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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>Annaneale</span> Sun, 04/26/2015 - 21:23
I have friends who are going to India december / January and they say it is the festive time there (Ramzan, Christmas, New year and Farmers festival). but every where I look, it says that ramzan is in June not in December? Please tell me the festivals held in this time. I know they will be celebrating pongal Which I believe is January 15th? I am studying Hinduism and have followed Navratri and Mahavidyas I have been involved in Kali fire ceremonies and wish to worship her in a temple. If anyone has information I would be very grateful. Thank you
<span>Naseem</span> Mon, 06/08/2015 - 02:14
Hello dear annaneale, according to Islamic calender, the festival starts from the end of ramadan, the fasting of 2015 will ends at July 17th and the festival will starts at:18th of July 2015 insha Allah(if God willing) best regards from Afghanistan Naseem
<span>John William</span> Wed, 02/04/2015 - 14:48
I am a Christian school Bible teacher and came across this while looking up the start of Ramadan. I do not agree with a lot of Islam's teachings, but I do instruct my students about the history and faith of Islam. I tell them most Muslims I have known are very hospitable and sincere people, family oriented and for the most part tolerant of Christians. I knew a Muslim couple who moved here from Iraq, and they were always kind and respectful to me and my family even though they knew my Christian beliefs. I am not hesitant sharing my faith with Muslims, but I also believe that it requires tact and sensitivity to their faith and tradition.
<span>Baby2Step</span> Thu, 06/18/2015 - 06:02
I'm a christian my belief is there is only one god which man has given many names!Jesus is the only way. i never force my religion on anyone but i do make it know that i'm a christian.Children are easy to be miss lead, when you say that most muslim are sincere that is your experince. what do you mean tolerant of christians? it requires tact and sensitivy to all peoples religion not jut the muslims.
<span>Javeria Syed</span> Wed, 06/17/2015 - 11:07

Greetings! It's good to know that you're appreciating Muslims even though you have a different religion, thank you. Let's respect each others religion.

 <span>Maica</span> Sun, 03/15/2015 - 15:30
Muslims consider all people brothers and sisters. Muslim men can marry muslim, christian, and jewish wome. Because they believe all are from good books. In every religion there are real good people, it is not religion the problem. The problem is to teach each born child respecrt, love for all things created. Fi Amaan Allah
<span>Deb</span> Fri, 06/24/2016 - 13:52
God said to tolerate the Christians and Jews. Some people claim that Muslims say that we call them infidels and that they should be killed. But that's not what God said. The infidels were the polytheist who circled the Kabaa and who attempted to kill Muhammad- peace be upon him. God said to tolerate the Christians and Jews.
<span>Gracely</span> Sun, 06/14/2015 - 15:27
Indeed my brother tolerance is very important for all peaceful coexistence but not a ticket to entering algenna (heaven). Religion has been man's way of trying to reach God. God however has provided the only way to reach Him, through Jesus Christ, the only way, truth and the life. Without Him as our defence attorney, our many sins or filthy righteousness cannot give us eternal life. Pls believe and receive Him in your heart today. God loves you.
<span>Marla Perez</span> Fri, 07/17/2015 - 10:29
I recently had a baby by a a Muslim,whom has nothing to do with my son Suja,All I want is that he know both religions..I am Caucasian and His Dad's Religion...He is Married to a Muslim Woman,whom didn't live in Florida at the time..she resided in Bangladesh, recently came to Florida...His friends are very kind to my Baby Son,I am grateful that they will teach him Allah and I will Learn also...I was mislead from his Dad but more shocked he doesn't be in his life..
<span>Khalifa Abdullah</span> Fri, 04/22/2016 - 21:45
Peace be unto you Marla Perez, I would like to apologize for the actions of my brother first and foremost, his negligence is detrimental to the relationship between you and him and also, the child. I would like to begin by saying the religion was one and that after many intentional errors in the old and new testaments things became, incorrect for example most people are of the example that polygamy was forbidden after the new testament but I refute that and the bible in the New Testament shows us . In the book of ! Timothy 3;2, A bishop then must be blameless, he must have only one wife, and he must be hard working, and thoughtful, orderly, and full of good deeds. If you will notice the specification is for a Bishop only and not for everyone, which makes sense they are more consumed in their devotion to the church so they will be hard pressed if they have multiple wives. But you will notice no general prohibition of plural marriage in itself. There are many things that we do not see or have been taught for example they way to wash before you pray was given to Prophet Moses peace be upon him, in Exodus 30;21, So they shall wash their hands and feet, that they die not , and it shall be a statute forever to them even to him and his seed throughoiut their generations. Notice the word used is forever people will try to wiggle their way around it and say that was old testament ALLAH the most compassionate knew people will say that so HE put it again in the new testament. John 13;9, Peter said unto him Lord not my feet only, but also my hands and my head, and the way they prayed. Exodus and Moses made haste and bowed his head toward the earth and worshipped. Revelation 11;16, And the four and twenty elders which sat before GOD on their seats, fell upon their faces and worshipped GOD. And in Matthew 5 ;17-19 Jesus says he did not come to nullify the law but to fulfill it. Not one jot or tittle shall in no wise pass from the law until heaven and earth pass. And in Matthew 15;9 But in vain they do worship me teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. So where did the deviation come from Paul in Acts 9;19-29 then he contradicts himself in Galatians 1 15-19 by telling the truth and swearing to it then in Romans 3 verse 7 he tells us he lied most people are not keen enough to detect these things and onlty listen to what they were taught instead of doing as ALLAH commanded in the bible Prove all things and hold fast to that which is correct. If you read What did Jesus really say by Mishal ibn Abdullah it has all of the topics and shows the opinions of the Christian scholars who tell us that these things were not original doctrine GOD was always ONE it was people who changed HIS word as Prophet Moses peace be upon him says in Deuteronomy 31; 25- 29 and also Jeremiah 8; 8, may you be enlightened and may ALLAH who created all humans and all creation guide you to the truth Amen.