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>Shireen</span> Wed, 06/25/2014 - 21:38
Assalamu alaikum. I understand where you're coming from as i was also born into a Muslim family but didnt start practising the deen until i was 25 (2 years ago). Alhamdulillah (all praise is due to Allah) that you know Islam is the truth and that you have emaan (faith), its a blessing. Dont worry about what everyone else is doing, we all have to start somewhere and we cant be expected to know everything straight away, it takes time. Definitely fast as it is compulsory for us to do it if we are healthy enough. If you know how to read the Quran, read as much as you can throughout Ramadan and if you dont know how to read it, spend these next few days looking for a teacher or beginners classes you can attend in order to read it in shaa Allah. Make sure you pray your 5 daily prayers and do dhikr (remembrance of Allah) after each salah (prayer). One type of dhikr you should do is recite Subhan'Allah 33 times, Alhamdulillah 33 times and Allahu akbar 34 times. Also repeat astagfirullah very often. Make a lot of dua, ask Allah azza wa jal (the Mighty and Majestic) to give you strength and to increase you in beneficial knowledge. Dont let shaitan make you think that youve bitten off more than you can chew, you can do it! I was very very far from the deen and now alhamdulillah i cover fully and try to be a good Muslim by staying away from whats forbidden and trying to do what we are told to do. Also if you havent already, make sure you read the Quran translation, it changed my life when i first read it. you can go on quran.com and read and/or listen. I also recommend that you buy a small book called Fortress of the Muslim which is filled with beneficial duas. May Allah azza wa jal guide you to the straight path and keep you firm upon it-Ameen. Finally another dua you should make very often 'O Allah Turner of Hearts, Make my heart firm upon your deen.' And during this blessed month repeat this dua 'Allahumma innaka afuwun tuhibuk afwa fa'fu ani
<span>Ballamanneh8@Y…</span> Sun, 06/29/2014 - 06:49
hello my dear Muslim is best reneging......... Allah say in Qumran famanyaman mestkarazarating sarayara if u do anything eider good or bad i will pay you for that
<span>Olaide</span> Fri, 06/27/2014 - 23:56
To all contributory to the sister issue, jazakah lah khaerah, pls dear sister in islam oblique to wht people have said. Observe ur solat and do a lot of dikhir this month Allah is sufficient for you.
<span>Msnina K-F</span> Tue, 06/24/2014 - 19:10
Sister, what city do u live in? if you are in Melbourne I would love to chat with u and if u like I can take you to a mosque and provide you with reading material. You are not alone, Allah is guiding you and there are many brothers and sisters who would love to help you find the information you are looking for. It will seem overwhelming to begin with but with the right tools, you will see the beauty and inner peace that Islam provides. I wish you all the best on your amazing journey ahead. Nina
<span>Muslimah</span> Tue, 06/24/2014 - 02:14
Read the Quran with Tarjuma & Tafseer by Maulana Maududi. Also listen Tafseer by Dr. Israr Ahmed. Please follow the same and you will get each and every information In Sha Allah. Reading quran and Understanding Quran is the best way to understand Islam. I am saying this bcoz of my personal exp. Jazak Allah Khair..
<span>Sister</span> Mon, 06/23/2014 - 18:30
AsSalam walikum, Go onto u r Internet and type Guide us tv.com or you tube it. Sheik Yusuf Estes,an American born who converted 2 Islam and became a sheik and scholar, he will help u. He advertises his personal phone number. They also have a portion on their website,the live part, where u can ask questions and he or his assistant will answer all and any questions u might have. PLEASE my brother/sister don't worry, with Ya Allah there are no worries. Inshallah, I as well converted into Islam and it's 1 step at a time. Like a new born baby. Allhamdulliah, u found ur way back because Ya Allah wants u 2 come back home. Happy Ramadan. Any other info look up on the Internet 2 get ur fasting times and prayer times of our city, state down. Look around and may Ya Allah open ur eyes to find the nearest Masjid. I believe the Allah knows best 4 he has already opened up ur heart, soul and mind. Half the battle is won. C that was simple. Welcome back my brother/sister, we surely missed you. Any Islamic books u want Sheik Yusuf Estes will help. Get the Holy Queen in Arabic WITH ENGLISH translation. That's what I have and it is awesome. .. AsSalam walikum.
<span>Amuslim</span> Mon, 06/23/2014 - 17:46
Sister, where are you from? The best way is to meet a local imam in the masjid. Search a mosque closed by (Islamicfinder.com). Go to their website and try to contact the imam of the masjid through email. If you visit masjid personally, you can ask for the imam from anyone. There are 5 prayers in a day so there will be people there through out the day and night. Especially at night for taraweeh prayers during Ramadan. May Allah make the journey really easy for you and guide us all. Ameen!
<span>Yassin Edris-Uganda</span> Mon, 06/23/2014 - 05:00
Alluhamdulilah jazaka Allah kayr.. blessed Ramadthan for all the believers. may the Almighty God guide ,protect and bless us during the holy month and thereafter. Insha Allah!
<span>Naeemah</span> Mon, 06/23/2014 - 09:49
May ALLAH mk it easy for every muslims this ramadhan Ameen
<span>Siddiqua</span> Sat, 06/21/2014 - 08:00
Asalamu Alaikum warah, Alhamdhulillah.i got a chance to being a fasting.May Allah swt Forgve our all sins.