Plan by the Moon
Hijri Islamic Calendar,the months of the pilgrimage.
Hijri and Gregorian calendar
Hijri calendar
The Islamic calendar
- A lunar calendar with 12 months
- About 354 days in a year
- Began in 622 AD, with the Hijra (migration) of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) from Makkah to Madinah
Gregorian calendar
The Christian or Western calendar
- A solar calendar with 12 months
- 365 days, with a leap year every four years giving 366 days
- Introduced in 1582
The lunar calendar falls behind the solar calendar by 10 to 11 days each year, and the cycle repeats every 33 years.
In the Quran, Allah instructs Muslims to follow the phases of the new moon to mark the fixed periods of Muslim life, including Hajj and the fast of Ramadan.
Calendar
The holy month of Ramadan
Many believe that performing Umrah during Ramadan carries the same reward as performing Hajj with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
Note: Umrah in Ramadan does not replace Hajj, which every Muslim must perform at least once in a lifetime. The rewards and blessings, however, are regarded as equal.
Eid al Fitr
The festival that follows Ramadan, celebrated on 1 Shawwal.
Rajab
Rajab is another important month in the Islamic calendar, regarded as the month of seeking forgiveness. Muslims go the extra mile by fasting, doing charity work and travelling to the House of Allah to perform Umrah.
Hajj season
Hajj takes place from 8 to 13 Dhu al-Hijjah, the last month of the Islamic calendar. Its date changes every year in the Gregorian calendar, falling about 10 days earlier than the year before.
Eid al Adha
The festival of sacrifice, celebrated on 10 Dhu al-Hijjah at the close of Hajj.
Day of Ashura
Observed on 10 Muharram, the first month of the Islamic year.
Weather
The weather in Saudi Arabia is seasonal, with hot and humid summers and cool winters. Umrah can be performed at any time of the year, so you can choose the time that suits you best.
Spring
March - May
26°C
- Relatively cool weather, walking and exploring is possible
- Expect more crowds, as it is a popular time to do Umrah
Summer
June - August
42°C
- The hottest season of the year, so always carry an umbrella and water
- A great time to experience the Haramain, as crowds are much smaller
Autumn
September - November
35°C
- Relatively cool weather, walking and exploring is possible
- Expect more crowds, as it is a popular time to do Umrah
Winter
December - February
23°C
- Relatively cool weather, walking and exploring is possible
- Expect more crowds, as it is a popular time to do Umrah