Khizar Seo
Umrah, an important and lesser pilgrimage of Islam, can be performed at any time of the year. It’s only not allowed on certain days, which is actually the Hajj period when the Saudi government officially closes the Umrah. Otherwise, you can travel after Umrah booking at your departure date and time by just following the rules and regulations given by the authorities.
Muslims desire to perform Umrah at least once in their lifetime. Whoever gets the opportunity depart for Umrah because it’s a blessing from Allah SWT. Typically, Muslims prefer to depart during Ramadan, Shawwal, Muharram, December holidays, February holidays, and Easter break. But here, Umrah during Easter break will be discussed deeply.
Easter is a famous festival of Christianity. In the entire world, Easter is celebrated by the Christian community with full passion and enthusiasm. Nations in the world have different communities, cultures, and religions. When there is Easter break, others also get holidays on the same dates. So, when Muslims get the holidays, they take this break as an opportunity for an Umrah trip.
Suppose you are departing for a pilgrimage during the Easter period! But do you know what essential steps you should take care of? How to perform Umrah during the Easter break? Are there any necessary guidelines and tips?
Easter Dates in 2026
Easter doesn’t occur on a fixed date because it changes each year. It is celebrated on the first Sunday after the first full moon of the spring equinox. This means it falls between March 22 and April 25. In 2026, Easter will be celebrated on April 5. Following that, the holiday period in most European and UK schools will lie between March 30 and April 10. Additionally, Ramadan 2026 will end before the start of the Easter period. So, the rush subsides a bit immediately after Ramadan, and you will have more peace for worship.
Moving on, you should know the entry and exit deadlines of Umrah visa holders. The Saudi government has issued strict deadlines for the 2026 Umrah season. The last date to apply for the Umrah visa is March 20, and you must enter the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia before April 3. Similarly, all pilgrims must leave the KSA by April 18, 2026, as preparations for Hajj will begin after that.
How to Perform Umrah during the Easter Break?
The basic steps for performing Umrah during the Easter break are the same. Umrah has four main rituals or steps that every pilgrim performs. Let’s see those steps in detail!
Step 1: Entering the State of Ihram (Intention)
Before starting the rituals’ performance, the first and basic condition of pilgrimage is entering the Ihram state. There is a specific attire for both men and women about the Ihram. For men, Ihram consists of two white pieces of clothes, one for the upper body and one for the lower. However, for women, any Islamic traditional dress can be allowed, such as an Abaya with modest colours.
Note: While wearing Ihram attire, you must follow the regulations. For example, being in purity, not using fragrance, respecting attire, not fighting, etc.
Step 2: Performing Tawaf
Tawaf is the most significant step of Umrah. It’s performed around the Holy Kaaba inside the Grand Mosque of Makkah. Tawaf is actually the ritual in which you will face crowds. Keep in mind that you must perform the seven rounds around the Holy Kaaba for Tawaf in an anticlockwise direction. Perform the practice of Raml for Tawaf; in the first three rounds, you should walk at a brisk pace, and in the remaining four at a normal pace.
Any Dua can be recited during Tawaf. After completing the ritual, move towards the Maqam-e-Ibrahim and offer two Nafl Rak’ah prayers. Later on, drink the Zamzam water and get blessings from Allah SWT.
Step 3: The Sa’ee
Sa’ee or Sa’i is the third ritual of Umrah. It’s about walking between the hills of Safa and Marwah after performing Tawaf and drinking Zamzam water. You will start Sa’ee by climbing Safa hill while facing the Holy Kaaba. Safa to Marwah counts as one lap, and similarly, you will complete seven walks ending on Marwah hill. During Sa’ee, men should walk fast at green lights, and women should walk at normal speed.
Note: Safa and Marwah hills are located inside the Grand Mosque of Makkah.
Step 4: Halq and Taqsir (Hair Shaving/Cutting Ritual)
Halq or Taqsir is the last ritual of Umrah. Pilgrims complete this ritual outside the Grand Mosque. Halq (shaving head) is applicable to men only. Comparatively, women are allowed to do Taqsir (hair cutting up to fingertip). However, men have two options: either shave the entire head, which is better, or cut the hair of the whole head at least equal to the fingertip, which means Taqsir.
Booking Your Umrah during Easter Break
Booking Umrah during Easter is a bit technical this year (2026) because the Saudi government will wrap up the Umrah season at that time. But the interesting thing is that you can easily perform Umrah and depart from Saudi Arabia until April 18. Anyway, before travelling, you should confirm your Easter Umrah package. This simply means reserving everything, such as air ticket, hotels, visa, and transport in an all-inclusive Umrah travel package. Make sure to reserve your booking with a trusted and reliable travel agency.
Booking is not just limited to tickets and hotels; you also need digital permits to worship during the pilgrimage. By registering yourself in the Nusuk app, you can obtain an Umrah permit and a Rawdah permit. Refresh the Nusuk mobile application on your mobile to get the best slot in your permit. As soon as you land in Saudi Arabia, take a local SIM and check the slot on the app.
Weather in Saudi Arabia during Easter
Easter usually falls between March and April, and this is typically a transition period in Saudi Arabia when there is neither too much cold nor too much heat. But still, it’s hotter in Makkah as compared to Madinah. Daytime temperature can range between 32°C and 38°C. During nighttime, it remains around 22°C and the weather becomes pleasant. Moreover, the weather in Madinah is somewhat unpredictable. The sun shines brightly during the day, but the air remains cool. At night, the temperature can drop to 15°C to 18°C, which can feel a bit chilly.
During the Easter period, the sun’s rays in Makkah and Madinah fall directly. From 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the marble of Mataf in the Grand Mosque of Makkah can be hot, even if there are cooling systems. So, the best time to perform Umrah during Easter is right after Fajar or Isha prayers. At this time, the weather is cool, and your energy won’t be wasted.
In conclusion, during the Easter break, attaining the blessing of Umrah is a rare opportunity. You not only get a break from work or studies, but the weather of Saudi Arabia is also very suitable for worship. However, this season requires a little more planning. Remember that Umrah is not just a journey, but a means of purifying the soul. So, spending the Easter holidays away from the worldly hustle and bustle in the house of Allah SWT can be the most memorable experience of your life.
