Umrah in Ramadan 2027 — Dates, Crowds, Permits and Planning

When Ramadan 1448 is expected, why Umrah in Ramadan is so virtuous, and how to plan around fasting, crowds and Nusuk permits.

Last updated · Written by the Umrah Companion team · Disputed rulings are flagged for qualified scholarly review

Ramadan is the most sought-after time of year for Umrah. The Prophet ﷺ said: “Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj” (Bukhari 1782, Muslim 1256), and in one narration in Muslim, “equal to Hajj with me”. Scholars explain this as equal in reward, not a replacement for the obligatory Hajj. Ramadan 1448 AH is expected to begin around 8 February 2027 and end around 9 March 2027, but the exact start depends on the official Saudi moon-sighting announcement. This guide covers the expected dates, what to expect in the Haram, and how to plan a fasting Umrah safely.

Umrah in four stages

  1. Expected dates

    Ramadan 1448 is expected around 8 February to 9 March 2027, subject to the official moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.

  2. Best window

    The first ten days are usually calmer; the last ten nights are the busiest of the whole year.

  3. Permits

    Book your Umrah permit in the Nusuk app early, and confirm the current rules officially before you travel.

  4. Fasting

    Perform Tawaf and Sa‘i in the cooler hours after Taraweeh or before Suhoor, and rest during the day.

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When is Ramadan 2027?

Based on astronomical calculation, Ramadan 1448 AH is expected to begin on or around Monday 8 February 2027, with Eid al-Fitr around Wednesday 10 March 2027. The last ten nights are therefore expected from around 27 February 2027.

These dates are estimates. Saudi Arabia announces the start and end of Ramadan after the moon sighting, so the month can begin a day earlier or later. Keep a day of flexibility either side of your plans.

The virtue of Umrah in Ramadan

The Prophet ﷺ told a woman from the Ansar who had missed Hajj: “When Ramadan comes, perform Umrah, for Umrah in Ramadan is equal to Hajj” (Bukhari 1782, Muslim 1256). Scholars agree this refers to the reward, and it does not remove the obligation of Hajj for someone who is able to perform it.

The reward applies to an Umrah performed in Ramadan at any point in the month. It is not limited to the last ten nights.

Crowds: what to expect

Ramadan is the busiest Umrah season of the year. Crowd levels change across the month.

  • First ten days: busy, but usually the most manageable time for Tawaf and Sa‘i.
  • Middle ten days: crowds build steadily, especially on weekends.
  • Last ten nights: the busiest nights of the year, especially the 27th night. Expect closed gates, prayer spaces filling hours before ‘Isha and long walks from hotels.
  • Calmer times are usually late morning to mid-afternoon, but these are also the hardest hours while fasting.

Performing Umrah while fasting

Fasting does not affect the validity of your Umrah, but walking several kilometres in a crowd while fasting is demanding. Many pilgrims break their fast, rest and then perform Umrah after Taraweeh.

Travellers are permitted not to fast during their journey and to make up the days later (Quran 2:184). Scholars differ on whether it is better for a traveller to fast or not once they have settled in Makkah; if you are unsure, ask a scholar you trust.

  • Drink plenty of water and Zamzam between Iftar and Suhoor.
  • Eat a proper Suhoor with slow-release food and salt.
  • Sit and rest between Tawaf and Sa‘i if you feel faint.
  • Elderly pilgrims and those with health conditions should take medical advice before travelling.

Permits and planning

Umrah permits are booked in the official Nusuk app, and slots are limited during Ramadan. Rawdah visits in Madinah are booked separately and fill quickly.

Rules for the 1448 season have not yet been confirmed by official sources. Always check the latest visa, vaccination and permit requirements with official Saudi channels or a licensed Umrah provider before you book.

I‘tikaf and the last ten nights

The Prophet ﷺ used to observe I‘tikaf in the last ten days of Ramadan (Bukhari 2026, Muslim 1172) and told the believers to seek Laylat al-Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten (Bukhari 2017).

I‘tikaf in the Two Holy Mosques usually requires separate registration in recent years. Check the official process for 1448 before relying on it.

Packing for Ramadan Umrah

In addition to your usual Umrah packing list, consider:

  • A refillable water bottle and dates for Iftar in the Haram.
  • A small prayer mat for overflow areas outside the mosque.
  • Comfortable, broken-in sandals for long walks.
  • A light jacket: February and March nights in Makkah and especially Madinah can be cool.
  • Any regular medication, with enough for the whole trip.

Frequently asked questions

Does Umrah in Ramadan replace Hajj?

No. It equals Hajj in reward according to the hadith, but it does not fulfil the obligation of Hajj for someone who is able to perform it.

Do I have to perform Umrah in the last ten nights to get the Ramadan reward?

No. The hadith refers to Umrah in Ramadan, so an Umrah performed on any day of the month is included.

When does Ramadan 2027 start?

It is expected to begin around 8 February 2027, but the exact date depends on the official Saudi moon-sighting announcement.

Related FAQs

Sources & further reading

Where scholars differ, we follow the majority position and note significant differences. Always consult a qualified local scholar for personal rulings.