Hajj 2026 Dates, Schedule & Complete Timeline: Everything You Need to Know

Hajj 2026 Expected Dates

Based on astronomical calculations of the Islamic lunar calendar, the expected dates for Hajj 2026 (1448 AH) are as follows:

Event	Islamic Date	Expected Gregorian Date
1st Dhul Hijjah 1448 AH	1 Dhul Hijjah	~June 21, 2026
Hajj begins (Yawm al-Tarwiyah)	8 Dhul Hijjah	~June 28, 2026
Day of Arafah	9 Dhul Hijjah	~June 29, 2026
Eid al-Adha	10 Dhul Hijjah	~June 30, 2026
Ayyam al-Tashreeq	11–13 Dhul Hijjah	~July 1–3, 2026
Hajj concludes	12 or 13 Dhul Hijjah	~July 2 or 3, 2026

Important: These dates are estimates based on astronomical calculations. The official start of Dhul Hijjah is confirmed by the moon sighting committee of Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court, typically announced 1–2 days before the 1st of Dhul Hijjah. Actual dates may shift by 1–2 days depending on the sighting. Always confirm with your Hajj operator and the Saudi authorities before making final travel arrangements.

How the Islamic Calendar Determines Hajj

Understanding why Hajj dates shift each year requires understanding the Islamic (Hijri) lunar calendar:

The Lunar Calendar Explained

• 12 months based on the cycles of the moon
• Each month begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal)
• Each month is either 29 or 30 days long
• The total year is approximately 354 days — about 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar year (365 days)
• This means Hajj moves earlier by 10–11 days each Gregorian year

The 12 Islamic Months

1. Muharram
2. Safar
3. Rabi' al-Awwal
4. Rabi' al-Thani
5. Jumada al-Ula
6. Jumada al-Thani
7. Rajab
8. Sha'ban
9. Ramadan
10. Shawwal
11. Dhul Qa'dah
12. Dhul Hijjah — the month of Hajj

Hajj always occurs in the first 13 days of Dhul Hijjah. Because of the 10–11 day annual shift, Hajj cycles through all Gregorian seasons over a period of approximately 33 years. In some decades, Hajj falls in the summer with extreme heat; in others, it falls in the cooler winter months.

Moon Sighting vs. Astronomical Calculation

There is a longstanding scholarly debate about whether to begin Islamic months based on physical moon sighting (the traditional position of many scholars) or astronomical calculation (used by some countries and organizations). Saudi Arabia uses a combination — astronomical data is consulted, but the official confirmation comes from designated moon-sighting committees across the Kingdom. This is why dates cannot be locked in months in advance with 100% certainty.

Day-by-Day Hajj Schedule

Here is the complete day-by-day breakdown of what happens during Hajj. For in-depth guidance on each ritual, follow the linked guides:

Day 1: 8th Dhul Hijjah — Yawm al-Tarwiyah (~June 28)

1. Enter the state of Ihram from your accommodation in Makkah (for Hajj al-Tamattu') or from the Miqat (for Hajj al-Ifrad/Qiran).
2. Travel to Mina after Fajr prayer.
3. Pray all five daily prayers at Mina (Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, Isha of the 8th; Fajr of the 9th). Each 4-rak'ah prayer is shortened to 2 rak'ahs.
4. Spend the night in Mina. Focus on worship, Quran recitation, and dua.

Day 2: 9th Dhul Hijjah — Day of Arafah (~June 29)

1. Travel to the Plain of Arafat after Fajr.
2. Pray Dhuhr and Asr combined (shortened) at Dhuhr time.
3. Perform Wuquf (the Standing) — the essential pillar of Hajj. Spend from after Dhuhr until Maghrib in intensive supplication, dhikr, Quran recitation, and seeking forgiveness.
4. Depart for Muzdalifah after sunset. Do not pray Maghrib at Arafat.
5. Pray Maghrib and Isha combined upon arrival at Muzdalifah.
6. Collect pebbles for the stoning ritual.
7. Rest under the open sky until Fajr.

Day 3: 10th Dhul Hijjah — Yawm al-Nahr / Eid al-Adha (~June 30)

1. Pray Fajr at Muzdalifah (at its earliest time). Make dua until the sky brightens.
2. Depart to Mina before sunrise.
3. Stone Jamarah al-Aqabah (the large pillar) with 7 pebbles, saying "Allahu Akbar" with each throw.
4. Perform the Qurbani (animal sacrifice). Most pilgrims arrange this through their Hajj operator.
5. Shave (halq) or trim (taqseer) your hair. Men are recommended to shave completely; women trim approximately one inch.
6. Partial exit from Ihram (Tahallul al-Awwal). After completing 2 of the above 3 acts, most Ihram restrictions are lifted.
7. Perform Tawaf al-Ifadah (also called Tawaf al-Ziyarah) and Sa'i if required. This can be done today or delayed.
8. Full exit from Ihram (Tahallul al-Thani) after completing all three acts plus Tawaf.

