In 2027, the last ten nights of Ramadan are expected to begin around the evening of 27 February. They are the most sought-after time of the whole year to perform Umrah. They are also the busiest and most expensive. Hotels near the Haram fill months in advance, and the Masjid al-Haram can reach capacity hours before night prayers. With the right planning, UK pilgrims can still have a calm and meaningful trip.
This guide is for anyone in the UK considering Umrah in the final ten nights. It covers when the odd nights fall, how to cope with the crowds, what to book and when, and how to make the trip affordable.
Why are the last ten nights of Ramadan so special?
The last ten nights include Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Decree, which the Qur’an describes as better than a thousand months. Muslims are encouraged to seek it in the odd-numbered nights of the final ten. Many therefore try to spend those nights in worship at the Haram in Makkah.
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) is reported to have increased his worship in these nights and to have spent them in Itikaf, a spiritual retreat in the mosque. Umrah in Ramadan also carries a special reward in Islamic tradition. For many British Muslims, combining the two is a long-held ambition.
When are the odd nights of Ramadan in 2027?
If Ramadan begins on 8 February 2027, the odd nights fall on the evenings shown below. In the Islamic calendar a night comes before its day, so each night starts at sunset on the date given.
| Night of Ramadan | Begins at sunset on (2027) |
|---|---|
| 21st | Saturday 27 February |
| 23rd | Monday 1 March |
| 25th | Wednesday 3 March |
| 27th | Friday 5 March |
| 29th | Sunday 7 March |
These dates are estimates. Ramadan begins when the new moon is sighted, so every date may move by a day. The 27th night is usually the most crowded. In 2027 it is expected to fall on a Friday evening, so expect especially heavy crowds that day.
How do you plan Umrah for the last ten nights?
Three things matter most: book early, stay as close to the Haram as you can afford, and plan your Umrah for a quieter hour. Getting these right shapes the whole trip.
Book six to nine months ahead
Agencies usually release Ramadan allocations six to nine months before the month begins. For the last ten nights of 2027, that means booking between summer and late autumn 2026. Specialist Last 10 Days Ramadan Umrah packages, such as those from UK operators like Qiblatain, bundle flights, visa, transfers and hotels for these exact dates. This matters because individual hotel rooms near the Haram are often sold out or very expensive by January.
Choose your hotel distance carefully
In the final ten nights, the distance between your hotel and the Haram matters more than its star rating. Roads around the Haram are closed to most traffic at peak times, and the mosque courtyards fill early. A hotel within a 5- to 10-minute walk lets you go back to rest between Taraweeh and Qiyam al-Layl, the late-night prayers. From a hotel further out, you may be stuck outside for hours.
If a close hotel is beyond your budget, choose one with a reliable shuttle service. Then plan to stay in or near the Haram from Asr until after Fajr, rather than travelling back and forth.
Perform your Umrah at a quieter time
Most pilgrims arrive and perform Umrah as soon as they land, which often means the Mataf, the area around the Kaaba, is packed. Quieter times are usually mid-morning, after the night’s worship, and the early afternoon. In recent years Saudi authorities have required Umrah time slots to be booked through the official Nusuk app during Ramadan. Your agency should help you secure one.
Arrive early for the night prayers
On the odd nights, especially the 27th, the Haram can fill hours before Isha. Gates may close once areas are full. Aim to arrive by Asr, bring a prayer mat and a small bag with water and dates, and stay put. The upper floors and the roof often have more space than the ground level.
Itikaf at the Masjid al-Haram
Itikaf in the Masjid al-Haram is possible, but in recent years it has needed advance registration with the authorities, and places are limited. If you plan to stay in the mosque for several nights, register as soon as registration opens. Keep a hotel room as a base for showers, rest and storing belongings.
Travelling with elderly parents or children
The crowds in the last ten nights can be overwhelming for older pilgrims and young children. Book a hotel within easy walking distance, and plan Tawaf on the upper levels, where wheelchairs and electric carts are available. Agree a meeting point in case anyone gets separated, and make sure every family member carries the hotel’s name and a charged phone. Families with small children may find the first or middle ten nights of Ramadan far more manageable.
How can you keep the cost down?
The last ten nights are the most expensive time of the year for Umrah. Prices are often well above the first ten nights of Ramadan, and two to three times the off-peak rate. A few choices can still make a big difference.
- Book early. The earliest bookings usually get the lowest prices for these dates, and the cost rises steadily as Ramadan gets closer.
- Share a room. Triple and quad rooms bring the hotel cost per person down considerably, and hotel prices are the biggest part of the bill in these nights.
- Split your stay. Spend the odd nights in Makkah and part of the trip in Madinah. Hotels in Madinah are usually cheaper, and the Masjid an-Nabawi is calmer.
- Stay for part of the ten nights. A shorter trip covering the 21st to the 27th night costs less than the full ten nights plus Eid.
- Check what is included. Compare quotes line by line: hotel name, walking distance, room type, transfers, visa and flights. Make sure the agency holds an ATOL licence and is authorised by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah.
If the last ten nights are out of reach
Many UK families find the last ten nights simply too expensive, or too crowded for elderly relatives. That doesn’t mean giving up on Umrah. The first ten nights of Ramadan, from around 8 to 17 February 2027, still carry the reward of Umrah in Ramadan and are much cheaper.
Outside Ramadan, affordable umrah packages are available for most of the year. Quieter months such as September often have 3-star trips from around £500 per person. Many pilgrims make an off-peak Umrah first to learn the rituals and the layout of the Haram. They then return in a later Ramadan feeling more confident.
Frequently asked questions
When do the last 10 nights of Ramadan start in 2027? If Ramadan begins on 8 February 2027, the last ten nights start at sunset on around Saturday 27 February. The final date depends on the sighting of the moon.
When is the 27th night of Ramadan in 2027? It is expected to begin at sunset on Friday 5 March 2027. Laylat al-Qadr may fall on any of the odd nights, so many pilgrims worship on all five.
Do I need a permit to perform Umrah in Ramadan? In recent years, Saudi authorities have required pilgrims to book an Umrah time slot through the official Nusuk app, especially during Ramadan. Your agency should arrange it or show you how.
Can I do Itikaf at the Masjid al-Haram? Yes, but in recent years it has needed advance registration, and places are limited. Register as soon as registration opens, and keep a hotel room as a base.
Is the last 10 nights of Ramadan suitable for elderly pilgrims? It can be, with careful planning. Choose a hotel within walking distance, use the upper floors and wheelchair services for Tawaf, and avoid the most crowded nights if health is a concern.
How far in advance should I book Umrah for the last ten nights? Six to nine months ahead is ideal. For Ramadan 2027, that means booking by late autumn 2026.
Final thoughts
Umrah in the last ten nights of Ramadan is demanding, but for many British Muslims it is the trip of a lifetime. Plan around the odd nights, pay for proximity where you can, and book your Umrah slot and any Itikaf place early. If the cost or the crowds are too much this year, the first ten nights, or an off-peak trip, are still deeply rewarding. They are also good preparation for a future Ramadan.
Before travelling, check the latest Saudi Arabia travel advice on GOV.UK for entry and health requirements.
