If you’re asking when is Hajj 2026, the short answer is: Hajj is expected to fall in late May 2026, with the main ritual days likely running from May 25 to May 30, 2026 in Saudi Arabia. Because Hajj follows the lunar Hijri calendar, the exact start date depends on the official moon sighting announcement in the Kingdom.
Planning early matters more for Hajj than almost any other trip. Quotas fill, flights rise, and accommodation near the Haram and in the Hajj sites gets booked far in advance. A clear timeline now helps you choose the right operator, prepare documents, and get yourself physically and spiritually ready.
When Is Hajj 2026? (Exact Dates Explained)
So, when is Hajj 2026 expected to happen on the Gregorian calendar?
Expected Hajj 2026 dates (Gregorian)
Based on current calendar projections, the Hajj 2026 dates are expected to be:
- Hajj rituals begin: Monday, May 25, 2026 (8 Dhul Hijjah)
- Day of Arafah: Tuesday, May 26, 2026 (9 Dhul Hijjah)
- Eid al-Adha: Wednesday, May 27, 2026 (10 Dhul Hijjah)
- Tashreeq days end: Saturday, May 30, 2026 (13 Dhul Hijjah)
These are the widely cited Hajj dates 2026 estimates, but keep one important point in mind:
Why dates can shift (moon sighting)
The Islamic months begin with the sighting of the new moon. Saudi authorities announce the start of Dhul Hijjah 2026 based on local moon sighting. That’s why the Hajj calendar can shift by about a day compared to forecasts.
Islamic calendar reference
Hajj occurs every year in Dhul Hijjah, the 12th month of the Hijri calendar. Hajj 2026 is expected to take place in Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH. If you’re tracking the Islamic calendar Hajj 2026, focus on the period 8–13 Dhul Hijjah—those are the core days of Hajj rites.
Practical tip: treat the predicted dates as your planning window, but stay flexible by a day when booking leave, flights, and hotel extensions.
Important Days of Hajj 2026
When pilgrims ask about the “main days,” they’re usually referring to the Days of Hajj from the 8th to the 13th of Dhul Hijjah. Here’s a simple breakdown you can save and share.
| Islamic Date | Day Name | Expected Gregorian Date (2026)* | What Happens (High Level) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 Dhul Hijjah | Day of Tarwiyah | Mon, May 25 | Ihram, intention, move to Mina and begin Hajj schedule |
| 9 Dhul Hijjah | Day of Arafah | Tue, May 26 | Standing at Arafah (Wuquf) — the central pillar of Hajj |
| 10 Dhul Hijjah | Eid al-Adha | Wed, May 27 | Stoning (Jamarat), sacrifice, shaving/cutting hair, Tawaf & Sa’i (depending on method) |
| 11 Dhul Hijjah | Tashreeq Day 1 | Thu, May 28 | Stoning of the Jamarat and continued rites |
| 12 Dhul Hijjah | Tashreeq Day 2 | Fri, May 29 | Stoning; some pilgrims depart Mina after this day |
| 13 Dhul Hijjah | Tashreeq Day 3 | Sat, May 30 | Final stoning for those who stay; completion of Hajj program |
*Dates are expected and can change with official moon sighting in Saudi Arabia.
If you’re building your schedule, the day that most affects your planning is 9 Dhul Hijjah (Arafah). That day drives the rest of the timeline.
How Long Does Hajj Last?
People often confuse “how long the rituals last” with “how long the trip takes.”
Ritual days (core rites)
The core Hajj rites run from 8 to 12 Dhul Hijjah for many pilgrims, and up to 13 Dhul Hijjah for those who stay the final day in Mina. That’s 5–6 days of main rituals.
Travel duration
In practice, most pilgrims are in Saudi Arabia longer because of:
- Arrival buffers (rest, briefing, Ihram preparation)
- Transfers between Makkah, Mina, Arafah, Muzdalifah
- Recovery time after the peak days
- Optional Madinah visit before or after Hajj
A typical Hajj package often ranges around 10 to 21 days, depending on the country, operator, and whether Madinah is included.
My advice: if it’s your first Hajj, avoid the shortest possible itinerary unless you’re experienced with crowds and physical strain. A slightly longer schedule gives you breathing room.
Travel & Booking Tips for Hajj 2026
This is where good planning saves you stress. Here are practical Hajj travel tips I share with first-time pilgrims every season.
When to book Hajj packages 2026
If you already know you intend to go, start researching Hajj packages 2026 early. Even if you can’t fully confirm yet, you can:
- Compare package categories (economy vs. premium)
- Check what’s included (Mina camp level, transport type, guidance)
- Understand payment schedules and cancellation rules
The earlier you plan, the more choices you have—especially for flights and hotel proximity.
Choose official, approved operators
Rules and systems change, and Hajj is tightly regulated. Always use an operator that is:
- Licensed in your country (where applicable)
- Authorized to arrange Hajj travel
- Clear about what is included and what is not
Avoid vague promises. A good operator explains the itinerary, transport arrangements, and how group movement is managed during the busiest days.
