Hajj 2026

Hajj is the annual Islamic pilgrimage to Mecca and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Every Muslim who is physically and financially able is required to perform it at least once in their lifetime. Hajj takes place during Dhul Hijjah, the final month of the Islamic lunar calendar, across a fixed set of days — the main rites run from the 8th to the 13th of that month. In 2026, the core Hajj period falls approximately 6 to 11 June, though the precise Gregorian dates depend on the confirmed sighting of the moon and may shift by a day.

Note: Mecca is closed to non-Muslims. Only Muslims may enter the city or perform Hajj. The information here is written for Muslim travellers planning their pilgrimage.

The Rites and Sites

Hajj follows a sequence of prescribed acts. Pilgrims enter a state of ihram — a condition of ritual purity marked by wearing two white unsewn cloths for men, and modest dress for women — before crossing the Miqat boundary. From there, the rites move through several sites in and around Mecca:

• Masjid al-Haram — The Grand Mosque, home to the Kaaba. Pilgrims perform tawaf (seven circumambulations of the Kaaba) and sa’i (walking seven times between the hills of Safa and Marwa) as part of the initial rituals.
• Mina — A tent city about 8 km from Mecca where pilgrims spend the night of the 8th and the days of the 11th to 13th.
• Arafat — The most critical day of Hajj is the 9th (Waqfa), spent standing on the plain of Arafat in prayer from noon until sunset.
• Muzdalifah — After Arafat, pilgrims move to Muzdalifah to collect pebbles and spend the night.
• Jamarat — Stone pillars at Mina representing the rejection of Satan. Pilgrims cast pebbles on three consecutive days.
• Eid al-Adha — The Festival of Sacrifice falls on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah and is observed with the slaughter of an animal, distributed as charity. This marks the start of Eid for Muslims worldwide.

How Hajj Is Organised

Saudi Arabia manages access to Hajj through a quota system. Most countries receive a national allocation based on approximately one pilgrim per 1,000 Muslim residents. Pilgrims must apply through an officially licensed Hajj travel operator in their home country — it is not possible to travel to Mecca and arrange Hajj independently once you arrive.

Packages vary in cost and level of service. Government-authorised operators offer packages ranging from economy accommodation in shared tents to premium arrangements closer to the Grand Mosque. Apply early — quotas in many countries are oversubscribed, and waiting lists are common. In some countries, applicants wait years before receiving an allocation.

Practical Preparation

June temperatures in Mecca regularly exceed 40°C. Preparation for heat management is essential. Lightweight ihram fabric and breathable modest clothing are standard; pilgrims should also carry a small umbrella or hat for shade during the Arafat day. Hydration is critical — water stations are positioned throughout the pilgrimage route.

Medical fitness matters. Hajj involves significant walking, often over rough terrain and in dense crowds. Those with cardiovascular conditions or limited mobility should consult a doctor well in advance. Saudi health authorities require certain vaccinations including meningococcal meningitis; requirements vary by nationality, so check with your operator and your country’s health ministry.

For information on visiting Medina before or after Hajj, see our Medina city guide.