Planning Umrah in December can be a wonderful opportunity for British Muslims, particularly those hoping to travel during the Christmas school holidays or use their annual leave for a pilgrimage. However, before booking flights or choosing a hotel, one question naturally comes to mind: how much does Umrah cost from the UK in December 2026, and what should you expect to pay for the complete journey?
December Umrah packages from the UK cost between £615 and £949+ per person with Package Umrah, including return flights, hotel accommodation in Makkah and Madinah, visa arrangements and ground transport. The final price depends on your departure date, length of stay, hotel category, room-sharing arrangement and flight availability.
In this guide, we break down December 2026 Umrah prices, explain what affects the cost, highlight expenses to consider and share practical ways to plan your pilgrimage without unnecessary financial pressure.
December 2026 Umrah Package Prices
The following prices are advertised starting rates per person. They are intended as a guide, and your final quotation will depend on your chosen dates and room arrangements.
| Duration | 3-Star Packages (From) | 4-Star Packages (From) | 5-Star Packages (From) | Ideal Pilgrim Profile |
| 7 Nights | £615 pp | £645 pp | £820 pp | Short stay, working professionals, solo travelers |
| 10 Nights | £670 pp | £749 pp | £895 pp | First-time pilgrims & families (Popular Choice) |
| 12 Nights | £719 pp | £799 pp | £949 pp | Extended family groups & retired pilgrims |
| 14 Nights | £720 pp | £850+ pp | £990+ pp | Full Christmas school break (18 Dec – 5 Jan) |
Note: Starting prices are per person on shared room bases. Rates fluctuate based on departure dates—early December departures offer lower fares compared to peak Christmas school holiday dates (typically 18th December to 5th January).
Featured Hotels in Our December Packages
To give you an exact idea of where you will stay, here is how our hotel accommodation tiers are structured:
3-Star December Umrah Packages
- Makkah: Emaar Andalusia Hotel – Convenient access to Masjid al-Haram, equipped with air conditioning, family rooms, and on-site dining.
- Madinah: Emaar Elite Hotel – Close to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi with essential modern amenities and 24-hour reception.
4-Star December Umrah Packages
- Makkah: M Hotel Makkah by Millennium – Modern guest rooms with complimentary shuttle service running continuously to Masjid al-Haram.
- Madinah: Zowar International Madinah – Easy walking distance to Al-Masjid an-Nabawi.
5-Star December Umrah Packages
- Makkah & Madinah: Premium front-row courtyard hotels providing immediate walking access to both Holy Mosques.
Why Is December a Peak Season for UK Pilgrims?
Understanding why prices shift during December helps you time your booking for the best value:
- Optimal Winter Weather: Summer temperatures in Makkah and Madinah frequently exceed 40°C. In December, daytime temperatures drop to a comfortable 20°C to 28°C, making Tawaf (circumambulation) and Sa’i much easier, especially for children and elderly pilgrims.
- UK School & Work Holidays: The 2-week Christmas break allows British Muslim families to travel together without taking children out of school or requesting extended annual leave.
- High Global Demand: Pilgrims from across Europe and North America also utilize winter holidays, creating high competition for hotels near Masjid al-Haram and Masjid an-Nabawi.
Detailed Breakdown of December Umrah Costs
To build an accurate personal budget, you must look at each individual component of the journey:
1. Flights from the UK to Saudi Arabia (£450 – £950+)
Flights account for a significant portion of the total cost. Departure location and flight types affect overall pricing:
- Direct Flights (Saudia, British Airways): Departing from London Heathrow (LHR), London Gatwick (LGW), or Manchester (MAN) directly to Jeddah (JED) or Madinah (MED) range from £650 to £950+ during peak December dates.
- Indirect Flights (Turkish Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Pegasus, Gulf Air): Connecting flights via Istanbul, Amman, or Cairo cost between £450 and £700. Connecting routes offer substantial savings for larger families.
- UK Departure Airports: We arrange departures from London (LHR, LGW, LTN), Manchester (MAN), Birmingham (BHX), Glasgow (GLA), Leeds Bradford (LBA), and Edinburgh (EDI).
2. Saudi Arabia Visa Fees (£100 – £140 per person)
British passport holders have clear visa choices for Umrah:
- Saudi Electronic Visa (E-Visa) / Tourist Visa: Allows multiple entries over 1 year with stays up to 90 days. Costs approximately £110 to £130 ($140 USD) including mandatory health insurance.
- Saudi EVW (Electronic Visa Waiver): A single-entry pass valid for up to 90 days. Costs roughly £35 to £45, but requires fixed flight lock-ins.
- Umrah Visa via Package Umrah: Handled directly by our team with full pilgrim travel insurance included as part of your package booking.
Note: Visa fees and requirements may change. For the latest information, always check the official Saudi government website
3. Ground Transportation & Intercity Travel (£60 – £200 per person)
Moving between Jeddah airport, Makkah, Madinah, and back requires reliable transport:
- Haramain High-Speed Railway: The fastest connection between Makkah and Madinah (2 hours 20 minutes). Economy seats cost approximately £20 – £35 one-way (SAR 85–150).
- Private Cars / SUV Transfers: Preferred by families carrying multiple suitcases. Private transfers for Jeddah–Makkah–Madinah full circuits range from £180 to £350 per vehicle.
- Shared Tourist Coaches: Included in standard group packages for seamless transfers.
4. Food, Daily Living & Ziyarat Expenses (£150 – £350 per person)
- Meals: Standard food expenses in Saudi Arabia vary. Local cafeteria-style meals (Albaik, shawarma, rice dishes) cost around £5 – £10 per day. Sit-down hotel dining costs £15 – £30 per person/day. Budget around £100 to £200 per week for meals.
