Rajab 1448 is expected to begin around 11 December 2026 on the Umm al-Qura calendar. A practical guide for pilgrims: Hijri and Gregorian dates up to Ramadan, the scholarly view in brief, when crowds peak, the weather and booking your Nusuk permit.
As the last months before Ramadan approach, people ask about performing Umrah during this sacred month: when does it begin, does it carry a special virtue, and how crowded is the Haram? **Rajab 1448 is expected to begin around Friday 11 December 2026** on the Umm al-Qura calendar, possibly a day later depending on the moon sighting. That means this year's Rajab falls right in the middle of the winter holidays in the Gulf and Europe. Note that some pages online give the wrong dates for Rajab, so rely on the official calendar. This guide sets out the dates up to Eid al-Fitr, summarises what scholars say, and gives practical advice on crowds, weather and booking.
Expected dates from Rajab to Eid
Umm al-Qura calendar; may shift by one day with the moon sighting
What is the ruling on Umrah in Rajab?
Rajab is one of the four sacred months, and Umrah may be performed on any day of the year, so performing it in this month is permissible and there is no harm in it, according to scholarly consensus. 'Umar ibn al-Khattab and others among the early Muslims performed Umrah during this month, and Shaykh Ibn Baz stated that there is nothing wrong with it. What scholars discuss is assigning Rajab a special virtue. Al-Bukhari and Muslim report that Ibn 'Umar mentioned that the Prophet ﷺ performed an Umrah in that month, and 'A'ishah corrected him, saying the Prophet ﷺ never did so. Many scholars therefore hold that no extra virtue is established for this month over the others, while the special virtue that is established belongs to Umrah in Ramadan: “Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj.” In practice: if this month suits you because of holidays or circumstances, go, and you will have the reward of Umrah, in sha Allah, without believing in a specific virtue that has not been established. For detailed rulings, consult trusted scholars in your community.
How crowded will Rajab 1448 be?
This year Rajab coincides with three factors that raise demand: the winter school break in Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, the year-end holidays in Europe and the UK, and Makkah's mild weather in December and January. Expect noticeable crowds, especially at weekends, in the last days of December, and towards the end of Rajab, when some communities organise group trips on particular days. Demand then rises through Sha'ban and peaks in Ramadan, especially in the last ten nights. If you want calm, the best window is weekdays early in Rajab, or before it begins, in late November and early December.
Rajab, Sha'ban or Ramadan?
Rajab (December–January): pleasant weather and lower prices than Ramadan, but the holidays push up crowds and the price of hotels near the Haram in late December. Sha'ban (January–February): it starts after many countries' school holidays end, so early Sha'ban is often calmer than Rajab, with demand rising again in its final days as Ramadan approaches. Ramadan (February–March): the greatest reward, the highest prices and the biggest crowds, and Rawdah slots are much harder to get. If your aim is the greatest reward, choose Ramadan; if you want calm and value, choose early Sha'ban or weekdays early in Rajab. Compare options in our guide to the best time for Umrah, see Umrah in January, or plan ahead for Ramadan Umrah 2027. The expected dates are in our guide to when Ramadan 2027 starts in the UK.
How to plan a Rajab Umrah
1. Fix your dates early: if you are tied to the December holidays, book flights and hotels now; late-December prices climb quickly. 2. Visa: residents of Saudi Arabia need no visa; residents of other Gulf states can apply for the GCC resident eVisa; travellers from outside the Gulf need a tourist or Umrah visa depending on nationality. 3. Nusuk permit: book your Umrah slot in the Nusuk app as soon as your trip is confirmed, and book a Rawdah slot if you are visiting Madinah. 4. Hotel: in busy periods a hotel near the Haram saves time and energy, especially with elderly relatives and children. Browse hotels in Makkah. 5. Clothing: Makkah is warm by day and pleasant at night; Madinah is cooler at night, so pack an extra light layer. 6. Ihram: know your miqat in advance, whether you arrive by road or by air. Our guide to the five miqat and entering ihram on a plane explains exactly when to make your intention. If you live in the UAE, follow our guide to the Umrah visa for UAE residents.
Frequently asked questions
When does Rajab 2026 begin? Rajab 1448 is expected to begin around Friday 11 December 2026, possibly a day later depending on the moon sighting. Does a Rajab Umrah have a special virtue? It is permissible; many scholars hold that no extra virtue over other months is established, while the established special virtue belongs to Umrah in Ramadan. Is a Rajab Umrah cheaper than Ramadan? Usually, yes, although late-December prices rise because of the holidays. When does Sha'ban 1448 begin? Around 9 or 10 January 2027.
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