Best Time to Book Flights for Umrah: 2025 Guide to Save Big

Q: When Is Umrah More Expensive?

Avoid peak times when demand and prices surge: Ramadan – High spiritual value, but flights and hotels can double in price School Holidays (UK/US/Asia) – Especially during April, July, and December Hajj season (Dhul Hijjah) – Even though Umrah isn’t allowed during Hajj, prices spike before and after due to overall demand If you’re budget-conscious, plan your Umrah around these periods.

Q: Where to Land: Jeddah or Madinah?

Most Umrah flights go to: Jeddah (JED) – Nearest to Makkah (1-hour drive) Madinah (MED) – Best for those who want to start their pilgrimage there Tip: Consider flying into one city and out of the other to save or balance time and cost.

Planning to perform Umrah in 2025? Before you step into the spiritual journey, it’s important to get the logistics right, especially your flights. Airfare to Saudi Arabia can be expensive, particularly during busy religious periods. That’s why knowing the best time to book your Umrah flights can save you a lot of money. In this guide, we’ll cover when flights are cheapest, which months and seasons to avoid, and how far in advance to book. Whether you’re flying from the UK, the US, or elsewhere, we’ll also share the best tools and proven tips to help you find the best deals. Plus, we’ll answer the most common FAQs so your trip starts stress-free.

When Is the Cheapest Time to Perform Umrah?

While Umrah is permitted all year round, airfare and accommodation prices fluctuate based on Islamic and global travel calendars. The most affordable times typically include:

Best (Cheapest) Months for Umrah:

Mid-January to mid-February – after the New Year and school holidays
May to early June – between Ramadan and Hajj season
Late October to early December – off-peak before winter holidays

These months usually offer lower airfares and hotel prices, especially for pilgrims from the UK, the US, and Southeast Asia.

When Is Umrah More Expensive?

Avoid peak times when demand and prices surge:

Ramadan – High spiritual value, but flights and hotels can double in price
School Holidays (UK/US/Asia) – Especially during April, July, and December
Hajj season (Dhul Hijjah) – Even though Umrah isn’t allowed during Hajj, prices spike before and after due to overall demand

If you’re budget-conscious, plan your Umrah around these periods.

How Far in Advance Should You Book?

For best results, follow this booking strategy:

Booking Window	When to Book	Benefit
Early	2–3 months ahead	Ideal for cheaper international fares
Flexible Dates	Use Google Flights’ price tracking	Catch sudden fare drops
Last-Minute Deals	2–3 weeks before (off-season only)	Risky, but possible savings

Tools like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Hopper allow you to monitor routes and get notified when prices drop.

Best Time to Book Flights for Umrah 2025

Best Airports and Airlines for Umrah

UK Travelers:

Heathrow (LHR), Manchester (MAN): Direct flights via Saudia, British Airways
Budget Routes: Pegasus (via Istanbul), Qatar Airways (via Doha)

US Travelers:

JFK, IAD, ORD, LAX: Turkish Airlines, Saudia, Qatar Airways
Tip: Connect through Europe or the Gulf to save

Asia & Africa:

Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Lahore, and Cairo often have daily budget-friendly options to Jeddah and Madinah via AirAsia X, Saudia, or EgyptAir

Where to Land: Jeddah or Madinah?

Most Umrah flights go to:

Jeddah (JED) – Nearest to Makkah (1-hour drive)
Madinah (MED) – Best for those who want to start their pilgrimage there

Tip: Consider flying into one city and out of the other to save or balance time and cost.

Baggage & Visa Tips

Baggage: Saudia, Emirates, and Qatar Airways offer 30–40kg on Umrah-class tickets
Visa: As of 2025, many pilgrims (UK, US, EU, Gulf) can apply for an eVisa or tourist visa that allows Umrah
Always confirm the latest guidelines through the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah

FAQs – Booking Cheap Umrah Flights

How early should I book Umrah flights in 2025?
Ideally, 2–3 months in advance for the best prices. However, if you’re flexible, last-minute fares in off-peak seasons can also be budget-friendly.

Which airline is best for Umrah from the UK or the US?
Saudi and Qatar Airways offer a good balance of price, baggage allowance, and service. From the UK, consider British Airways for direct options. From the US, Turkish Airlines and Emirates are also strong choices.

Is it cheaper to fly to Jeddah or Madinah?
Jeddah generally has more flights and better deals, but comparing both airports is wise, especially if you’re open to open-jaw itineraries.

Can I perform Umrah on a tourist visa?
Yes. As of 2025, Saudi Arabia allows Umrah on a tourist visa for citizens of many countries. Always check current regulations before booking.

Final Thoughts

Performing Umrah doesn’t have to mean paying premium prices. By booking at the right time, choosing flexible dates, and using the best tools and routes, you can make your spiritual journey smoother and more affordable.

Visit our Cheap Flights Hub to stay updated on route hacks, visa tips, and airline deals throughout 2025.

Best Time to Book Flights for Umrah: 2025 Guide to Save Big