December Umrah Packages 2026 from the UK

Why choose December for Umrah?

December is a favourite month for winter Umrah from the UK, and it comes down to the weather and the holidays. Compared with the summer, when Makkah can climb past 40°C, December is far more comfortable: daytime highs sit around 31°C in Makkah and about 25°C in Madinah, and the evenings turn genuinely cool, especially in Madinah. That milder weather makes it easier to perform Tawaf and Sa’i, to walk between the hotel and the mosque, and to spend longer in prayer, which helps families, children and older pilgrims most.

December also lands in the school winter break and over Christmas and New Year, so families and people in work can travel without using much annual leave. December tends to suit:

• Families travelling in the school holidays

• Older pilgrims, and anyone who finds walking in the heat difficult

• Couples and solo pilgrims who want a quieter winter trip

• Professionals using time off over the festive period

December is a peak month, though. Flights and hotels cost more than in the quiet months, and the mosques are busier, especially around Christmas and New Year. If keeping the cost down matters more than the exact dates, travel in early December, before the schools break up, and book early.

December Umrah packages at a glance

Our December Umrah packages 2026 come in 3-star, 4-star and 5-star tiers, plus custom trips built around your own dates. They’re part of our year-round Umrah packages from the UK, priced for the December peak. Full hotel and price detail for each tier is below the table.

Prices are per person, based on twin or quad sharing, and they vary by departure airport, room type, hotel and travel dates. Christmas and New Year dates usually cost more than early December. The prices below are correct starting points; we confirm the exact price, hotels, room basis and departure dates on your written quote.

The approximate distance to the relevant mosque is shown under each hotel in the tables below: Masjid al-Haram in Makkah, Masjid an-Nabawi in Madinah. These figures are indicative, and we confirm each hotel’s exact approx. distance in writing before you pay. Where a hotel sits a little further out, a shuttle runs to the mosque.

3-star December Umrah packages

Our 3-star packages cover everything you need for a comfortable trip focused on worship, without paying for extras. They start at around £750 per person. In Makkah, the hotels are within walking distance or a short shuttle ride of Masjid al-Haram; in Madinah, they’re close to Masjid an-Nabawi. Every distance we quote is approx. and confirmed in writing before you pay.

4-star December Umrah packages

A step up in comfort and location, our 4-star packages are a popular choice for families and couples. They usually cost between £995 and £1,100 per person. You get more space and well-rated hotels, most within a short walk or a quick shuttle of the mosque.

5-star December Umrah packages

For more space, comfort and the closest hotels to the mosque, our 5-star packages start at around £1,020 per person. They suit pilgrims who want 5-star hotels and short walking distances, and they work well for elderly travellers who need easy access.

The nights shown are typical; the exact split between Makkah and Madinah is confirmed for your package. Most of our 5-star hotels are among the closest to the mosque, approx. a few minutes’ walk, while 4-star and 3-star hotels range from a short walk to a quick shuttle ride. Each hotel’s approx. distance and room basis are confirmed in writing before you pay.

Custom December Umrah packages

If a standard package doesn’t fit your dates, group size, preferred hotel or departure city, we’ll build one that does. Custom packages are priced on request and work well for groups with mixed ages or access needs, pilgrims with a favourite hotel or star rating in mind, travellers flying from smaller UK airports, and anyone whose fixed dates don’t match the standard trips.

December Umrah plus a stopover

If you’d like to make more of the journey, you can add a stopover to your December Umrah. Many pilgrims break the trip home with a few nights in a hub such as Istanbul or Dubai, which we can build into your flights and itinerary on request. Tell us what you have in mind and we’ll price it as part of your package.

What’s included, and what’s not

Every December package is fully bundled. Each one includes:

• Return flights from a UK airport to Saudi Arabia

• Hotel stays in Makkah and Madinah at your chosen star rating

• Nusuk permit support: your Umrah permit is booked through the Nusuk app (more on this below)

• Airport and intercity transfers: airport to hotel, and between Makkah and Madinah

• 24/7 UK-based support before and during your trip

Board basis is room-only or bed and breakfast, depending on the hotel and package, and we confirm this for your hotel before you book. You can also add ziyarah tours, room upgrades and extra nights on request.

