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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>Hala</span> Mon, 06/19/2017 - 03:55
Hi Thank you for your effort in explaining Ramadan, I actually appreciate your effort. but there are a few discrepancies in your article. Muslims begin fasting at puberty so it could be at the age of 12 or the age of17 depending on when you started puberty. We start fasting at sunrise and break our fast at sunset- usually starting with a few dates as our Prophet did- Peace be upon Him and all Prophets. We don't all eat Kurdish food, I for one have never had that type of soup (although it sounds delicious) but logic dictates that you don't eat spicy foods to break your fast. Finally, Ramadan could be either 29 or 30 days depending on the cycle of the moon. I hope you take these facts into consideration, and amend the article.
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Tue, 06/20/2017 - 10:37

Thank you for your feedback! We appreciate your suggestions and, after researching further, have revised the article concerning these points.

 <span>Diana Takkash</span> Thu, 05/25/2017 - 15:11
I would like to point out that Ramadan doesn't begin at sunset. Fasting for Ramadan 2017 begins at dawn on the 27th (allah a3lam), God knows best. Usually people eat a small meal called Suhhur before that time, to keep them going the rest of the day until Maghreb, sunset when they can break their fast again.
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Fri, 05/26/2017 - 10:00

Thank you for your feedback! We have updated the table so that is clearer when fasting begins.

 <span>Ali Al Jamily</span> Sun, 06/05/2016 - 23:13
No intelligent being, not even angels, know about the exact time of occurrence of any events in the universe except Allah (Azza-wa-jal). In other words, Allah (Azza-wa-jal) is the creator of “time” and only he knows about the date and the time of every affair in the universe. To announce the beginning of Ramadan and the end day of Ramadan based on calculation and prediction is BEDDAH. Koolo Beddah fee Zalahal and Koolo Zalaalah fe Naar. To be uncertain about the beginning of Ramadan and to be uncertain about the day of Eid is part of the Islamic faith. There is wisdom in attempting to sight the Moon. Books can be written about the wisdom of this subject. Those who violate this important issue of seeking to sight moon, which is an important Sunnat of Rasaul, may fall into the class of Monaa-feqeen. The worst and the lowest section of Jahannam are reserved for this class of deviate people.
<span>Ibrahim Yusuf …</span> Thu, 01/18/2024 - 19:16
Abide and SEEK HEED.
<span>Aj</span> Mon, 04/17/2017 - 12:31
idk why ppl are this desperate for attention, its only an estimation...why go all serious on it ,can't u not see that ramadhan for the next year goes back by roughly 11-10-9 days.
<span>Sadman</span> Sun, 06/05/2016 - 15:20
Is this timetable applicable for every part of the world?
<a title="View user profile." href="/author/editors">The Editors</a> Mon, 06/06/2016 - 14:31

This timetable is only applicable to North America.

 <span>Yunus</span> Sun, 05/22/2016 - 11:31
As Muslim we fast for 29-30 day depending on the cycle of the moon. The fast provides many benefits, 1. we are serving Allah (the G'd) 2. if we were not praying we are praying more 3. Satan is locked up and the gates of heaven are opened, this happens inside each individual who fast the devil inside of us is chained up by reading the Holy Quran daily and praying 5 times a day. When tis happens we are getting closer to living the way that G'd wants us to live. It is truly a blessed month for the Muslim as well as the non Muslim.