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>Shamim Nagawa</span> Fri, 06/28/2013 - 03:15
it is so good that the blessed month is approaching and so i appeal to all moslems in the world to get prepared for the blessings of Allah the Almighty
<span>Kaleem</span> Thu, 06/27/2013 - 10:58
Iam very very happy in this month
<span>Alhajj Sulaima…</span> Sun, 07/07/2013 - 17:52
About what you do not understand sir,regarding the marriage of the nabi(s.a.w) to ummul Khadija& ummul Aisha(r.a) as to last one,She was taken in when she was matured biologically speaking.She was not a child but an adult,as it is in our lifetime ,girls of such age becomes parents outside wedlock,so Allah is allowing us to do it correctly through prophet Muhammed(s.a.w).
<span>Alhassane</span> Mon, 07/08/2013 - 09:35
Okay i do not understanding you clearly
<span>Educator4You</span> Tue, 06/25/2013 - 06:03
I am sorry but I cannot understand how a man married his first wife who was rich and 16 years older than him and then his last wife was a little girl. I just don't get it.
<span>Ms.mohamedali</span> Tue, 07/02/2013 - 05:06
Please don't apologise.It is not usually possible to understand something when it has been learnt without its contextual background and historical circumstances and norms of when it occured.I would suggest,that if you have a sincere curiosity and a true need to understand this concept,then with an open mind read about the life of the Prophet (pbuh) and the condition of the society that existed at that time.Some reliable sources include:The Sealed Nectar by S.Al Mubarakpuri, Muhammad,his life based on the earliest sources by Martin Lings and also read ' Our Mother A'isha's Age At The Time Of Her Marriage to The Prophet' on www.qa.sunnipath.com It is much easier to understand something that ordinarily may seem outrageous,when one puts it into the right context and tries to approach it with an open and unbiased mind. Try it,and see if it makes a difference to your understanding!
<span>Abdul Majeed S…</span> Mon, 07/01/2013 - 09:25
Hi, It is quite usual that a man marries a lady who is older than him and it is being done even now through out the world. Regarding the second part of the comment: Yes Prophet Mohammed (PBUP) did marry a little girl, but started the family life with her after she was physically ready for it(Puperty). After few years the child marriage was prohibited in Islam. Those days child marriage was quite common accross the world. Both Muslims and Non muslims of those days were into it.
<span>Sulaiman Sanus…</span> Thu, 06/20/2013 - 22:20
Allahamdulilah ramadan is approaching d month of holy bless may d Almighty God gives us d ability 2 perform it 4rm d beginning 2 d end of it may God bless us with d blessing of d month
<span>Rafiu Kehinde</span> Thu, 06/20/2013 - 00:54
am happy to see the month
<span>Shalif B Uzzi</span> Mon, 07/08/2013 - 10:38
Salam Alaikum Thanks God for another chance of this month and let's fast because its only month for whole year