Many pilgrims choose the cooler months for Umrah. Walking between your hotel and the mosque is gentler, and long days in the courtyards feel less tiring than in summer. Winter still needs a little planning, though: evenings can feel cool, Madinah is often noticeably cooler than Makkah, and rain can arrive suddenly.
This guide covers the practical side: checking the weather, packing, rain safety and booking. It quotes no temperatures, dates or prices. For current conditions, always use the National Center for Meteorology (NCM), and for permits, the official Nusuk platform.
Quick answer
Short answer: Before and during a winter Umrah, check the National Center for Meteorology for the Makkah and Madinah regions and its early warnings. Pack light layers for evenings and air-conditioned spaces, a compact umbrella and comfortable shoes with good grip. Book your Umrah permit through Nusuk, and plan for busier periods around school holidays.
Check the weather the official way
The NCM website has forecast pages for each region, including the Makkah and Madinah regions, and a dedicated Mashaer weather section. It also runs a weather early warning system for alerts such as heavy rain or dust.
Check the forecast a few days before you fly, and again each morning of your stay. Conditions can change quickly in winter, and your plan for the day may change with them.
Key takeaways
- Official forecasts: the NCM publishes regional forecasts for Makkah and Madinah and a Mashaer weather page.
- Alerts: the NCM’s early warning system lists current weather warnings.
- Permits: the Nusuk services list includes booking an Umrah permit and a Rawdah visit permit.
- No fixed figures here: temperatures vary year to year, so we don’t quote them. Check the forecast instead.
Packing for cooler days and evenings
Winter packing is about layers, not heavy coats. You will move between outdoor courtyards, air-conditioned halls, buses and hotel rooms, and comfort can change from one to the next.
Winter Umrah packing list
- A light jacket, cardigan or shawl for evenings and air-conditioned spaces
- Warm socks for the hotel and the journey
- A compact umbrella or light rain cover
- Comfortable, broken-in shoes with good grip for wet floors
- Lip balm and moisturiser for dry air
- A small bag for shoes and a reusable water bottle
- Any regular medicines in their original packaging, with a copy of your prescription
For anything to do with ihram clothing and what it allows, ask your group’s scholar or a qualified person you trust. This guide covers only clothing and items outside ihram.
Tip
Madinah evenings often feel cooler than Makkah. If your trip includes both cities, keep your warmest layer handy for the Madinah leg.
Rain and safety
Winter rain in the region can be heavy, and water can collect quickly on roads and in low areas. Follow the NCM’s warnings and any instructions from your hotel, your group leader and the authorities on site.
Warning
If a weather warning is in place, avoid valleys, underpasses and flooded roads, and never try to walk or drive through moving water. In an emergency, ask hotel staff, your group leader or the nearest security officer for help straight away.
Marble and tiled floors can be slippery when wet. Walk carefully, take smaller steps and keep a hand free near stairs and escalators, especially if you are travelling with elderly family members.
Planning your dates and bookings
The cooler months can be popular, and some periods are busier than others, such as school holidays in many countries. If you have flexibility, compare a few possible weeks before you commit.
Booking a winter Umrah, step by step
1
Choose a window: pick two or three possible weeks and check flights and hotel availability for each.
2
Check the official requirements: use the official Nusuk platform for current Umrah rules and services.
3
Book your Umrah permit: the Nusuk services list includes Umrah permit booking. Book once your travel dates are clear.
4
Plan Madinah: if you hope to visit the Rawdah, the Nusuk services list includes a Rawdah permit. Check availability early.
5
Re-check the forecast: a few days before you fly, look at the NCM forecasts and pack accordingly.
If you are travelling with a licensed operator, ask them how they handle winter weather days, such as changes to transport times. Our guide to choosing a licensed Umrah package explains what to check.
Making the most of the cooler weather
Milder weather can make it easier to walk to prayers, spend longer in the courtyards and visit places such as Quba or Uhud during your Madinah stay. Plan outings for the drier parts of the day and keep an eye on the forecast.
Cooler weather does not mean you can skip water. Indoor air can be dry, and long walks still tire you, so keep drinking water regularly and rest when you need to.
| Topic | Summer | Winter |
|---|---|---|
| Main weather concern | Heat and sun | Cool evenings and occasional rain |
| Packing focus | Sun protection, breathable clothes | Light layers, umbrella, grippy shoes |
| Daily check | Heat advice and shade | NCM forecasts and early warnings |
| Walking | Avoid the hottest hours | Avoid wet, slippery surfaces |
FAQ
Is winter a good time for Umrah?
Many pilgrims find the cooler weather more comfortable for walking and long days at the mosque. It can also be busy, so plan your dates and bookings early.
Where can I check the weather in Makkah and Madinah?
On the National Center for Meteorology website, which has regional forecasts and early warnings.
Do I still need a Nusuk permit in winter?
Permit rules don’t depend on the season. Check the current Umrah services on Nusuk before you travel.
This article is practical guidance only and is not a religious ruling. Last checked 20 October 2026 (Asia/Riyadh) against the NCM website and early warning page and the official Nusuk homepage and services page (Arabic). Weather and services change; confirm on the official sites.