Hajj flights 2026: what to watch for
For Hajj flights 2026, aim for:
- Arrival at least a couple of days before the 8th of Dhul Hijjah (if possible)
- A departure date that doesn’t force you to rush through final rites
- Reasonable layovers (crowds + exhaustion make tight connections risky)
Also check baggage allowances carefully. Many pilgrims carry a small medical kit and extra Ihram items; you don’t want surprises at the airport.
Accommodation and transport realities
In Makkah, hotels vary widely by walking distance, shuttle availability, and crowd flow. During Hajj days, movement is controlled and slow. Expect delays. Plan mentally for it.
Transport (bus schedules, trains, walking routes) can change based on crowd management. The best thing you can bring is patience and a realistic expectation of travel time.
Common mistakes first-time pilgrims make
- Booking too late and ending up with limited options
- Overpacking (you’ll carry more than you think)
- Not training physically before the trip
- Ignoring heat and hydration planning
- Not learning the sequence of rites before arrival
You don’t need to become a scholar, but you should understand the basic flow so you’re not learning everything while exhausted in Mina.
Hajj Visa & Eligibility for 2026
For most pilgrims, the visa is arranged through official channels tied to approved operators and government processes.
Hajj visa 2026: the basics
While details vary by country, the typical process involves:
- Applying through approved systems or authorized agents
- Submitting passport details and personal information
- Meeting health requirements (vaccinations and medical checks as required)
- Receiving visa issuance tied to your travel itinerary
Because policies can change year to year, treat any checklist as “current guidance” rather than permanent rules. Your operator should provide the latest requirements for Hajj visa 2026.
Eligibility notes (general)
Eligibility commonly takes into account:
- Passport validity
- Health and fitness (Hajj is physically demanding)
- Any age-related rules in effect for that season
- Compliance with registration procedures and deadlines
Quotas
Hajj is managed with country quotas to regulate the number of pilgrims. That’s why some countries have waiting lists, ballots, or specific registration windows. Start early so you don’t miss your local process.
Preparation Tips for Hajj 2026
A good Hajj preparation guide is practical. Here are the three areas that matter most.
Physical preparation
Start training months ahead if you can:
- Walk regularly and gradually increase distance
- Practice walking in comfortable footwear you’ll actually use
- If you have health conditions, speak to your doctor early
Hajj involves long periods on your feet, crowd movement, and limited rest during peak days.
Documents & packing essentials
Keep your key documents organized:
- Passport and copies
- Visa documents (digital and printed if required)
- Vaccination proof (as required)
- Emergency contacts and hotel details
Packing basics that help in real conditions:
- Comfortable sandals/shoes (break them in)
- Unscented toiletries (helpful for Ihram)
- A small first-aid kit (blister care is important)
- Refillable water bottle
- A lightweight prayer book/dua notes you can read easily
Spiritual readiness
The days move fast, and the crowds can test patience. Prepare by:
- Learning the core rites and common duas
- Practicing calm responses under stress
- Making a simple intention list (for yourself, family, and the Ummah)
The best Hajj is not the most “perfectly scheduled” one—it’s the one where you keep your focus, even when plans change.
FAQs
When is Hajj 2026 expected to start?
Hajj 2026 is expected to start around Monday, May 25, 2026 (8 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH), but the exact date depends on Saudi Arabia’s official moon sighting.
Can Hajj 2026 dates change?
Yes. Because Hajj follows the lunar calendar, Hajj 2026 dates can shift by about one day based on the confirmed start of Dhul Hijjah in Saudi Arabia.
When should I book Hajj 2026 packages?
If you’re serious about going, begin researching Hajj packages 2026 as early as possible and book once your local registration path is clear. Early planning gives better flight and accommodation choices.
How long is Hajj 2026?
The main rites last about 5–6 days (8–13 Dhul Hijjah). Most pilgrims’ trips last 10–21 days depending on the package and whether Madinah is included.
Is Hajj 2026 in summer or winter?
Hajj 2026 falls in late May, which is generally warm to hot in Saudi Arabia. Expect heat in the daytime and plan hydration and sun protection accordingly.
What are the most important days of Hajj?
The key days are the Day of Arafah (9 Dhul Hijjah) and Eid al-Adha (10 Dhul Hijjah), along with the Tashreeq days (11–13 Dhul Hijjah) when stoning continues.
Conclusion
If you’re planning and asking when is Hajj 2026, expect the main Hajj period to fall around May 25 to May 30, 2026, corresponding to 8–13 Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH—with the usual note that the final confirmation depends on Saudi moon sighting.
Start your planning early: understand your local quota process, compare operators, and map out flights and travel days with a little flexibility. Hajj is a once-in-a-lifetime journey for many people, and calm preparation makes a real difference when the crowds and heat peak.
If you’re exploring options now, take the next step by reviewing Hajj packages 2026 carefully, or use this article as your checklist to build your own plan and timeline.
