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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>Fawzia</span> Tue, 01/05/2016 - 13:42
Hi robert, i have only one answer ,it is the belief that makes us to do it,God say fast in ramadan and we obey and do it,we cannot go into depth of how the weather would be in order to carry out the duties of Allah(God),is has been prescribed as such just how a doctor prescribed a tablet for our cure we cannot set our own inclination to alter it.In tunisia people are fasting in summer with a 48 degrees or more on their heads.....the flip side of it in uk ,in winter the days are short and the fasting is too easily ,shoild we not be grateful for that.We muslims follow a lunar calendar sio it is all good and in the accordance how Allah decree it.
<span>Serin</span> Tue, 12/22/2015 - 13:58
@Robert: I used to have a co-worker whose husband was an observant Muslim, and he traveled a lot for work. When he had a summer assignment in Scandinavia, it was a great hardship for him to eat and drink enough to keep him h ealthy during the short hours of darkness; he used to call his wife so she'd talk to him and help him stay awake while he drank bottle after bottle of water. So that's what one observant Muslim did in a place where the darkness was short. I don't know what happens where the darkness is nonexistent!
<span>Tenisha Smiley</span> Sat, 06/20/2015 - 06:20
Salaamualaikum, I am a Muslim living in Tennessee. I am celebrating Ramadan but do not know the hours of dawn or sunset. I work nights so my times are off but I stop partakingearly begin late to stay within the time constraints. Does anyone know the actual times? Thank you and may Allah grant you peace and discipline throughout this blessed month.
<span>Pamela Muhammad</span> Sat, 06/04/2016 - 19:40
this site: islamicfinder (dot) org will give you the prayer times for your zip code. Just enter your zip code and it will give youi links to surrounding Muslim places. Ramadan Mubarak.
<span>Desiree</span> Wed, 05/25/2016 - 17:49
Islamicfinder.org is an excellent site to answer all your question.
<span>Aajooba</span> Tue, 05/24/2016 - 16:53
As'salaamu alaikum Tenisha, I just came on this site today for the first time and noticed your question was never answered. I hope you had found the answer. I'll reply here anyways so that others may benefit as well. It's best to go to your local mosque for the prayer timing and eid days announcement. Fortunately, many mosques these days have their website so you can find the information there or contact number to call them. If there is none near by then islamicfinder.org is a good resource to go to for such information.
<span>Tenisha Smiley</span> Sat, 06/20/2015 - 06:20
Salaamualaikum, I am a Muslim living in Tennessee. I am celebrating Ramadan but do not know the hours of dawn or sunset. I work nights so my times are off but I stop partakingearly begin late to stay within the time constraints. Does anyone know the actual times? Thank you and may Allah grant you peace and discipline throughout this blessed month.
<span>Bashir</span> Sat, 06/27/2015 - 03:38
Well in NY Ramadan starts when azan Is performed that's at least 1 1/2 hour before sunrise. Sunrise here in nyc is at 5:25 ish. So figure out the sunrise in Tennessee and stop eating At least a hour and half before sunrise. Make sure u perform namaz fully more sawaab.
<span>Ibrahim Yunus</span> Tue, 06/09/2015 - 17:56
RAMADAN is very intrested month which all remaining 11 month are working after it Fa marhaban bika ya RAMADAN
<span>Abqaiqi1958</span> Thu, 06/18/2015 - 21:10
Hello Ibrahim, Arabic is so beautiful. Would you translate some of the phrases when you post. I only know peace and God willing. I lived in the middle east as a child, We were taught not to drink water in front of those fasting. In a restaurant we HAD to drink our Coca-cola as this was how the waiter supported his family. Purdah seemed more of a protection than it does today. Women in purdah were protected and no one would dare touch one. Times were tough. Small pox and blindness were rampant and many widows had to beg at the suq. Maybe we got along so well because we all were just trying to make do. Many blessings to you and yours,