Days 4–5: 11th–12th Dhul Hijjah — Ayyam al-Tashreeq (~July 1–2)

1. Stay in Mina each night.
2. Stone all three Jamarat daily (7 pebbles each, smallest → middle → largest = 21 pebbles per day).
3. Make dua after the first and second pillars (Sunnah).
4. On the 12th: choose to depart early (Nafr al-Awwal) before Maghrib, or stay for the 13th.

Day 6 (Optional): 13th Dhul Hijjah (~July 3)

1. Stone all three Jamarat one final time (21 pebbles).
2. Depart Mina.

Before Leaving Makkah: Tawaf al-Wida (Farewell Tawaf)

The final obligatory act of Hajj is the Farewell Tawaf — 7 circuits around the Kaaba performed just before departing Makkah. Menstruating women are exempted from this requirement. After Tawaf al-Wida, leave the Haram without lingering — the Sunnah is that the last thing you do in Makkah is Tawaf.

Preparation Timeline: What to Do & When

Planning for Hajj should ideally begin 12 months before the expected dates. Here is a practical countdown timeline:

12–9 Months Before (June–September 2025)

• Research Hajj operators — compare packages, prices, reviews, and what's included
• Set your budget and begin saving. See our Hajj cost and budget guide for detailed estimates.
• Check your passport validity — it must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your travel date
• Get required vaccinations — Saudi Arabia requires meningitis (ACWY) vaccination and may require COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines. Check the latest Saudi Ministry of Health requirements.
• Begin a fitness routine. Hajj involves 5–10 km of daily walking in extreme heat. Our health and fitness preparation guide gives you a complete training plan.

9–6 Months Before (September–December 2025)

• Register for Hajj through your country's authorized system. In many countries, demand exceeds quota and a lottery system applies.
• Book your Hajj package. Packages often sell out months before Hajj. Early booking secures better pricing and availability.
• Arrange time off work/school. Plan for a minimum of 2–3 weeks, including travel and rest days.
• Begin studying the rituals. Read our complete Hajj step-by-step guide and how to perform Hajj guide.

6–3 Months Before (December 2025–March 2026)

• Complete Hajj visa application through your operator (if international).
• Learn the essential duas for each stage of Hajj. See our comprehensive Hajj duas guide and daily duas guide.
• Practice Ihram. Read the complete Ihram guide and try wearing the garments at home.
• Settle all debts and obligations. The Sunnah before Hajj is to clear debts, seek forgiveness from those you've wronged, and write your will.
• Start walking 5+ km daily in the heat if possible, wearing the sandals you plan to use for Hajj.

3–1 Months Before (March–May 2026)

• Purchase all Hajj supplies. See our complete packing guide.
• Attend Hajj preparation seminars. Most Hajj operators run training sessions.
• Practice the VR experience. Use Pilgrim's Path VR to walk through the sites virtually.
• Confirm all travel details with your Hajj operator — flights, hotel check-in times, group meeting points.

1 Month Before–Departure (May–June 2026)

• Final medical check-up. Ensure you're fit to travel and have sufficient medication.
• Pack your bags according to the checklist.
• Make sincere tawbah (repentance). Arrive at Hajj with a clean spiritual slate.
• Pray Salat al-Istikhara and ask Allah for a successful, accepted Hajj.
• Say your goodbyes. The Sunnah is to ask family and friends for dua and to forgive and seek forgiveness.

Registration & Quota Information

Hajj registration is managed differently depending on where you live:

Saudi Arabia Residents

Citizens and residents of Saudi Arabia register through the Nusuk Hajj platform (nusuk.sa), the official Saudi government digital portal. A permit is required and is allocated through an electronic draw system when demand exceeds capacity. The typical fee for domestic Hajj is significantly lower than international packages.

International Pilgrims

Each country is allocated a quota by the Saudi Ministry of Hajj, typically calculated at 1 pilgrim per 1,000 Muslim population. This means:

• Indonesia: ~221,000 quota (largest in the world)
• Pakistan: ~179,000 quota
• India: ~175,000 quota
• Bangladesh: ~127,000 quota
• Egypt: ~90,000 quota
• Turkey: ~80,000 quota
• United States: ~10,000 quota
• United Kingdom: ~25,000 quota

In many countries, demand far exceeds the quota. Some pilgrims wait 5–15 years in a queue system. Others participate in a lottery. Research your country's specific system well in advance.

