For daily wit & wisdom, get the Almanac newsletter.

Ramadan 2026: When is Ramadan? What is Ramadan?

When does Ramadan begin each year? What is Ramadan?

Written By: Catherine Boeckmann Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

This year, the holy month of Ramadan begins at the first sighting of the crescent Moon on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Learn about how—and why—Ramadan is observed.

What Is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is considered a holy month that honors the time when Allah, via the angel Gabriel, revealed the first verses of the Qur’an, the holy book of Islam, to a caravan trader named Muhammad.

When Is Ramadan? 

This year, Ramadan is expected to begin at sundown on Tuesday, February 17, and end at sundown on Wednesday, March 18. The final evening of Ramadan consists of a celebration called Eid al-Fitr, when the traditional month-long fast is ended with a feast.

The exact beginning and ending times of the month of Ramadan are based on the sighting of the first crescent Moon on the last night of the eighth month (Sha’ban). Specifically, Ramadan is said to begin at the first observance of the crescent Moon over Mecca, Saudi Arabia (or on a date predetermined by astronomical calculation). Because of this, start and end dates are not set in stone and may vary by a day.

The dates listed below are based on expected visibility, so they may differ slightly from those seen elsewhere.

Ramadan Dates
YearFirst Evening of Ramadan (fasting begins at dawn next day)Final Evening of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr)
2026Tuesday, February 17Wednesday, March 18
2027Sunday, February 7Monday, March 8
2028Thursday, January 27Friday, February 25
2029Monday, January 15Tuesday, February 13

Traditions of Ramadan

Beginning at puberty, all Muslims (with certain exceptions, such as if one is ill, traveling, pregnant, elderly, etc.) take part in the month-long, dawn-to-sunset fast that is the hallmark of Ramadan. Muslims believe that fasting cleanses the body, and the practice reminds them of the suffering of the poor.

Eating and drinking (including water) is prohibited from dawn to sunset, and the day’s abstinence is offset by a predawn meal called sehri and a nightly meal known as iftar. For iftar, many traditionally break the fast by first eating dates, as the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have done to break his fast. Foods traditionally served at iftar vary, but food is often shared with a poor family during Ramadan.

At the end of the 29- or 30-day fast (depending on the length of the lunar cycle) is Eid al-Fitr (Festival of Breaking the Fast), when there is much feasting and celebration!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do Ramadan dates change every year?

Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, which is about 10–12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. Because of this, Ramadan shifts earlier each year.

How is the start of Ramadan determined?

The beginning of Ramadan is based on the first visible crescent Moon after the month of Sha’ban. Some regions use local Moon sightings, while others follow astronomical calculations.

Who is required to fast during Ramadan?

Healthy adult Muslims are required to fast. Exceptions include those who are ill, pregnant, breastfeeding, traveling, elderly, or experiencing medical conditions.

What is the purpose of fasting during Ramadan?

Fasting is meant to promote self-discipline, spiritual reflection, gratitude, and compassion for those less fortunate.

What are sehri and iftar?

  • Sehri (or suhoor) is the pre-dawn meal before the day’s fast begins.
  • Iftar is the meal eaten after sunset to break the fast, traditionally starting with dates.

Why is the Moon important in determining Ramadan?

The Islamic calendar is lunar, so months begin with the sighting of the new crescent Moon. Ramadan and Eid both depend on this sighting.

What is Eid al-Fitr?

Eid al-Fitr is the Festival of Breaking the Fast, marking the end of Ramadan with prayer, feasting, and community celebrations.

To all those who observe Ramadan, we say Ramadan mubarak (“blessed Ramadan”)!

Holidays

About The Author

Catherine Boeckmann

Catherine Boeckmann

Executive Digital Editor and Master Gardener

Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana.

Read more from Catherine Boeckmann

More Like This

Comments

<span>Harry Gatley</span> Sat, 06/28/2014 - 00:56
I am living and working in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia. I am Muslim but have type 1 diabetes and a heart condition. If I reduce my insulin I can fast but I still need to take pain killers during the day for neuropathies. Is it forbidden for me to take my pills?
<span>Amadou</span> Mon, 02/09/2015 - 22:31
Assalama Alaikum Mr. Gartley I am not a scholar by any chance, but I will try to answer your question with due diligence, based on the Quran. The Islamic ruling for people who are having an ailment that they are not expected to recover from, and if they fast will put their health in jeopardy is that for every day of fasting they miss they feed (give iftar to) a needy person. You can chose to feed 30 persons at once at the beginning of the month of Ramadan or do it one person per a day for the duration of the month. the choice is yours. By doing so you will be considered as someone who fasted, and you will definitely rewarded for feeding the needy. May Allah make it easy for you and all of us, take care and good luck. and lastly God knows best. Amadou
<span>Md Waseem</span> Mon, 06/30/2014 - 05:46
Hi, If you really want to go for fasting then I will give you god suggestion to reduce down your diabetes so that you can also feel better & always do all fasting in Ramadan. Thanks... Allah Hafiz
<span>H. Rod</span> Sat, 06/28/2014 - 03:01
you should not (are not allowed to) fast if you have a medical problem that can be worsen by fasting.
<span>Noor Fahad</span> Fri, 06/27/2014 - 07:12
Thanks for Tell
<span>Hajirani</span> Fri, 06/27/2014 - 07:05
Dear all. I am very happy to share Ideas with you.
<span>Matthew Malik</span> Fri, 06/27/2014 - 04:47
To the person (Habiba) who felt intimated by the welter of information: My advice is ignore all the minutiae of the jursiprudential stuff - its comes from man not God, much of it is trivia really, and people get obsessed by it and fail to see the bigger picture. The basics are what is important: Prayer, and Kindness to others especially the poor and needy - thats the recurring message of the early Suras of the Quran. This forms the basis of a programme of spiritual development that lease us back to our origin. What is in the heart is what counts.
<span>Nughman Rehmani</span> Fri, 06/27/2014 - 01:48
Salaam, I InshaAllah will observe fast in Ramadan. Due to my work timings it will not be easy because my shift timing is from night 11 to morning 8. Also I have classes on Sundays from 2:30 to 6:30. But every year this is the time when Allah gives me strength and power to accomplish every obstacle. So please observe fast in this holy month and Allah will surely help you in your Life. Nughman
<span>Sonu Saifi</span> Wed, 06/25/2014 - 06:16
PLS KEEPFAST(RAMZAN) LIKE THESE ARE MY LAST RAMZAN IN MY LIFE. JUST THINK.
<span>Habiba</span> Mon, 06/23/2014 - 12:04
I born into a muslim family but since I did not grow up within the family I never had the chance to really practice the religion. I gravitated to Christianity but for a while now I have felt spiritually unsatisfied and everything within me wants to know and practice the Islamic faith. However, everytime I look for information on learning the faith properly, I am completely overwhelmed by the Arabic words, traditions, what to do and when and I am afraid I cannot do this. Ramadan is just a few days away and I read all the comments of what people are preparing to do (going to the mosque, reading the Qu'ran) and I feel so inadequate and unprepared that I'm beginning to think that maybe I'm biting off more than I can chew. I do not have a mosque thereby that I can go to and my work schedule would not even permit me it there was one close by. Am completely alone in feeling this way or are there others out there like me and what have they done to remedy the situation and what can I do? Please help me!