Umrah is the minor pilgrimage to the Holy Mecca, perched in the Hejazi region of Saudi Arabia. It is a shorter version of Hajj and can be done at any time of the year. However, Muslims are forbidden from this sacred act from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Out of the 12 annual months, December comes up as one of the most preferred times for Umrah. There are many reasons why people choose this month. The major 4 are shared here for performing Umrah in December:
1- Pleasant Weather
Saudi Arabia is a desert land, known for its scorching heat. From mid-June to September, the country observes high heat waves. The average daytime temperature is more than 43°C. From September to December, the temperature begins to fall significantly. During December, the country’s temperature ranges between 18°C to 27°C, cool enough for a refreshing pilgrimage. This pleasant weather plays a great role in upscaling one’s Umrah experience.
The Umrah rituals demand physical effort from the believers. When they perform Tawaf, they have to circle the Holy Kaaba seven times. For Sai, the men have to run fast between the Safa and Marwa hills, while women have to walk briskly. Indeed, all these acts are more likely to drain their energy, especially in the hot season. Intense heat can lead to dehydration, heatstroke, and other health issues.
Performing Umrah in December reduces these risks. It is medically proven that cool weather lowers heart strain and boost muscular efficiency. Hence, pilgrims can perform Umrah without getting fatigued. Low temperatures also boost oxygen intake, preserving the human body from overheating. That is why December Umrah helps pilgrims to perform their rites for longer without being tired.
2- Chance to Attend Local Festivals
December is also renowned as a festive season in Saudi Arabia. It hosts many annual events, featuring local music and drama acts. Winter at Tantora, Saudi National Camel Festival, and King Abdulaziz Falconry Festivals top the list. Pilgrims performing Umrah in December can take advantage of attending these local festivals and interact with the country’s culture.
They can dine at unique settings and enjoy delicious food as well. Moreover, these events allow pilgrims to buy souvenirs and other local items. They can also witness the live performances of many local and global artists. Each event also hosts unique contests, like camel and falcon beauty competitions.
Live race contests can also amuse pilgrims and other tourists. They can see the strength of camels and the pace of birds. Guided tours are also arranged to take tourists on historical trips to various places. Visiting the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as Hegra can boost their overall travel experience. Hence, with December Umrah packages, pilgrims can learn about the country’s rich history and culture by attending the local events.
3- Family Umrah Opportunity
Performing Umrah with families is the biggest dream of countless Muslims around the globe. In today’s fast-paced world, each person is busy with his/her routine. Kids have to follow the school and college schedules. While, adults are highly engaged in their work. Nowadays, it even becomes hard for families to eat together at the same time. In such a situation, embarking on an Umrah trip together is also not easy.
For this, Muslims have to look for the holiday season, when every family member is free. December is the best option in this regard. It is the time when many global states announce winter holidays from schools. Hence, parents can take their kids to Umrah without worrying about their school work. Christmas break is another reason for which pilgrims prefer December Umrah. Many countries in the world, including the UK declare almost 2 weeks off in this regard. These holidays not only benefit the kids but are a great relief for office workers as well. Indeed, nothing can be more sacred than worshiping in the revered yard of the Holy Kaaba with loved ones. This not only helps pilgrims boost their spiritual rewards but also strengthens their bonding with their family.
4- Best Time for Guided Tours
Umrah is all about focused worship. The cooler weather of December forms a pleasant atmosphere for pilgrims to spend more time in prayer. This time is best to avoid the distractions of extreme heat. They can also go on guided tours to the historical and religious sites of Mecca and Medina. In Mecca, they can explore many sacred caves, such as the Cave of Hira and Thawr. Muslims can spend a lot of time praying and reflecting there. Besides them, Mount Arafat is a famous site to visit. This mighty mountain is the historic place where the Prophet (PBUH) addressed his last Hajj sermon. During the cool weather of December, Muslims can easily hike its peak and recall their faith.
While in Medina, they can explore Masjid Quba, Mount Uhud, and other Islamic sites. Visiting these places helps them boost their knowledge. They can say prayers at the historic mosques and learn about their significance. December Umrah packages often provide an expert guide to accompany the pilgrims during their tours. The guide is responsible for answering the queries of visitors and boosting their knowledge.
Hence, performing Umrah in December is a sacred opportunity to get spiritual, cultural, and practical perks. The month’s pleasant weather makes it one of the most favorable times for both families and sole pilgrims. Muslims Holy Travel, a leading travel agency, understands the importance of this month for Umrah. Therefore, they provide All Inclusive Umrah Packages, covering all the basic and deluxe services, at cheap prices. Contact them now to plan a deeply enriching trip this December.