Visa Requirements for Hajj 2026

All international pilgrims require a Hajj visa to enter Saudi Arabia for the purpose of Hajj. Key facts:

• Hajj visas are issued only through authorized channels — your Hajj operator or national Hajj ministry. You cannot apply independently.
• Passport must be valid for 6+ months beyond the date of entry.
• Meningitis ACWY vaccination certificate is mandatory (must be within the last 3 years for the polysaccharide vaccine, 5 years for the conjugate vaccine).
• Women under 45 must travel with a mahram (male guardian) or as part of an organized group, depending on the latest Saudi regulations. Women 45 and above may travel in organized groups without a mahram.
• The visa is typically valid for 30 days and permits entry to Makkah and Madinah.
• Biometric data may be collected at the point of entry.
• First-time Hajj performers are often prioritized over repeat pilgrims in quota allocation.

For those exploring the Hajj experience before committing, our virtual Hajj FAQ and virtual tour of Makkah and Madinah offer an immersive preview.

Estimated Costs & Budgeting

Hajj costs vary dramatically based on your origin country, package level, and the operator you choose. Here are estimated ranges for 2026:

Region/Country	Economy Package	Standard Package	Premium Package
United States / Canada	$8,000–$10,000	$10,000–$14,000	$15,000–$25,000+
United Kingdom / Europe	£5,000–£7,000	£7,000–£10,000	£10,000–£18,000+
South / Southeast Asia	$3,500–$5,000	$5,000–$7,500	$8,000–$12,000+
Middle East / North Africa	$2,000–$3,500	$3,500–$5,500	$6,000–$10,000+
Saudi Arabia (domestic)	SAR 5,000–8,000	SAR 8,000–15,000	SAR 15,000–30,000+

Packages typically include: flights, accommodation (Makkah and Madinah hotels), transportation between sites, Mina tent allocation, meals, Qurbani sacrifice, and group leader guidance. Premium packages offer closer hotels to the Haram, better tent locations in Mina, smaller group sizes, and sometimes private transportation.

For a detailed breakdown of costs and saving strategies, read our complete Hajj cost and budget guide.

Historical Hajj Date Patterns

Understanding the historical pattern helps you appreciate how Hajj dates shift through the Gregorian calendar:

Year	Approximate Hajj Dates (8th–12th Dhul Hijjah)	Season
2020	July 29 – August 2	Summer (limited due to COVID)
2021	July 18–22	Summer (limited capacity)
2022	July 7–12	Summer
2023	June 26 – July 1	Summer
2024	June 14–19	Summer
2025	June 4–9	Summer
2026	~June 24–29	Summer
2027	~June 14–18	Summer
2030	~May 12–16	Late spring
2035	~February 27 – March 3	Late winter

As you can see, Hajj 2026 falls during the peak summer in Saudi Arabia. Temperatures in Makkah, Mina, and Arafat can reach 45°C (113°F) or higher. Physical preparation and heat management are critical — see our health and fitness guide for comprehensive advice.

Expected Weather & Climate

Given Hajj 2026's late June timing, pilgrims should prepare for extreme heat:

• Makkah: daytime highs of 42–48°C (108–118°F), nighttime lows of 30–35°C (86–95°F)
• Mina: similar to Makkah but the valley can feel hotter due to radiant heat from surrounding mountains and tent concentrations
• Arafat: open plain with direct sun exposure — often the hottest location during Hajj
• Muzdalifah: nights are warm but slightly cooler (30–35°C / 86–95°F)
• Humidity: generally low (10–20%) but can spike during occasional summer weather events
• Rain: rare in June but not impossible. Flash floods have occurred in Mina historically during summer storms.

Heat Management Essentials

• Drink 3–4 liters of water daily minimum
• Carry electrolyte packets (Oral Rehydration Salts)
• Use a wide umbrella during outdoor movements
• Apply SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Avoid direct sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM when possible
• Wear light, breathable clothing (white is best for reflecting heat)
• Know the signs of heatstroke: confusion, dry skin, rapid heartbeat, nausea — this is a medical emergency

What to Prepare Before Hajj

Beyond the logistical planning, spiritual and practical preparation ensures a more meaningful experience:

Spiritual Preparation

• Learn the rituals thoroughly. Use our guides: Hajj step-by-step, Ihram guide, Tawaf guide, Sa'i guide
• Memorize the key duas — especially the Talbiyah, Arafah dua, and Tawaf duas
• Make sincere tawbah (repentance) before departing
• Settle debts, return trusts, and seek forgiveness from those you may have wronged
• Write a will — this is an Islamic recommendation before any major journey

Practical Preparation

• Physical fitness: walk 5–10 km daily in the weeks before Hajj
• Medical check-up: especially for heart conditions, diabetes, and respiratory issues
• Vaccinations: meningitis ACWY (mandatory), seasonal flu, COVID-19, and any others required
• Travel insurance: ensure it covers medical evacuation from Saudi Arabia
• Packing: follow our complete packing guide
• Phone setup: install Nusuk app, save emergency numbers, download offline Quran and dua apps

Frequently Asked Questions