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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

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Comments

<span>Md Waseem</span> Mon, 06/30/2014 - 06:16
Dear Habiba, My name id Waseem Siddiqui from India. First of all you only try to learn 5 times namaz & follow on a daily basis along with Roza. Then, try to learn Quran Shareef from some of the person who will teach you so that your namaz will also refine, if any mistake in your namaz. Once you know some basic principles like 5 times namaz, Roza & Tilawat of Quran, then you feel better & one voice from your heart will come out to say that you are proud to be Muslim. Also you feel very calm & peacful. Allah Hafiz... Ramadan Mubarak... If you want to know anything like principle, etc of Namaz, Roza, etc, then feel free to write on sid.wasim@gmail.com
<span>Nasif Gamieldien</span> Sat, 06/28/2014 - 05:57
salaam Habiba I am from Cape Town, South Africa. Please forward your contact details to me so that I can send you some literature on easy approaches and practices and I may also put you in contact with our local Imam who will be able to guide you further.
<span>Batch121</span> Fri, 06/27/2014 - 21:45
I'm not Muslim. but in support of my coworkers that are Muslim I fasting I fast with them. Its a amazing way to get a better understanding of who you are. You don't need to do everything the correct way Allah knows what's in your heart and that's all that matters. Look for a Quran book that's in English and start from there that's what I use
<span>Ibn Adam</span> Fri, 06/27/2014 - 11:24
Sorry that message is for habiba, not shazia.it said shazia at the bottom.apologies.hope to hear from you habiba
<span>Ibn Adam</span> Fri, 06/27/2014 - 11:22
Salaam shazia. Forget what everyone has said.it seems likethey dont want you to come closer to islam.allah guide us. Its simple, you cant read arabic? Then read a quraan in english, you dont know how to pray salaat? We all start somewhere.insha Allah i would like to assist and guide you.if you wish so,please email me gttdi82@hotmail.co.uk insha allah we can learn together..trust me islam is simple amd easy.easier than people make it out.. Hope to hear from you soon. In the mean time, if ramadhan starts tomorow or day after.ramadhan mubaarak to all.
<span>Shazia</span> Fri, 06/27/2014 - 03:57
Asalamualekum Habiba, I read your mail and thought to guide you if you are interested in fasting.. If you want to read something just start from basic, Purchase basic book (Qaida From Market) Request someone who is Muslim around you to teach basic world after that you can search the details on Google for advance learning it will defiantly help you. For namaz you no need to go to Mosque because female are not allow so you prepare namaz anywhere at your work place also after vadhu, your place should be clean. For fasting just follow Aftar and Sheri timing as same as available on Google If you want to follow you religion Allah will make a path for your guidance Inshallah
<span>Jembequeen</span> Sat, 07/19/2014 - 04:56
Where did you read in the Koran that females are not allowed in the mosque? This is totally untrue. There are separate sides for men and women and the only time they are not allowed in the mosque is during menstruation - which makes total sense if you think about the time period/sanitation of the people when the Holy Koran was originally written. I wouldn't want to be in the mosque with a menstruating woman in front of me at that time either! It's not sexist (like that guy was trying to be), it's just plain common sense. That being said, I understand EXACTLY what you mean. I wasn't born into a Muslim family (I don't think, I was adopted) but I always felt I was Muslim inside so I converted as an adult. My conversion was by myself, in a town with no mosque, like yours. I had no Muslim acquaintances because Arabs and Indians were pretty racist against black people in general at that time. (After 911 they became our best friends! haha!) Anyway so I did what others said: #1 don't make it so complicated #2 buy a Holy Koran in English and a prayer book with wadu instructions and learn the main prayer - its only one, it's not difficult or long #3 Make a padded prayer rug out of natural cotton material with no images of any animal, plant or place. Or if you aren't the type, buy a prayer rug, preferably not one made in China... just my personal thing. Why buy a rug produced by people who's official stance is that don't believe in Islam? #4 follow the directions using your books to guide you and pray every morning before you go to work. When you come home in the evening you can make up the prayers you missed. Use your books, and don't be embarrassed. It's better to pray in private however to reduce distractions. Allah will bless you no matter how you do it, as long as your heart is sincere. Also fast during Ramadam, that is obligatory and simple. Don't eat after sunrise and keep your fast until dark. Many people break it at 'sunset' while it's still daylight, the birds are singing and they are still sweating from the heat... I don't. The Holy Koran says 'from the threads of the day until the threads of the night' and that's not 7:30pm!
<span>Swalih Mohammed</span> Wed, 07/02/2014 - 03:50
Assalamu Alaikum brothers and sisters. In Islam Women are not allowed to pray or fast or enter mosque only during their menstrual period. But in some places the local belief doesn't promote women going to mosque. Also it is ideal for women to pray in the houses or where they are rather than going to mosque but still there is nothing wrong in doing so. In fact Women going for Hajj performs prayers inside the mosque right? salimohammed007@gmail.com
<span>Nejmah</span> Sun, 06/29/2014 - 07:27
Why would you tell her women are not allowed at the masjid? That's false information.
<span>Isiaq Balogun</span> Thu, 06/26/2014 - 22:59
Salam Alakum. I do not have a flexible schedule neither is do I have a mosque close to me but I intend to observe Ramadan Insha Allah. It is very rewarding to go to mosque to perform Tarawih ( supererogatory prayers), reading the Quran and attending Tafsir ( Lectures). One of the lessons of Ramadan is to promote unity by doing things in congregation however all these activities can still be done by oneself. May Allah make Ramadan easy for us and make it a rewarding one. Ramadan Kareem.