- Guided Ziyarat (Historical Site Tours): Visiting historic places like Cave Hira, Mount Arafat, Masjid Quba, and Mount Uhud costs around £30 – £60 per private taxi or £15 – £30 per person on group coach tours.
- Shopping & Miscellaneous: Budget extra for dates (Ajwa), Zamzam water, Ihram garments, prayer mats, and gifts for family back home.
Early December vs. Late December: The Price Shift
When you travel within December impacts your overall cost:
| Travel Period | Travel Dates & Demand Context | Package Tier | Package Price (per person) |
| Early December | 1st Dec – 17th Dec• Lower flight rates• UK schools still in session | 7-Night 3-Star | From £615 |
| Late December Peak | 18th Dec – 5th Jan• High demand• UK school holidays overlap with winter breaks | 14-Night 3-Star14-Night 5-Star | From £720From £990+ |
How Can You Make December Umrah More Affordable?
Book 2 to 4 Months in Advance: Booking early locks in base flight rates before airlines shift to high holiday pricing tiers.
Compare 7 vs. 10-Night Rates: Upgrading from a 7-night package (£615) to a 10-night package (£670) costs just £55 extra per person, giving you 3 extra nights at exceptional value.
Choose Quad Room Sharing: Sharing a room among 4 family members or friends lowers individual hotel costs while keeping your family together.
Fly from Local Airports: Choosing departure flights from Manchester, Birmingham, or regional airports saves ground transport costs to London airports.
Is December a Good Time to Perform Umrah?
Yes, December is one of the most popular and favorable times to perform Umrah, but whether it is the right choice depends on your priorities regarding weather, budget, and crowd management. Some reasons pilgrims consider December include:
- School holidays: Families may be able to travel together without children missing lessons.
- Annual leave: Working adults can use the Christmas and New Year period to arrange a longer visit.
- Winter conditions: Makkah and Madinah generally experience cooler conditions than during the hottest months, although temperatures can still be warm during the day.
- Flexible itineraries: Different package durations allow pilgrims to plan around their available time.
Why Book Your December 2026 Umrah with Package Umrah?
Navigating holiday flight surges and securing verified hotels near the Holy Mosques requires experienced support. At Package Umrah, we offer transparent, affordable, and fully ATOL-protected pilgrimage packages for UK travelers. Explore our December Umrah Packages 2026 starting from £615 per person, or contact our team for a personalised quotation.
May Allah make your preparations easy, accept your intentions and grant you a safe and blessed journey. Ameen.
Frequently Asked Questions About December Umrah Costs
1. How much does Umrah cost from the UK in December 2026?
December 2026 Umrah packages with Package Umrah start from £615 per person. The final price depends on the travel dates, hotel category, duration, room occupancy and flight availability.
2. Why are December Umrah packages more expensive around Christmas?
Christmas and New Year coincide with school holidays and annual leave for many UK families. Increased demand for flights and hotel accommodation can affect package prices during these dates.
3. What is the cheapest December Umrah package from the UK?
Package Umrah advertises 3-star December packages from £615 per person. Availability and final pricing depend on your chosen departure date and travel arrangements.
4. Does a December Umrah package include flights and visa?
Package Umrah’s December packages include return flights and visa arrangements, alongside hotel accommodation and ground transport. Confirm the precise inclusions in your written quotation.
5. How much money should I take for Umrah?
Your personal spending budget depends on meals, shopping, local transport and optional activities. Set aside money separately from your package payment and consider your family’s individual needs.
6. Is a 7-day or 14-day Umrah package cheaper?
A seven-night package generally costs less overall because it involves fewer hotel nights. However, a 14-night package provides additional time in Makkah and Madinah, so compare the total cost against the length of stay you prefer.
7. Can I perform Umrah during the Christmas school holidays?
Yes, December is a popular period for UK families planning Umrah around school holidays. Check your preferred departure and return dates with your travel agency, as availability can vary.
8. Are December Umrah packages available from Manchester and Birmingham?
Package Umrah offers departure options from major UK airports, including Manchester and Birmingham, subject to flight availability. Request a quotation specifying your preferred airport.
9. Is breakfast included in December Umrah packages?
Breakfast is included in the advertised December package options. Check your hotel confirmation for the precise meal arrangements and whether any additional meals are available.
10. Does a 3-star Umrah package include transport between Makkah and Madinah?
Package Umrah’s December packages include ground transport arrangements. Confirm the specific intercity transfer details and transport type in your itinerary before booking.
11. Can I book a December Umrah package for my family?
Yes. Families can enquire about suitable room-sharing arrangements and package durations. Confirm the room configuration, child requirements and total price for all travellers before paying.
12. Is a 5-star Umrah package worth the extra cost?
A 5-star package may suit pilgrims who prioritise premium facilities, accommodation comfort or proximity to the Haram. Whether the additional cost is worthwhile depends on your preferences and budget.
13. Can I pay for my December Umrah package in instalments?
Payment arrangements depend on the package and booking terms. Contact Package Umrah to discuss the available payment options, deposit requirements and balance payment deadlines.
14. Are December Umrah packages ATOL protected?
Package Umrah operates under ATOL licence 11203. Check the ATOL Certificate issued for your specific booking to confirm which services and payments are protected.
15. When should I book my December 2026 Umrah package?
Book as early as your plans allow, particularly if you need specific Christmas holiday dates, a preferred hotel or a particular UK departure airport. Early planning gives you more time to compare options and confirm availability.
