Why January 2026 is the Best Time for Umrah: Weather, Crowds, and Custom Deals

Why January 2026 is the Best Time for Umrah: Weather, Crowds, and Custom Deals

Published: December 27, 2025

Are you debating when to book your 2026 Umrah? Let us make the decision easy for you.

January 2026 is the "Golden Window" you have been looking for.

Sandwiched between the New Year rush and the approaching Ramadan peaks, January offers a rare combination of perfect weather, manageable crowds, and aggressive pricing on luxury services.

Here is why smart pilgrims are choosing January 2026 for their comprehensive Umrah, and how you can take advantage of it.

1. The "Madinah Winter" Weather (18°C - 25°C)

Forget the scorching 45°C heat of July. January in Saudi Arabia is pleasant, breezy, and occasionally cool.

• Makkah: Highs of 28°C, comfortable evenings for Tawaf.
• Madinah: Crisp mornings (12°C - 15°C) requiring a light jacket, perfect for Ziyarat tours.

You can walk from your hotel to the Haram without exhaustion. You can spend hours in the courtyard of Masjid an-Nabawi without heatstroke. For families with children or elderly parents, this is the safest time to travel.

2. The "Shoulder Season" Crowds

Late January represents a dip in international arrivals.

• The December holiday crowds from the West have departed.
• The pre-Ramadan rush hasn't fully started.
• Result: Easier access to the Rawdah, less shoving during Tawaf, and shorter queues at immigration.

3. High Availability of Luxury Vehicles

During peak seasons (Ramadan/Hajj), finding a GMC Yukon or Hyundai Staria is a war. Prices surge 3x, and availability hits zero.

In January, fleets are fully available. You can secure the top-tier 2025/2026 models for standard rates. It is the best time to upgrade your experience without breaking the bank.

How to specific "Custom Deals" for January

Because demand is slightly lower, UmrahTransit has unlocked special pricing for Custom Packages built for January dates.

The "January Family Special": If you use our Package Builder to book a complete loop (Jeddah -> Makkah -> Madinah -> Jeddah) for travel in January, you act as your own negotiator.

• Bundle 3+ routes: Get automatic 10% off.
• Vehicle Upgrade: January wide availability means you might get a free upgrade from a Sonata to a Taurus, or Hiace to a Coaster depending on logistics.

Recommended Itinerary for January 2026

Since the weather is perfect, we recommend adding Outdoor Ziyarat to your custom package.

• Day 1: Arrival in Jeddah, Private Transfer to Makkah.
• Day 2-4: Umrah & Makkah Ibadah.
• Day 5: The Taif Excursion. (Highly Recommended in Jan). Take a custom day trip to Taif. Enjoy the cool mountain air, visit the rose factory and cable car.
• Day 6: Travel to Madinah via the Badr Route (History tour).
• Day 7-9: Madinah & Rawdah. Visit Mt. Uhud early morning while it's cool.
• Day 10: Train or Car to Jeddah Airport.

Conclusion

Don't wait for the heat and the crowds. January 2026 offers a spiritual serenity that is hard to find the rest of the year.

Check the weather, pack a light sweater, and build your custom luxury package today.

📅 Check Rates for January 2026