The package price doesn’t include the following unless you ask us to add it:

• Meals beyond your stated board basis

• Optional ziyarah tours, room upgrades and extra nights

• Travel insurance

• Your entry authorisation (Saudi ETA or eVisa) and any Nusuk permit fees, unless stated as included

• Personal spending, and anything not listed as an inclusion

Flights from UK airports

We book return flights to Saudi Arabia from major UK airports, including London Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham, as well as London Gatwick, Leeds Bradford and Glasgow. If you live near a smaller airport, we can route you through a nearby major airport.

Direct flights to Jeddah (King Abdulaziz International Airport) are available from London Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham. Madinah (Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport) is reached with one connection from the UK. From any other UK airport, you’ll reach Jeddah or Madinah with a single connection. Because airline schedules change, we confirm your exact routing and carrier on your quote.

Depending on your dates and airport, we book carriers such as Saudia, British Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Turkish Airlines.

Hotels near Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi

In Makkah, our hotels are close to Masjid al-Haram. In Madinah, they’re close to Masjid an-Nabawi, the Prophet’s Mosque. Every distance we quote is approx. and measured to the correct mosque for that city, and we confirm each hotel’s approx. distance and room basis in writing before you pay.

Rooms are usually twin or quad, and families can ask for connecting or quad rooms. Distances vary by hotel: our closest hotels sit approx. 100 to 200 metres from the mosque, a few minutes’ walk, while others are a short walk or a quick shuttle ride, which we run to the mosque.

Umrah visas, the Saudi ETA and Nusuk permits

For most British pilgrims, getting into Saudi Arabia for Umrah is more straightforward than it used to be. You have two main entry routes:

• The Saudi ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), live since 1 July 2026 for UK passport holders. It allows multiple entries and covers Umrah outside the Hajj season.

• The tourist eVisa, valid for a year with multiple entries, which also lets you perform Umrah outside Hajj.

There’s also the dedicated Umrah visa, arranged through an approved agent. It’s the route many other nationalities use, but most UK travellers won’t need it.

Whichever route you take, the Nusuk app is the key step once your entry is sorted: you register on Nusuk to book your Umrah permit, which you need to enter Masjid al-Haram, and you can also reserve a Rawdah appointment (Riyadh-ul-Jannah, the Garden of Paradise) at Masjid an-Nabawi. On the dedicated Umrah-visa route, your hotel is booked through Nusuk Masar before the visa is issued.

Our UK team gives you Nusuk support and guidance from start to finish: we help you pick the right entry route, talk you through what you need, check your documents, and make sure your Nusuk permit dates line up with your travel. If the rules change, we’ll keep you posted.

Ziyarah tours in Makkah and Madinah

You can add a ziyarah tour to visit important Islamic sites in both cities. Ziyarah is optional and can be added to any package.

In and around Makkah: Jabal al-Nour, Jabal Thawr, Jannat al-Mualla, Masjid al-Jinn, Makkah Museum, Al Kiswah Factory and Arafat.

In and around Madinah: Masjid Quba, Masjid Qiblatain, Jannat al-Baqi, Mount Uhud and the site of the martyrs of Uhud, the Seven Mosques, and the site of the Battle of Badr.

December Umrah from your city

Wherever you live in the UK, there’s a December departure to suit you. We book pilgrims from the main hubs (London, Manchester and Birmingham) and from Bradford, Leicester, Blackburn, Liverpool, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Belfast. If you fly from London Heathrow, Manchester or Birmingham, you can take a direct flight to Jeddah; from any other UK airport, your route includes one connection. Live near Blackburn? We usually fly you from Manchester. Near Leicester? Birmingham is your closest hub. If you’re starting from London, Manchester or Birmingham, our city pages have local departure details too.

