Key takeaways
- Cooler: Makkah averages about 32°C by day and 21°C at night in December — against about 44°C by day in June.
- Busy: December and January are among the busiest months for pilgrims from abroad, according to Saudi statistics.
- Dry: Makkah averages barely one rainy day in December.
- Book early: hotels near the Haram fill up for the winter holidays.
December is one of the most comfortable months for Umrah: Makkah’s average high falls to about 32°C and nights to about 21°C, compared with around 44°C in June. But it is also one of the busiest months, because many families travel in the winter holidays — so book flights, hotels and Nusuk permits early. The figures below come from Saudi weather-station climate normals and the Saudi statistics authority.
Makkah weather in December and January
| Month | Average high | Average low | Rainy days |
|---|---|---|---|
| December | 32.5°C | 20.7°C | about 1 |
| January | 30.9°C | 19.2°C | about 2 |
| June (for comparison) | 43.9°C | 29.3°C | — |
| July (for comparison) | 43.2°C | 29.8°C | — |
Source: Saudi weather-station climate normals for 1991–2020 (WMO dataset). Madinah is cooler than Makkah in winter, especially at night, so pack a light jacket for the Madinah days.
How crowded is Umrah in December?
December is not a quiet month. The Saudi statistics authority reported that in October–December 2025, December had the most pilgrims from abroad of the quarter, and in January–March 2025, January had the largest share. Winter’s cooler weather and school holidays in many countries bring large numbers.
- Plan tawaf late at night or early in the morning, when the mataf is less crowded; the upper levels of Masjid al-Haram are another option.
- Book your Nusuk Umrah permit and Rawdah permit as early as the app allows.
- Stay closer to the Haram if you are travelling with elders — walking in crowds takes longer.
What to pack for a winter Umrah
- A light jacket or shawl for cooler nights and air-conditioned mosques and buses
- Comfortable sandals and a spare pair
- Your meningococcal ACYW vaccination certificate — compulsory for Umrah
- The Nusuk app installed, with your permits
Our Umrah packing checklist has the full list, including Saudi customs and Zamzam rules.
Umrah season dates for 2026–27
For the 1448 AH season, Saudi Arabia issues Umrah visas until 9 March 2027, allows entry until 23 March 2027, and requires departure by 7 April 2027. December falls well within the season. See our step-by-step Umrah guide for visas, vaccines and ihram on the flight from Calicut.
Our December Umrah group from Kozhikode
Albah Holidays’ Umrah group leaves Kozhikode on 19 December 2026: 14 days, with 10 days in Makkah and 4 in Madinah, led by experienced Ameers. Pilgrims from anywhere in Kerala can join at Calicut International Airport.
Frequently asked questions
Is December a good time for Umrah?
Yes for weather — Makkah averages about 32°C by day and 21°C at night. But it is one of the busiest months, so book early and plan tawaf at quieter hours.
How hot is Makkah in December?
The average high is about 32.5°C and the average low about 20.7°C, according to 1991–2020 climate normals.
Does it rain in Makkah in December?
Rarely — about one rainy day in December on average.
Is Umrah crowded in December?
Yes. Saudi statistics show December and January among the busiest months for pilgrims from abroad.
Climate figures are long-term averages. This article reflects sources checked in September 2026.
