Umrah can be performed anytime, throughout the year. People set their time to perform this religious worship according to different ongoing situations and circumstances. A lot of people book it 3 months earlier, which costs less, while some people book it at the last possible minute, which costs more than normal. The season in which you done booking of anall-inclusive Umrah package also has a significant role in the prices of Umrah. A peak season costs more, while an off-peak costs comparatively less. But why is the difference between the costs of an early and a late booking? Does early booking really cost less? If so, why? Let’s get into the details to find the answers:
Types of Costs in an Umrah Package?
It is important to know what is necessary to buy when buying an Umrah Package. Let’s have a look:
Flight Costs: Flight costs depend on the different factors. A direct flight costs more because it doesn’t stop in other countries except for the fuel, maintenance or any emergency landing.You don’t have to switch flights, while a connecting flight costs less because it stops to take more passengers on-board and you possibly have to switch flights at other airports. These prices typically depend on the types of flights and range from £200 to £600.
Hotel Costs: Hotels are booked according to their star ratings, services, facilities and their distance from Haram. A hotel with a minimal distance (from Haram) costs more than a hotel with a 15-30 minute walking distance from Haram. A hotel charges £30-60/night for a budget booking and £130-£200/night for a luxury booking, for a single person.
Transport Costs: Umrah is performed in Makkah, but there are more religious and historic places in Saudi Arabia. The basic transport includes rides from the airport to the hotel and from the hotel to the airport, but you can add more Ziyarat (visiting) places to your transport by paying their cost. Transport can either be public or private and its type has a significant role in the rise and fall of the overall price of an Umrah package.
Visa Costs: The average visa cost ranges from £55 to £135 when processed through an Umrah Agency. Keep in mind that the best type of visa to purchase is a waiver visa because it has a broad range of purposes, including performing Umrah, it is softer in its terms and conditions and it costs less than the other types of visa.
Factors that May Influence the Umrah Costs
Other than the quality of the above facilities, the following factors also influence the Umrah costs:
Seasons and Weather
It really matters when you are going to Umrah, what season it is and what does the weather says:
Summer: The summer season is an off-peak season of Umrah and that’s why it costs less. When the temperature crosses 40°C in Makkah, it becomes very difficult for pilgrims to perform Umrah in such a hot weather. The flights and hotels reduce their prices to engage more people. This season includes May, June, July and August.The prices & crowds are low and the movements are smoother due to a low crowd.
Winter: Winter season is a peak season because it has human-friendly temperatures (less than 30°C). The crowd density goes up and the prices increase due to the rise in demand for Umrah packages. The movements are comparatively slower, but it is easy to survive in such weather and perform Umrah. This season includes the months of December, January and February.
Shoulder Season: Shoulder season is when the temperature ranges between 30°C and 38°C. It consists of March, April, September and October. The crowds are moderate, the prices are suitable but the temperature becomes unpredictable when climate change occurs or the rain surprises everyone. This season gives pleasant temperatures at night, generally.
Post-Hajj Season: A lot of Muslims perform Hajj al-Tamattu, in which they perform Umrah first. Which means the number of Umrahpilgrims are less after the Hajj season in Muharram and Safar. So post-Hajj season is known as an off-peak season for performing Umrah. The prices of Umrah packages are dropped during this season to engage more people to perform Umrah.
Ramadan: The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) says: Umrah in Ramadan is equivalent to Hajj (in Rewards). So, most people perform Umrah in the month of Ramadan, which makes it the most crowded season for Umrah. The prices of Umrahcost have increased as a result of high demand for Ramadan Umrah.
| Month | Avg. Temp/
Min-Max |
Silver Avg. Price | Gold Avg.
Price |
Diamond Avg. Price |
| January | 19-30°C | £900 | £1200 | £1700 |
| February | 19-31°C | £850 | £1150 | £1650 |
| March | 21-34°C | £850 | £1150 | £1650 |
| April | 25-39°C | £800 | £1000 | £1600 |
| May | 28-42°C | £750 | £1050 | £1550 |
| June | 29-44°C | £700 | £1000 | £1500 |
| July | 29-43°C | £750 | £1050 | £1550 |
| August | 29-43°C | £750 | £1050 | £1550 |
| September | 28-42°C | £800 | £1100 | £1600 |
| October | 25-39°C | £850 | £1150 | £1650 |
| November | 22-35°C | £850 | £1150 | £1650 |
| December | 20-32°C | £900 | £1200 | £1700 |
Avg. Umrah Prices Per Person for 7 Days during different months
Note: Ramadan is a peak season, and it costs more than the normal for an Umrah package.
Early vs Late Booking
An early booking costs less while a late booking costs more than normal; let’s see how:
Early Booking
Early booking costs less because flights, hotels and travel agencies drop their prices to achieve a particular target in the minimum time. They achieve their target up to 6 months earlier, which means booking 6 months earlier or before may save you money 25-40% from flights and hotels. After this, when their discounted quota is filled, the normal pricing starts. Now it is not certain that you are going to get discount but it is sure that you are going to get everything on its actual price.
Wider Range of Choices: If you book your Umrah 6 months earlier or before, you’ll get wider range of choice and you can purchase more comfort on less cost.
Late Booking
If you are going to book your Umrah at the last minute of booking, you are going to pay the higher costs than the normal ones. It is because a very few seats are left, which are sold at a higher cost, by charging 40-100% extra. Not only this, but it is nearly possible that you get nothing according to your choice. You may not get direct flight or a hotel with a minimum distance from Haram.
Conclusion
An earlier booking costs up to 40% less because flights and hotels reduce their price to fill a particular number of seats and rooms. You can get the benefit through this opportunity if you book your Umrah package at least 6 months before the planned date for performing Umrah. It also depends which season you are going to book for Umrah. After this, book your Umrah as soon as possible for moderate prices. If you are waiting for a last-minute booking, this is going to cost you more. And the bad thing is you may not get anything according to your choice and comfort. Book your Umrah from an ATOL-Protected travel agency; it will give you financial protection. May Allah give you the opportunity to perform Umrah and Hajj, Ameen!