Packages for families, groups, couples, women and solo pilgrims

Family December Umrah

Connecting or quad rooms, hotels close to the mosque, and dates that fit the school holidays. We can also arrange wheelchair help and hotels with easy access for older family members. Child and infant fares are usually lower than the adult price, so tell us their ages and we’ll include them in your quote. If you’re travelling as a family, our family Umrah packages page has more detail.

Group December Umrah

For groups of friends, mosque groups or extended families. You get group pricing, shared transport and a coordinator to keep everything running smoothly.

Couple and solo December Umrah

Twin rooms for couples, and quieter early-December dates. Solo pilgrims can join a group or travel independently, whichever you prefer.

Women’s December Umrah

Saudi Arabia no longer requires a mahram for Umrah: any woman aged 18 or over can travel without one, on her own or in a group, while under-18s still need a mahram or guardian. Our women-only Umrah packages give you a supportive all-female group, hotels close to the mosque, and full help with your Nusuk permit. Scholars differ on travelling without a mahram, so do check your own school of thought before booking.

Christmas and New Year Umrah packages

Christmas and New Year are the busiest dates of the whole month. If you want one of our Christmas Umrah packages, or a New Year Umrah package to start 2027 in the holy cities, book as early as you can, because the hotels closest to the mosque go first. If you’d rather keep the cost down and avoid the biggest crowds, early December, before the schools break up, is calmer and better value, and you still get the same mild winter weather.

December weather and what to pack

December in the holy cities is comfortable by day and cool after dark, and the two cities differ. In Makkah, expect daytime highs of around 31°C, dropping to about 19 to 20°C at night. Madinah is noticeably cooler: roughly 25°C by day and around 11 to 13°C at night. So the days are pleasant for worship, but the evenings, especially in Madinah, call for a warm layer.

Pack warm layers for Fajr and night prayers on your winter Umrah (a jumper, a light jacket and socks), along with your Ihram, comfortable walking shoes, unscented toiletries and a small day bag. Days are usually sunny, so lighter clothes are fine once the sun is up.

Documents and vaccinations for December Umrah

Before you travel, you’ll need:

• A passport valid for at least six months

• Your entry authorisation: a Saudi ETA or tourist eVisa (or a dedicated Umrah visa, if that’s your route)

• Passport-sized photos

• Your confirmed flights and hotel booking

• The MenACWY (meningitis ACWY) vaccination: required, ideally at least 10 days before you travel

It also helps to carry some Saudi Riyals (SAR) for small purchases, and to keep digital copies of your documents.

How to get a good December Umrah deal

A few simple steps make a real difference when you’re comparing December Umrah deals:

• Book early, 3 to 6 months ahead, which usually means by July or August for a December trip

• Travel in early December, before the schools break up, for lower prices

• Be flexible with your dates

• Compare the whole package, not just the headline price: hotel distance, flight times, transfers and support all matter

• Ask about instalments: hold your place from just £49 and pay the balance in stages

• Get more than one quote before you decide

Prefer to travel after the holidays? Our January Umrah packages offer the same mild winter weather at lower prices once the December rush ends, which is a good option if your dates are flexible. If you’re weighing December against January, December wins on school-holiday convenience, while January usually wins on price.

Flexible instalment plans: hold your place from £49

You don’t need to pay for your December Umrah all at once. Secure your booking with a deposit of £49 per person, then pay the balance in stages before you travel. The £49 holds your package and today’s price; the balance is due before departure, and we’ll confirm the exact dates on your booking. Ask our team about the instalment plan that fits your dates and group, and about our booking and cancellation terms before you commit.

Why book with Tawaf Travel?

