December Umrah Packages from UK with Prices, Best Dates and Booking Tips for 2026
December Umrah packages from UK airports cost about £650 to £900 per person for a 3-star stay with flights, and £850 to £1,250 for a 5-star stay. December is popular because schools are closed, the weather in Makkah is mild and three bank holidays reduce the leave you need. Early December is quieter. The weeks around Christmas are the busiest and sell out first.
For many British Muslim families, December is the only time when everyone is free together. Children are off school, offices slow down and the winter weather in Saudi Arabia is comfortable for walking.
This guide explains what a December trip costs, which dates work best and how to book without paying too much.
Why is December a good month for Umrah?
December suits families because of the school holidays and the cooler weather. It is the easiest month for parents, children and grandparents to travel as one group.
- School is closed. Most schools in England close for about two weeks, from around 18 December to early January. Dates vary by council, so check your school calendar.
- The weather is kind. Daytime in Makkah is warm, not hot. Madinah is cooler, and the nights there can feel cold.
- You need less annual leave. Christmas Day, the Boxing Day holiday and New Year’s Day are all bank holidays.
- Walking is easier. Tawaf and Sa’i are less tiring in winter, which helps older pilgrims and young children.
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How much do December Umrah packages from UK cost?
A 3-star package costs from about £650 for five nights to about £890 for fourteen nights. Higher star hotels and longer stays cost more.
The table below is a real example. It shows the prices that Islamic Travel Agency, an ATOL protected company in London, lists for its December Umrah packages from UK airports. Prices are per person, with departures from London, Birmingham and Manchester.
| Length of stay | 3-star | 4-star | 5-star |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 nights | £649 | £665 | £845 |
| 7 nights | £695 | £725 | £929 |
| 10 nights | £739 | £835 | £1,030 |
| 12 nights | £815 | £925 | £1,165 |
| 14 nights | £889 | £1,029 | £1,250 |
A family of four in a 3-star hotel for seven nights would pay about £2,780 at these prices. Meals, travel insurance and vaccines are extra with most agents, so ask what is included.
Is December more expensive than other months?
Yes. December is one of the two most expensive times of the year, together with Ramadan. The same agency lists a 3-star, ten-night package from £455 at quieter times of year. In December the same length of stay is £739, which is £284 more.
The reason is simple. Thousands of UK families want the same flights in the same two weeks, so airlines and hotels raise their prices.
Which December dates are best for Umrah?
The first half of December is the best choice for a calm trip. The school holiday weeks are best if you are travelling with children. Each part of the month has a clear advantage.
| When you fly | Good for | What to expect |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 17 December | Couples and adults without school-age children | Fewer UK travellers and more hotel choice |
| 18 to 24 December | Families who want to be home for New Year | The busiest departure days from UK airports |
| 25 December to early January | Families who can fly on Christmas Day or Boxing Day | High demand, so rooms near the Haram go quickly |
How to turn 7 days of leave into 16 days off
In 2026 the calendar is helpful. Christmas Day is a Friday, the Boxing Day bank holiday moves to Monday 28 December, and New Year’s Day is a Friday.
If you take leave on 21 to 24 December and 29 to 31 December, you are free from Saturday 19 December to Sunday 3 January. That is 16 days off for 7 days of leave, which is enough for a 12 or 14-night Umrah.
How can you pay less for Umrah in December?
Book early, be flexible on the day you fly and share rooms. December prices do not fall at the last minute, so waiting rarely helps.
- Book as early as you can. Flights for the school holidays are the first thing to rise in price.
- Fly midweek. Tuesday and Wednesday flights often cost less than Friday and Saturday ones.
- Try another airport. Compare London, Birmingham and Manchester before you choose.
- Share a quad room. A family of four in one room pays less per person than two twin rooms.
- Choose a hotel with a shuttle. A short bus ride from the Haram can cut the price a lot.
- Ask about a deposit. Many agents hold your place for a small deposit and take the rest in monthly payments.
- Compare the whole year. If your dates are open, look at all Umrah packages UK agents offer. September to November is usually the cheapest season.
What do you need before you travel?
You need a valid passport, a Saudi entry permit, a vaccine certificate and a protected booking.
- Passport. It must be valid for at least six months after you arrive.
- Entry permit. The UK government’s travel advice for Saudi Arabia says British citizens can perform Umrah on a Saudi ETA or an electronic visa waiver outside the Hajj season. Other passport holders usually apply through a licensed agent.
- Vaccine. Every pilgrim needs a meningitis ACWY certificate that is valid ten days before arrival.
- ATOL protection. GOV.UK advises checking that your agent is ATOL protected. You can look up any ATOL number on the Civil Aviation Authority website.
What should you pack for Umrah in December?
Pack for warm days and cool nights. Take light clothes for Makkah, and a jumper or shawl for Fajr prayer in Madinah. Comfortable sandals, a small bag for your shoes and a refillable water bottle are useful for every pilgrim.
Frequently asked questions
How much does Umrah cost from the UK in December?
A December Umrah package with flights costs about £650 to £900 per person in a 3-star hotel. A 5-star package costs about £850 to £1,250. The price depends on the number of nights, the hotel and how close your dates are to Christmas.
Is December a good time to perform Umrah?
Yes. The weather in Makkah and Madinah is mild, the UK school holidays make family travel possible and bank holidays save annual leave. It is busier than autumn, so book early and expect crowds near the Kaaba after Maghrib and Isha.
When should I book a December Umrah package?
Book as early as you can, ideally by the end of summer. If you are booking in November, choose early December dates or a hotel with a shuttle bus, where more rooms are still free.
What is the weather like in Makkah in December?
December is one of the coolest months in Makkah. Days are warm and evenings are pleasant. Madinah is cooler than Makkah, and early mornings there can be cold, so bring one warm layer.
Can I take children on Umrah in December?
Yes. December is the most popular month for family Umrah from the UK. Children need their own passport, entry permit and vaccine certificate. Choose a hotel close to the Haram or with a regular shuttle, so the walk is short for small children.
Are Umrah packages from the UK ATOL protected?
A package that includes flights and is sold by an ATOL holder is protected. The agent must give you an ATOL certificate when you pay. A booking without flights is not covered by ATOL, so ask before you book.
Start with the dates, then choose the package
A December Umrah works best when the dates are fixed first. Check the school calendar, count your leave days and decide how many nights you can stay. Then compare two or three ATOL protected agents on the same dates and the same hotel standard. That is the fairest way to find the right price.
