Hajj 2026: Expected Dates, Day-by-Day Schedule & Key Information
Every year, millions of Muslims plan their lives — flights, leave from work, family gatherings, charity drives — around a single set of dates: Hajj. Because Islam follows a lunar calendar, those dates shift each year on the Gregorian calendar, and exact confirmation depends on moon sighting. This guide walks through the expected dates of Hajj 2026 and what pilgrims and the wider Ummah should plan for.
When is Hajj 2026?
Hajj 2026 is expected to take place in late May / early June 2026, corresponding to 8th–13th Dhul Hijjah 1447 AH. Final dates depend on the official moon sighting of Dhul Hijjah by Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court.
Expected Gregorian dates (based on astronomical calculation; subject to confirmation):
| Hajj Day | Islamic Date | Expected Gregorian | Key Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | 8 Dhul Hijjah | ~Tuesday, 26 May 2026 | Yawm at-Tarwiyah (pilgrims travel to Mina) |
| Day 2 | 9 Dhul Hijjah | ~Wednesday, 27 May 2026 | Day of Arafat |
| Day 3 | 10 Dhul Hijjah | ~Thursday, 28 May 2026 | Eid al-Adha (Yawm an-Nahr) |
| Day 4 | 11 Dhul Hijjah | ~Friday, 29 May 2026 | First Day of Tashreeq |
| Day 5 | 12 Dhul Hijjah | ~Saturday, 30 May 2026 | Second Day of Tashreeq |
| Day 6 | 13 Dhul Hijjah | ~Sunday, 31 May 2026 | Third Day of Tashreeq (optional) |
Important caveat: These dates are based on calculation. The official Saudi announcement could shift them by one day in either direction. For non-Hajj travelers, build in a 24-hour buffer.
What happens on each day of Hajj
8 Dhul Hijjah — Yawm at-Tarwiyah
Pilgrims enter the state of Ihram at the Miqat, recite the Talbiyah, and travel to Mina, where they spend the day and night in prayer. The day is called at-Tarwiyah — "the day of providing water" — historically when pilgrims would stock up on water for the journey ahead.
9 Dhul Hijjah — Day of Arafat
The most important day of the entire year. Pilgrims travel from Mina to the plain of Arafat after Fajr. From midday until sunset, they stand in worship — the Wuquf. The Prophet ﷺ said: "Hajj is Arafat."
After sunset, pilgrims travel to Muzdalifah to combine Maghrib and Isha, gather pebbles, and sleep under the stars.
For Muslims at home, fasting on this day is one of the most rewarded acts in Islam — read Dhul Hijjah sacred days.
10 Dhul Hijjah — Eid al-Adha (Yawm an-Nahr)
The day of sacrifice. Pilgrims:
- Travel to Mina and stone the largest Jamarat with seven pebbles.
- Perform Qurbani — the animal sacrifice.
- Shave or trim hair, exiting the state of Ihram partially.
- Return to Makkah for Tawaf al-Ifadah — the second pillar of Hajj after Arafat.
For the rest of the Muslim world, this is the day of Eid al-Adha — the festival of sacrifice. Eid prayers, Qurbani, and family gatherings.
11–13 Dhul Hijjah — Days of Tashreeq
Pilgrims return to Mina and stone all three Jamarat each day. Some pilgrims leave on the 12th; others stay until the 13th. The Prophet ﷺ called these days "days of eating, drinking, and remembrance of Allah."
Hajj 2026 — for international pilgrims
If you are planning to perform Hajj 2026 from outside Saudi Arabia, here are the key practical considerations:
Visa and registration
International pilgrims (excluding GCC residents) must apply through the official Nusuk Hajj platform for many countries — a system Saudi Arabia rolled out in recent years. Other countries still operate their own quota-based national schemes. Read our full Nusuk Hajj application guide for step-by-step instructions.
Quota allocation
Each country receives a quota of pilgrims based on its Muslim population — roughly 1 per 1,000 Muslims annually. Demand vastly exceeds supply in most countries. See Saudi Arabia Hajj quotas explained.
Timing of registration
Registration for Hajj 2026 typically opens in late 2025 through early 2026. Watch your country's official Hajj ministry / Nusuk Hajj platform for exact dates.
Recommended travel window
International pilgrims typically arrive 5–10 days before the start of Hajj rituals — to perform Umrah, acclimatize, and prepare. They typically depart 3–7 days after the rituals end. Plan for a total trip of approximately 3 weeks.
Hajj 2026 — for those at home
You don't need to go to Makkah to participate in the season. The first ten days of Dhul Hijjah are described by the Prophet ﷺ as the most beloved days to Allah — open to every Muslim, anywhere.
Here's a calendar of recommended deeds:
- 1 Dhul Hijjah onward (~ 19 May 2026): Begin daily takbeer, increase Quran recitation.
- 1–9 Dhul Hijjah: Fast as many days as you are able. Multiply Sadaqah.
- 9 Dhul Hijjah (Day of Arafat, ~27 May 2026): Fast, make abundant dua, recite Quran. The most spiritually weighted day of the year for non-pilgrims.
- 10 Dhul Hijjah (Eid al-Adha, ~28 May 2026): Eid prayer, Qurbani, family.
- 11–13 Dhul Hijjah: Continue Qurbani if applicable; continue takbeer after every prayer.
Plan your Qurbani 2026 now
Qurbani is mandatory for every financially able adult Muslim on Eid al-Adha. The earlier you arrange it, the smoother the season — and the better your chances of securing your preferred animal and delivery country.
Give Qurbani 2026 with HBSMWA — your sacrifice feeds flood-affected families in Pakistan and families in Palestine. Bookings open now.
A note on date confirmation
Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court announces the official start of Dhul Hijjah following the moon sighting on the evening of the 29th of Dhul Qa'dah. The whole Hajj schedule shifts by ±1 day depending on whether the moon is sighted that night.
If you are booking flights, hotels, or arranging international travel, build in flexibility. We will update this guide when the official date is confirmed.
Read next: Nusuk Hajj Application Guide → · Hajj Packages 2026 → · Saudi Hajj Quotas → · Back to Hajj guide →