Journey to Hajj in holy Mecca 2013, high quality photo. High quality photo
According to the scholars, November is among the best months for families and the elderly to perform Umrah. A family Umrah November offers the opportunity for pilgrims to reflect spiritually while also enjoying the comfort of the physical body.
Another advantage of travelling in November is the balance in terms of the number of people in the country as compared to the peak seasons like the school end-of-year holidays or the Ramadan holiday. Elderly parents or active children can make life much easier to manage when navigating courtyard spaces, hotel shuttles and transport options. November offers a great time for a family or multi-generational pilgrimage group, given the moderate weather and logistics, because it’s a manageable and rewarding time to travel.
The First Condition is that the Weather must be Favourable in Makkah and Madinah
November is a pleasant month in the Arabian Peninsula, in contrast to the heat of many months of the year. Temperatures average comfortable levels, allowing for comfortable outdoor activity by day and evening. This mild weather Umrah period provides a safe environment to fulfil their religious duties.
The cooler autumn weather is an additional great advantage for families with children. Kids tend to get fidgety and get tired very quickly in hot weather, but cooler temps keep them going for longer.
Estimating Crowd Size for Children and Older Adults
The area is quite busy at some times of the year, making it frightening to navigate around for seniors and small children. The month of November is a balanced month which is neither too light at the Haram nor too heavy. Accidental trips or separation are less likely, resulting in safer conditions for elderly Umrah travel.
Fewer prayers are offered daily, with shorter wait times, such as shorter lines at entries to courtyards and transport hubs. Families can easily place prayer times together and do not have to come hours early.
Comfort in physical aspect during rituals (Tawaf and Sa’i)
The main part of umrah is walking on the marble floors of Tawaf and Sa’i around the Kaaba and between the stones of Marwah and Safa. Less physical activity is required, with cool marble surfaces and comfortable air temperatures in November.
The electric carts and wheelchairs run as an extension of Mataf and Sa’i and are readily available without any queue. Children can engage in the rituals without being hot and irritable or tired.
Health and Safety for those who are vulnerable on the pilgrimage
When you’re travelling to worship and aren’t feeling so well, you can concentrate on worship and NOT your health! Favourable climate also has a positive effect on children’s adaptation, and a decrease in sleep disturbances and routine illnesses.
It’s easier to keep them hydrated in mild weather, and they will be active and involved in the process. November offers a good time for a safe and healthy multi-generational journey.
Easy Transport and Local Logistics
In any group outing, especially when travelling with young children and older adults, logistics becomes an important factor. The overall performance of the intercity transport system was satisfactory in November, and the Haramain High-Speed Railway between Makkah and Madinah, and between Makkah and Jeddah, was satisfactory in carrying passengers with comfortable capacity.
Local taxi services, bus transfers and hotel shuttle runs have a reduced incidence of lateness during non-peak weeks. This is to ensure that they are transported in an efficient and effective way, with the least amount of stress placed on the senior members of the family while under the open sun.
Developing a Family-friendly Spiritual Experience
If he is not afflicted with physical pain, he gets to spend time and concentration on recitation of the Quran, supplication and prayer. November is a quiet month for families to gather together and talk spiritually with one another, without the extremes of weather.
Grandchildren can enjoy a relaxed and supportive environment to accompany them on their Pilgrimage journey. Children are not overwhelmed, can see what’s happening and understand the meanings of the rites.
November is known as the best month for elderly Umrah due to the following reasons
November is always the best Month for elderly Umrah in the Holy Cities with regard to weather conditions, safety of the crowds and health. The mild fall temperatures eliminate the extreme heat of the summer season, and there are no crowds as there would be on big holiday weekends. A senior can reach his or her life-long spiritual goals in the most appropriate manner for his or her physical needs.
FAQs
Q1:What is the climate like in Makkah and Madinah in November?
During the month of November, Makkah and Madinah experience pleasant weather during the autumn season. The temperatures in Makkah during the day are around 31°C and at night around 23°C, with Madinah even cooler, ranging from 17°C to 28°C, which is quite comfortable for walking and the prayers that are offered outside the house.
Q2:Is it easy for elderly pilgrims to get wheelchair facilities in November?
Yes, the Holy Mosque, Makkah and the Prophet’s Mosque, Madinah, have a wide range of wheelchair facilities and electric mobility carts. The number of people present in November is moderate, which allows for easy access to these services and easy navigation of designated wheelchair lanes.
Q3:Does November provide a good time for travelling with young and small children?
Indeed, November is good for young children. The mild weather means the risk of heat exhaustion, dehydration and irritability is lowered. There are spaces for families to walk around comfortably, and shorter waits make it easier to organise the children’s schedules.
