July Umrah Packages

UK schools break up for summer from around late July in England and Wales, and earlier — from late June or early July — in Scotland, with the holidays running into early September. This long break is what makes July (and August) the family Umrah window, with time for a 14-night trip split across Makkah and Madinah. Because demand from families rises as the holidays begin, the later weeks of July cost more than the first — book early to lock in dates and price. See our family Umrah.

July is one of the hottest months, so families travelling with children or elderly relatives must plan around the heat. Schedule Tawaf and prayers for the early morning, late evening or night; keep everyone hydrated with Zamzam water; use the air-conditioned levels and prayer halls of the Haram; and rest indoors during the midday peak. Dress children in light, loose clothing, carry umbrellas for shade, and avoid long outdoor Ziyarat in the middle of the day. With sensible timing, a July family Umrah is very manageable.

July splits into two pricing phases. Early July is low season — the Haram is quiet after Hajj and prices sit near their yearly low, from around £699 per person. From the last week of July, as UK and other school holidays begin worldwide, family demand rises and fares and Haram-area hotels climb. For the best value, travel in the first half of July; for the school break, book the later weeks as early as possible. The quiet mid-winter weeks of January remain the single cheapest of the year — see our budget Umrah.

July is peak summer in Saudi Arabia and the hottest time of year. Daytime temperatures in Makkah average 42-46°C (108-115°F), and Madinah is similar at 40-44°C (104-111°F). Nights remain very warm at 30-33°C (86-91°F). The sun is at its strongest, so all outdoor worship is best done at dawn or after dark. Light, loose, breathable clothing, sunscreen, an umbrella and constant hydration are essential for a July Umrah.

In July's extreme heat, guided Ziyarat — the tours of historical Islamic sites — should be scheduled for dawn or after sunset, with plenty of water and shade. Every July package includes guided Ziyarat in both holy cities. Around Makkah you visit Jabal al-Nour (the Cave of Hira), the Cave of Thawr, Jabal Arafat and Mina; a trip to the cooler mountain town of Taif is a welcome break from the heat, especially with children. In Madinah the tour covers Masjid Quba (the first mosque in Islam), Masjid al-Qiblatain, Mount Uhud and Jannat al-Baqi. For the rituals themselves — entering Ihram, performing Tawaf around the Kaaba and Sa'i between Safa and Marwah — an English-speaking guide assists you on arrival at Al-Masjid al-Haram.

Pick your July Umrah by hotel rating, length of stay or departure city:

• By rating: 3-star Umrah from £699 · 4-star Umrah from £749 · 5-star Umrah from £899 · budget Umrah
• By duration: 7 nights · 10 nights · 14 nights
• By departure city: London · Manchester · Birmingham · Bradford · Glasgow