If you’re planning Umrah from the UK ahead of the Ramadan season, the winter months can offer a surprisingly comfortable and family-friendly window to travel. Cooler daytime temperatures and crisp evenings make tawaf and walking between sites far more manageable, while winter school holidays allow families to travel together without missing term time.
With recent travel developments, updated visa processes and official pilgrim platforms streamlining the journey, preparing for Umrah has become more structured – but also more detailed. F
This small guide is designed for British pilgrims, offering family-friendly tips and clear advice on transport, hotels, official apps and food to help you navigate your trip to Makkah and Madinah with confidence and ease.
Why winter works — and when to go
Travelling to Madinah and Makkah during December–February often brings pleasantly bearable temperatures compared to the summer’s searing heat. Expect daytime highs in Madinah in the mid-20s °C and cooler nights. These milder conditions make sightseeing; stroller use and evening walks far less taxing.
New budget route: London — Madinah
Budget-conscious travellers should explore Wizz Air’s direct London–Madinah service, which launched in 2025. For many families this opens a cheaper, no-transit option to fly straight to the Prophet’s city – handy if you want to begin your pilgrimage in Madinah and then travel to Makkah by road or train. Check Wizz Air’s schedules and baggage rules carefully (low-cost fares often mean add-ons for luggage and seat selection).
Health & vaccines — what to sort before you go
Health entry rules for pilgrims are updated regularly, so check official guidance close to departure. The Saudi authorities and airlines currently stress certain vaccinations for pilgrims: meningococcal vaccination (quadrivalent) is specifically highlighted for pilgrims in recent health briefings, and many travel health bodies also recommend being up to date with routine immunisations and COVID-19 vaccines where advised. Keep printed and digital copies of certificates and allow enough time for vaccine efficacy to kick in (some require a 10-day window). Your GP or a travel clinic can advise on what’s required for your travelling party.
New Umrah booking— use the official platforms
Saudi Arabia has been streamlining Umrah services through official portals. The Nusuk platform, overseen by the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, consolidates visa/package services. Here you’ll be able to access your accommodation booking, transport and even Rawdah booking in Madinah into one system – a helpful one-stop for arranging authorised permits. Register with Nusuk and follow the step-by-step options for a hassle-free process.
Hotels — where to stay and what to look for
Location matters, especially for families who prefer a hotel within easy walking distance of the Haram so you can pop back for rest, nappies, or a quick meal. In Makkah, hotels close to the Clock Tower area (Abraj Al Bait, Conrad, Intercontinental, Meridian) – offer direct Haram views and a range of budgets. Many also list “breakfast included” options and family sharing rooms. In Madinah, choose a hotel near the Prophet’s Mosque (Al-Masjid an-Nabawi) for ease to daily prayers.
Rawdah access and timing
If you’re visiting Madinah, many pilgrims want to spend time in the Rawdah (the Noble Sanctuary). The Nusuk app lists “Rawdah Noble Sanctuary Booking” as a separate service – use the portal to understand available time slots and the permitted procedures. Booking ahead through official channels increases your chances of securing a time slot, particularly in peak periods.
Food & quick bites — what to expect
Saudi cities have a lively food scene that suits picky eaters and adventurous tastes. Street cafes and local coffee shops are plentiful for fresh juices and snacks to grab on the go. You’ll find a variety of shawarma sandwiches and grills, as well as familiar fast-food outlets in the Clock Tower food court in Makkah. Mado, local ice-cream shops and small desi cafeterias offering biryani and kebabs are all family-friendly options, and not miss the infamous Al Baik! For coffee lovers who need their fix, you’ll be spoilt for choice with a range of cafes, including Ratio, Barns and Brew92.
Ziyarah and sightseeing — beyond the Haram
While the primary focus of Umrah is worship, many pilgrims also appreciate the opportunity to explore nearby sites.
In Madinah, the Quba Walkway is a popular and accessible route connecting Al-Masjid an-Nabawi to Masjid Quba. The shaded pedestrian path is well maintained and family-friendly, with rest areas and shops along the way. A buggy service operates along parts of the route, making it easier to complete the journey without strain.
Close to the Prophet’s Mosque, the Safiyyah Museum and Park provide historical context through displays and open spaces. Nearby, the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet’s Biography and Islamic Civilisation present an immersive, multimedia overview of the life and character of the Prophet ﷺ. For bookings and operating times, visit the ETHAF website for more information.
Getting around the city is relatively straightforward. The Uber app is widely used and convenient, especially for short trips to ziyarah sites or shopping areas. For those looking to browse for souvenirs or shop for gifts, shopping complexes such as Taiba Commercial Centre provide family-friendly food outlets, as well as a variety of items including abayas, prayer essentials and perfumes.
One of the more recent developments in Makkah is the Hira Cultural District, designed to make the area around Jabal al-Nour and the Cave of Hira more accessible, and includes a Holy Qur’an Museum and a cable car service. While access to the cave itself still requires walking and is not suitable for everyone, the surrounding cultural area includes exhibitions, shaded walkways and rest points that offer historical context and scenic views. Visiting during the winter months makes this experience far more manageable, particularly for those who wish to explore the site without undertaking a strenuous climb.
Umrah during the winter months can be a generally easier time for British families. With a budget flight option now available, clearer official booking routes and sensible pre-trip planning around health and hotels, it’s a great season to go with children, make lasting memories and prepare calmly for Ramadan. May your trip be accepted and may we all be granted to visit the Holy Lands soon.