• ATOL protection: flight-inclusive bookings are protected under ATOL 10416 against the financial failure of the company

• IATA-accredited: we’re an IATA-accredited agency (IATA 91280442)

• A UK team since 2006: Tawaf Travel is a brand of 7 Continents Travel Ltd, which has arranged Hajj and Umrah trips since 2006

• Clear pricing: you see the inclusions and any optional extras up front

• Real support: UK-based help by phone and WhatsApp before and during your trip

7 Continents Travel Ltd, Companies House 05224578, 262A Upper Tooting Road, London SW17 0DN.

Ready to plan your December Umrah?

Tell us your dates, your city and your group size, and we’ll send you a quote for December. There’s no pressure, just clear options and honest advice.

Call 0203 504 6088 · WhatsApp 073 4559 8119

Frequently asked questions

Is December a good time for Umrah from the UK?

Yes. December is popular with UK pilgrims because it's far milder than the summer (around 31°C by day in Makkah and about 25°C in Madinah), and it falls in the school holidays. The gentler weather makes Tawaf and Sa'i easier, which helps families and older pilgrims. It's a peak month, so book early for a wider choice of hotels and dates.

How much do December Umrah packages cost from the UK?

December Umrah packages with Tawaf Travel start at £750 per person for a 3-star trip and rise to around £1,130 per person for a 5-star trip. The price depends on your hotel star rating, the number of nights, your departure airport, your room basis and your travel dates. Early-December dates usually cost less than Christmas and New Year.

What's included in a December Umrah package?

Every package is fully bundled. It includes return flights from the UK, hotel stays in Makkah and Madinah, Nusuk permit support, and airport and intercity transfers, plus 24/7 UK-based support. Ziyarah tours, room upgrades and extra nights can be added on request. Meals beyond your board basis, travel insurance and your entry authorisation aren't included unless we confirm otherwise.

How many nights should I stay?

Most December trips are 7, 10 or 14 nights, split between Makkah and Madinah. Seven nights suits a shorter visit, while 10 to 14 nights gives you more time for worship and ziyarah. We can arrange other lengths if you need them.

Which UK airports do you fly from?

We book return flights from major UK airports, including London Heathrow, Manchester and Birmingham, as well as London Gatwick, Leeds Bradford and Glasgow. If you live near a smaller airport, we can route you through a nearby major airport. Just tell us where you'd like to fly from.

Do I need an Umrah visa, or can I use the Saudi ETA?

Most British pilgrims travel on the Saudi ETA (live since 1 July 2026) or the tourist eVisa; both let you perform Umrah outside the Hajj season. A dedicated Umrah visa, arranged through an approved agent, is a third route that most UK travellers won't need. Whichever you use, you then book your Umrah permit through the Nusuk app to enter Masjid al-Haram. Our team gives you Nusuk support and guidance at every step.

Can I book a family, group or women's package?

Yes. We arrange family packages with connecting or quad rooms, group packages with shared transport and a coordinator, and women-only groups. Since 2022, women aged 18 and over no longer need a mahram for Umrah and can travel alone or in a group. Tell us who's coming and we'll match the hotels and rooms to suit.

Can I pay for December Umrah in instalments?

Yes. You can secure your December Umrah with a deposit of £49 per person and pay the balance in stages before you travel. The £49 holds your package and price; the balance is due before departure. Ask our team about the instalment plan and our cancellation terms for your dates.

Is December Umrah cheaper than Ramadan?

Yes. December costs far less than Ramadan, which is the most expensive and busiest time for Umrah. December is a little dearer than the quietest autumn months, but for most UK families the milder weather and the school holidays make it worth the difference. Travelling in early December keeps the cost down.

Can I bring Zamzam water back to the UK?

Most airlines let you bring back a 5-litre container of Zamzam water, and some carriers provide it at the airport. Allowances vary, so we'll confirm what your airline permits when we book your flights.

Can I perform Umrah more than once during my trip?

Yes. Many pilgrims perform Umrah more than once by re-entering the state of Ihram at a nearby Miqat, such as Masjid Aisha (Tan'eem) in Makkah, and returning to Masjid al-Haram for Tawaf and Sa'i.