Updated · Saudi Arabia Taxi Services
Why is winter popular for Umrah?
Umrah in December, January or February is a popular choice, and the weather is the reason. Winter is the mildest season in Makkah and Madinah: Makkah afternoons are around 30 °C rather than the 40 °C and more of summer, and Madinah has mild days and cool nights. Walking to the Haram, Tawaf, Sa'i and Ziyarat are all easier on the body.
The same reasons make winter busy. Many countries have school holidays in late December and early January, and this season Ramadan is expected to start around early February 2027. Planning around those peaks is the key to a calm winter Umrah.
When are the busy weeks this winter?
Ramadan dates are expected dates, subject to moon sighting. Islamic months move about 11 days earlier each year, so check the Nusuk app and our Umrah season dates guide nearer the time.
| Period | Weather | Crowds and transport |
|---|---|---|
| Early to mid December 2026 | Mild days; cool nights in Madinah | Before the main holidays; a good window if you can travel then |
| Late December 2026 to early January 2027 | Mildest of the year | School holidays in many countries; book flights, hotels and transport early |
| Mid to late January 2027 | Mild; rain possible | Calmer once the holidays end; check your school dates at home |
| February to early March 2027 | Mild, warming up | Ramadan expected; the busiest period of the year, peaking in the last ten nights |
Winter weather and what it means for transport
Winter days in Makkah are warm rather than hot, so walks and Ziyarat are possible later into the morning than in summer. In Madinah, nights are cool enough for a light jacket at Fajr, so keep a layer in your hand luggage for the walk from the car.
Rain is rare, but heavy showers can come in the cooler months and flood roads quickly in Makkah and Jeddah. When rain is forecast, allow extra time for airport runs and Haram trips.
Trips outside the holy cities change too. Taif and the highlands have cold winter nights, while Al Ula's main visitor season runs from about October to March, with the AlUla winter season usually from December to March.
Why booking ahead matters in winter
Our fares are fixed per car and do not surge with demand, so a December booking costs the same as one in a quiet month. In peak weeks the risk is that vehicles sell out, not that the price goes up.
Book your airport pickup as soon as your flights are fixed, and add the Makkah to Madinah leg and a Ziyarat morning at the same time. No payment is taken until the ride, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before pickup, so booking early costs nothing if your plans change.
Winter Umrah transport fares
Fares are per car, not per person, and include fuel, tolls, the driver and meet-and-greet at the airport. Rides between 00:00 and 05:00 add a 20% night surcharge, shown in your quote.
| Trip | Economy sedan | Comfort MPV | Family van |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jeddah Airport to a Makkah hotel | SAR 180 | SAR 260 | SAR 330 |
| Makkah to Madinah | SAR 770 | SAR 1,130 | SAR 1,440 |
| Madinah hotel to Madinah Airport | SAR 60 | SAR 90 | SAR 120 |
| Ziyarat by the hour, 3-hour minimum | SAR 80 per hour | SAR 120 per hour | SAR 150 per hour |
Travelling as a family in the school holidays
A family of five with suitcases will not fit in a sedan. A Comfort MPV takes up to 6 passengers with 5 suitcases, and a family van takes up to 11 with 10 suitcases, for one fixed fare. Child seats are available on request; tell us the children's ages when you book.
If your flight lands late at night, we track it and the driver waits free for 60 minutes after landing. Our Umrah transport checklist for families covers the rest.
Ramadan in winter: what changes
For the next few years Ramadan falls in the cooler months, moving about 11 days earlier each year. That makes Ramadan Umrah easier in terms of heat, but not quieter. Ramadan is the busiest Umrah period of the year, with crowds peaking after Iftar, for Taraweeh and in the last ten nights.
Roads around the Haram close before Taraweeh, and drivers use the nearest open drop point. Our guide to Ramadan transport in Makkah explains how to plan around the closures.
Winter Umrah checklist
- Check the Nusuk app for your Umrah permit and the season dates.
- Book airport, intercity and Ziyarat transport together once your flights are fixed.
- Pack a light jacket for Madinah nights and Fajr.
- Allow extra time on rainy days.
- If you want a quieter trip, avoid the school holidays and the last ten nights of Ramadan; if you want those dates, book very early.
- Ask for child seats and the right vehicle size for your family.