When is Hajj 2026?
Hajj 2026 is expected to fall in late May, with key dates including Arafah and Eid al-Adha varying slightly by moon sighting
When Is Hajj 2026?
Hajj dates are determined by the sighting of the moon in Saudi Arabia, meaning that they can shift slightly each year. For many pilgrims in the UK and Europe — where packages and visas need to be arranged well in advance — planning for Hajj 2026 is already underway.
Hajj 2026 at a glance
It takes place during the final month of the Islamic calendar — Dhul-Hijjah. This year, it is expected to begin on the 8th day of the month and end on the 13th — roughly between 25-30 May in the Gregorian calendar. Dates may shift slightly by one day depending on the official moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.
Hajj 2026 in the Islamic calendar
Hajj always falls between 8-13 Dhul-Hijjah. The pilgrimage formally begins on the 8th, when pilgrims enter ihram — a state of spiritual focus marked by specific clothing and restrictions — and begin heading to Mina, an important Hajj site. The main rites then continue over the following days, concluding on 12 or 13 Dhul-Hijjah.
The Islamic calendar is lunar, lasting 354 days, rather than solar, which is 365 days. This means that Hajj moves roughly 10-11 days earlier each year in the Gregorian calendar.
Key Hajj 2026 ritual days
8 Dhul-Hijjah 1447 AH — First day of Hajj
Pilgrims enter ihram, set their intention for Hajj and travel to Mina, where they spend the night praying and preparing.
9 Dhul-Hijjah — Day of Arafah
This is considered the most important day of Hajj. Pilgrims stand at the plain of Arafat for supplication and reflection, before travelling to Muzdalifah for the night.
10 Dhul-Hijjah — Eid al-Adha and major rites
On this day, pilgrims perform the symbolic stoning of Jamarat al-Aqabah, offer a sacrifice, cut or shave their hair, followed by Tawaf al-Ifadah, which involves walking around the Kaaba seven times in a counter-clockwise direction.
11-13 Dhul-Hijjah — Tashreeq days
Pilgrims stay in Mina and perform the stoning of all three Jamarat each day before leaving once their rites are complete.
When is Hajj 2026 for UK pilgrims?
For Muslims in the UK, preparing for Hajj often means balancing confirmed Saudi dates with school holidays, annual leave and flight availability.
UK groups typically arrive in Saudi Arabia a few days before Dhul-Hijjah to acclimatise and spend time performing additional worship before Hajj begins. Many UK Hajj packages for 2026 are already expected to depart in clusters around 21-23 May 2026, allowing 3-4 days in Mecca before ihram. UK Hajj packages often run for 14-22 days depending on whether the itinerary includes Medina.
Expected travel window from the UK
Long Hajj packages: mid-late May to early June 2026.
Short packages: more compressed itineraries but still centred around the core Hajj week.
Exact travel dates vary depending on tour operators, flight availability and Nusuk allocation systems.
UK school holidays and work leave
Hajj 2026 is expected to fall during term-time for most schools in the UK, meaning many pilgrims may need to request leave or plan around exam periods.
Hajj 2026 registration and visas
Since 2023, UK pilgrims have been required to book and manage Hajj trips through the official Saudi Arabian platform Nusuk Hajj, rather than relying solely on local travel agents. Nusuk Hajj is the only platform that has been approved by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah to provide Hajj services.
Key steps for registration:
- Create or update your Nusuk profile early.
- Monitor announcements for Hajj 2026 booking phases and UK quota allocations.
- Select your package and complete payment within the giving deadline, which is often 7-10 days after acceptance.
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Hajj 2026 dates and packages in Europe
Across Europe, including countries such as Germany, France and the Netherlands,
pilgrims follow the same official Hajj dates set in Saudi Arabia. However, travel logistics differ and packages may begin and end on different dates depending on flights. Many 2026 European packages are expected to run mid-May to early June, typically lasting 18-22 days.
Practical tips for Hajj 2026 pilgrims from the UK and Europe
- Start physical preparation early. Aim to build stamina for walking long distances, ideally several weeks or months before travel.
- Prepare for heat exposure. Late May in Saudi Arabia can be extremely hot, so practice staying hydrated and walking in warm conditions where possible.
- Break in your footwear in advance to avoid blisters.
- Incorporate buffer days before and after core Hajj days to account for travel delays or possible date shifts due to moon sighting.
- Choose flights with manageable transit times.
- Check all vaccination requirements.
- Take out travel insurance that covers medical care, cancellations and delays.
- Keep digital and printed copies of key documents including visas, booking and Nusuk details.
- Pack simple, practical clothing suitable for the conditions.
- Familiarise yourself with the Hajj rituals in advance.
- Check luggage allowances.
