Hajj 2026 took place from approximately May 25 to May 30, corresponding to the 8th through 13th of Dhul Hijjah in the Islamic calendar, with the Day of Arafah falling on May 26 and Eid al-Adha on May 27. As with every year, the exact dates were confirmed only after the official sighting of the crescent moon in Saudi Arabia.
Why Hajj Dates Shift Every Year
Hajj always occurs on the same Islamic calendar dates, from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah, but because the Islamic calendar is lunar and roughly 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar, the corresponding Western calendar dates shift earlier each year. This is why Hajj fell in late May in 2026, compared to mid-June in 2024, and is expected to move to mid-May in 2027.
The Day-by-Day Hajj 2026 Schedule
The pilgrimage began on 8 Dhul Hijjah, known as Yawm at-Tarwiyah, when pilgrims entered the state of ihram and traveled to Mina. The 9th of Dhul Hijjah, the Day of Arafah, is considered the most spiritually significant day of Hajj, during which pilgrims gather at the plain of Arafat for prayer and reflection. This was followed by Eid al-Adha on the 10th of Dhul Hijjah, involving the symbolic stoning of the Jamarat, animal sacrifice, and the Tawaf al-Ifadah around the Kaaba. The final days, the 11th through 13th of Dhul Hijjah, known as the Days of Tashreeq, involved continued stoning rituals at all three Jamarat before pilgrims departed Mina.
Determining the Exact Dates
While projections placed Hajj 2026 between roughly May 24 and May 30, the precise dates depended on the official moon sighting announced by Saudi authorities, since the start of Dhul Hijjah could only be confirmed once the new crescent moon was observed. Pilgrims and travel operators typically planned around the projected dates while remaining ready for a possible one-day shift in either direction.
Saudi Arabia’s 2026 Hajj Preparations
Preparations for the 2026 Hajj season began well in advance, with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah opening visa issuance on February 8, 2026, following a detailed operational calendar that started as early as June 2025. Countries including India managed large-scale logistics for their pilgrims, with India alone coordinating for approximately 175,000 pilgrims through its Haj Committee and government deputationists stationed in Saudi Arabia.
Planning Ahead for Future Hajj Seasons
Because Hajj packages, visas, and flights fill up quickly, particularly for pilgrims traveling from Muslim-minority countries like the United States and Canada, most travel guidance recommends beginning preparations, including creating an account on Saudi Arabia’s official Nusuk platform, at least a year in advance. For the 2026 cycle, popular Hajj packages reportedly sold out within days of registration opening, underscoring the importance of early planning for future years.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the exact Hajj 2026 dates? Hajj 2026 was expected to run from approximately May 25 to May 30, with the Day of Arafah on May 26 and Eid al-Adha on May 27, subject to confirmation by moon sighting. Why do Hajj dates change every year on the Western calendar? Because the Islamic calendar is lunar and about 10 to 11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar, Hajj shifts earlier each year relative to Western dates. How many days does Hajj last? The core Hajj rituals span from the 8th to the 12th or 13th of Dhul Hijjah, roughly five to six days.
The Bottom Line
Hajj 2026 followed the familiar pattern of falling roughly 10 to 11 days earlier than the previous year’s dates, landing in late May rather than mid-June. For anyone planning to perform Hajj in future years, tracking the projected dates early and confirming through official Saudi announcements remains the most reliable way to prepare for one of the most significant journeys in a Muslim’s life.