December, in fact, is the most popular month among UK pilgrims to undertake this spiritual journey. This is because this month offers the best weather for this trip. The climate in Saudi Arabia can be very harsh for UK pilgrims during the summer months, which naturally makes winter a better choice. Moreover, performing those physically challenging Umrah rituals in intense heat isn’t easy. That’s why many pilgrims strive to take this journey in December to avoid such conditions. Also, these pilgrims get to use exciting cheap December Umrah packages in this season. These packages allow them to reduce their travel costs and use unlimited facilities. However, many pilgrims aren’t aware of the advantages of performing Umrah in this month. The following article will highlight some important pros and cons of taking this journey in December and some necessary travel tips.

Weather in Makkah & Medina during December

It is the best thing about this month as the weather remains colder throughout this month in both cities. This cold weather makes it easier for pilgrims to perform all rituals comfortably. However, the days will feel warm in Makkah especially when the sun is at its peak. You can perform your rituals in the evening if you prefer a cold atmosphere. The weather will be colder in Madinah especially during the early mornings. Moreover, do not assume that the weather will be cold throughout the day. It can still feel warm during midday.

That’s why you should schedule your rituals accordingly. You will not experience rain more often during this month but expect rain as well. The best way is to install a weather app on your cellphone and keep an eye on the situation. As mentioned earlier, weather is a very important factor in this pilgrimage because it can affect your health. Furthermore, taking this journey with your kids in this month allows them to perform rituals comfortably. Experienced pilgrims suggest that you should plan your prayers and rituals during the cooler parts of the day.

5 Advantages of Performing Umrah in December

Let’s walk you through some of the major advantages of performing Umrah in the month of December:

• Cooler weather makes it easier for pilgrims to perform Tawaf and Sai’ comfortably.
• It makes it feasible for pilgrims to visit all the historical sites associated with Islam.
• Elderly pilgrims can perform their rituals without any stress due to the cooler weather. Also, they can commute easily on foot.
• School holidays in this month make it convenient for families to embark on this journey together. Furthermore, families from the UK can take advantage of this time a lot as they can’t bear the hot weather of Saudi Arabia.

Are There Any Disadvantages of Performing Umrah in December?

This month attracts a lot of international pilgrims because of the colder weather and school holidays. It can be difficult for many pilgrims to get a chance to take this journey in December. Moreover, flights and hotels become more expensive than usual during this month because of family bookings. It makes both holy cities extra crowded and makes it hard for pilgrims to move around. Sometimes, pilgrims have to wait hours in line to enter the mosque and pray. That’s why many pilgrims have to schedule their prayers at odd times.

Furthermore, flights and hotels will be booked faster than usual due to a large number of attendees. And for the same reason, you will experience a lot of noise in this month in both holy cities. It can be very distracting at times when you have to continuously listen to chatter and transport all the time.

How Busy Are Makkah and Madinah during December?

It can be a tricky question because crowds will vary significantly throughout the month. The intensity of crowds will be different at the start of the month. And it will be entirely different in the middle especially during Christmas days. Moreover, pilgrims will demand hotels closer to the Haram because of convenience. That is why you need to book your journey in advance through cheap December Umrah packages. Also, make sure you choose the week that is preferable for your journey. Furthermore, your travel agency will guide you on which week of December you’ll find fewer crowds.

As mentioned earlier, bigger crowds can cause unrest and make it difficult for families to perform rituals. The crowd can affect your movement while performing Tawaf and Sai’. Similarly, the crowd density will be very high in Medina and it will be hard for you to move. Additionally, there will be a very long line at every entrance of the Masjid-e-Nabawi. Pilgrims especially with families will find it difficult to enter and it will take a long time. The same thing will happen when you have to exit the mosque. That’s why you need to make a schedule first before taking this journey in the month of December.

What Should You Pack for December Umrah?

The packing depends on the area from which you are going to take this journey. If you live in a colder climate such as the UK then you will not need heavy luggage. Moreover, countries that share a border with the UK and western countries can enjoy lighter baggage with them. Pilgrims from those areas should pack lightweight Ihram clothes. It would be great if you keep two sets with breathable socks and a lightweight jacket and a cardigan. Moreover, you should keep all the documents with you including vaccination certificates. Also, keep in mind that these vaccine certificates will also vary depending on your location.

And you should keep your medication if you have been using them regularly. Furthermore, you have to pack a reusable water bottle with you on this journey. It is the most important thing that you keep drinking water on this journey. Do not rely on cold weather as the daytime will be hot and it can drain your energy. You might not feel the need to drink water but you should do that anyway. Lastly, you should also pack sunglasses and sunscreens to protect yourself from the UV light.

Practical Tips for a Smooth December Umrah

You should follow all the advice mentioned in this article as it will be very helpful to you if you do that. Moreover, you should book your journey in advance to find better amenities. For that, you also need to choose your Umrah package very carefully. It would be great if you compare four to five packages before selecting one. It will give you an idea about the prices and you can choose the best things for your journey.

Furthermore, you should check visa requirements and new regulations. The Saudi Government updates the rules and regulations every year so you should know them. Also, you should always take care of your health and do not get exhausted performing rituals. Take necessary breaks as you carry on with rituals and make sure you rest properly. Lastly, take care of your sleep schedule and do not overdo things that can ruin your health.

Final Word

Conclusively, yes, December is an excellent time to take this journey. However, you also need to plan your journey smartly so you can spend it all peacefully. To find the best cheap December Umrah packages, you should book your journey through Muslims Holy Travel. It is one of the best travel companies when it comes to embarking on a comfortable Umrah trip from the United Kingdom.