijri calendar), the momentum continues — pilgrims arriving, families gathering, and hearts returning home to the House of Allah.

It is a reminder that when Allah calls,
distance becomes small,
weather becomes gentle,
and time becomes an invitation.

Why Winter Is One of the Best Times for Umrah

Winter in Saudi Arabia is peaceful and refreshing. From late Jumada Al-Awwal into Jumada Al-Akhirah, temperatures drop, making tawaf, sa'i, and walking around the Haramain far more comfortable.

Pilgrims will enjoy:

• ✔ Cooler weather (especially early mornings & nights)
• ✔ Refreshing breezes in Madinah
• ✔ Less heat fatigue during ziarah
• ✔ Occasional rain — a mercy and blessing

But with beauty comes the need to prepare.

Travel Tips for a Smooth Winter Umrah

✔ 1. Pack warmly — yes, even for Saudi.

Temperatures can drop significantly at night. Bring:

• Light jackets
• Sweaters
• Socks
• Shawls or scarves

✔ 2. Rain is expected — pack a small umbrella.

From Jeddah to Taif to the western coasts, rainfall is forecasted to continue.

✔ 3. Expect more jemaah this season.

School holidays mean:

• Hotels near the Haramain fill up faster
• Flights may sell out
• Ziarah tours get booked quickly

✔ 4. Book accommodations early.

Especially if you want:

• Hotels within 100–300m of the Haram
• Breakfast included
• Family rooms

You can search flexible options here (insert your affiliate links):

• Trip.com hotels
• IHG Hotels
• Millennium Hotels

Where to Stay — Recommended Winter Umrah Hotels

Winter crowds are rising, so choosing a strategic location is key.

In Makkah

• Near As-Safwah / Ajyad for shortest walking distance
• Or a hotel with its own shuttle if you're staying slightly farther

In Madinah

• North Gate side for women (closer access)
• Hotels directly facing the mosque for easier entry

Use your preferred booking platform to compare price, distance, and room types.

Planning Your Flights — Winter Deals & Smart Multi-City Routes

Winter is one of the best times to hunt for flight promotions. As the cool season settles over Saudi Arabia, many airlines roll out attractive fares, stopover perks, and flexible routing options that make your Umrah journey smoother — and sometimes even more affordable.

Popular choices among travellers include platforms like Trip.com for broad flight searches, as well as airlines such as Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways with their Abu Dhabi stopover packages, and Flynas with Umrah-friendly “Umrah Plus” extensions.

If you'd like to maximise your journey, multi-city itineraries offer even more flexibility. They are especially useful when planning routes like:

• Flying into Jeddah and returning from Madinah
• Combining Umrah with a short gateway in Doha, Istanbul, Cairo, Amman, and other favourite stopover cities

Whether you're seeking the quickest route, the best value, or a meaningful break along the way, winter travel opens many doors for a personalised and beautifully curated Umrah experience.

Ziarah, Tours & Experiences — Embrace the Blessings of Jumada Al-Akhirah

As winter settles gently over the Hijaz and the air turns cooler, Jumada Al-Akhirah becomes one of the most cherished times for ziarah. The weather invites you to walk a little slower, breathe a little deeper, and truly connect with the sacred history around you.

In Makkah — Where Every Step Holds a Story

The cooler mornings make it ideal to explore the landmarks that shaped the early days of Islam:

• Jabal Thur, the mountain of patience and protection
• Jabal Nur and the Gua Hira’, where revelation first descended
• Arafah and Muzdalifah, lands that echo memories of Hajj, serenity, and surrender

In Madinah — The City of Light and Tranquility

Madinah’s gentle winter breeze carries you through places filled with love and legacy:

• Masjid Quba, the first mosque of Islam
• Masjid Qiblatain, where the qiblah changed
• Jabal Uhud, a mountain the Prophet ﷺ said loves us
• The farms and souqs around Madinah, alive with dates, whispers of history, and the everyday warmth of its people

Whether you prefer a guided experience or a relaxed half-day discovery, these journeys can be arranged effortlessly through online tour platforms (Pelago link fits beautifully here).

Winter is short, but its blessings linger long — making this season the perfect backdrop for meaningful ziarah.

A Season of Mercy, A Time for Returning

As we move deeper into Jumada Al-Akhirah, the season feels full:
full of pilgrims,
full of prayer,
full of hope.

Winter brings a softness that wraps the holy cities in peace.
Rain cleanses the air the way worship cleanses the heart.
And every traveller walking towards the Haram carries a story —
a dua whispered across miles, a longing finally fulfilled.

If you are going soon, may Allah ease your journey.
If you are planning, may Allah open the way.
If you are dreaming, may He grant you the invitation at the perfect time.

Umrah in winter is more than a trip —
it is a season of acceptance.