Ramadan 2027 in Makkah and Madinah: dates, crowds and hotels

Ramadan is the busiest month of the year in Makkah and Madinah after Hajj, and for many the most beautiful. The Prophet ﷺ told us that an Umrah in Ramadan is equal to a Hajj (Bukhari and Muslim), though it does not take the place of the obligatory Hajj.

The dates

• Ramadan 1448 is expected to begin around 8 February 2027. The exact day depends on the sighting of the moon, and is announced the evening before.
• The last ten nights begin around 27 February.
• Eid al-Fitr falls around 9 or 10 March 2027.

For pilgrims from abroad, Ramadan also comes near the end of the Umrah season: the last visas are issued around Eid, as our article on the best time for Umrah explains.

What changes at the two mosques

• Taraweeh follows Isha every night, and in the last ten nights a second prayer, Tahajjud (Qiyam), is held late at night. Both mosques fill long before each one.
• Iftar is laid out in the courtyards and inside the mosques: dates, water, Zamzam and Arabic coffee. In Madinah, families have hosted iftar spreads in the Prophet's Mosque for generations, and visitors are warmly invited to join them.
• At the busiest times, the floor around the Kaaba is kept for pilgrims in ihram, so those not performing Umrah pray and make tawaf on the upper floors.
• I'tikaf in the last ten nights needs a place booked in advance through the official channels, once registration opens.

Getting the timing right

• An Umrah in the first twenty days is calmer than in the last ten. If you can choose, come early in the month.
• Life moves to the night in Ramadan: shops and restaurants open after Taraweeh until suhoor, and the mornings are quiet, so rest by day and save your energy for the nights.
• The Eid prayer draws the biggest crowd of the year: go for Fajr and stay in your place.
• Check the Nusuk app for the Umrah and Rawdah permits you need, and book them as soon as your dates are set: Ramadan slots go fast.

Booking your hotel

Ramadan nights are the most sought-after of the year, and the last ten go first, often months ahead. In Ramadan the walk to the mosque matters more than ever: with every prayer at its fullest, a few minutes can decide whether you pray inside or out in the street.

For the shortest walks, see the closest hotels to the Haram in Makkah and to the Prophet's Mosque in Madinah.

• Book as early as you can, for both cities at once. Our article on Makkah or Madinah first helps you split the month between them.
• Read the cancellation terms. Ramadan nights are often sold without free cancellation, and the terms for your stay are shown before you pay.

Ramadan 2027 falls in winter: days in Makkah around 30 °C, and cool nights in Madinah. Pack a light warm layer for the late-night prayers.