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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>Wes</span> Sat, 12/03/2016 - 11:53
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 it takes having one wife to be blameless then obviously having more then one is not blameless. This is made clear by using the word blameless. Scripture did not say for him to have one wife because of time restraints. Lets just go with what scripture says. You can't just fill in the blanks and assume things to fit your needs, and desires. You may like the idea of having multiple wife's but that doesn't make it so. You also left much out of scripture to fit your needs, which is very wrong. Scripture is not for your needs to twist, but is what it is. John 13:5 After That he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded. 6Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter said unto him, Lord dost thou wash my feet? 7 Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shall know here after. 8 Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.9 Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands, and my head.10 Jesus saith unto him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.11 For he knew who should betray him therefor said he, ye are not all clean. 12 So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garmenst, and was set down again, he said unto them, know ye what I have done to you? 13 Ye call me master and Lord: and ye say well: for so I am. 14 If I then, your lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Here Jesus Clearly says that if your clean, that you only need to wash your feet, and most importantly he done this to give an example of how we are supposed to be with one another, just as it says. He only washed their feet, and he corrected Peter which you completely left out. Yet you try to use this for your vain tradition of washing of the hands. Here is what Jesus said about that.. Matthew 15:1 Then came to Jesus scribes and Pharisees, which were of Jerusalem, saying, 2 Why do thy disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they wash not their hands when they eat bread. 3 But he answered and said unto them, why do ye also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, Honor thy father and mother, and he that curses father or mother let him die the death. 5 But ye say, Whosoever shall say to his father, or his mother, it is a gift, by whatsover thou mightest be profited by me: 6 and honor not his father or his mother, he shall be set free. Thus have ye made the commandment of God of none effect by your tradition. 7 Ye hypocrites, well did Isaiah pophesy of you saying, 8 This people draw nigh unto me with their mouth, and honoreth me with their lips; but their heart is far from me. 9 but in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. 10 And he called the multitude, and said unto them, hear, and understand. 11 Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man, But that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth man. 12 And then came his Disciples, knowest thou that the Pharisees were offended after they heard this saying. 13 But he answered and said, Every plant which my Heavenly father hath not planted, shall be rooted up. 14 Let them alone, they be blind leaders of the blind, and if the blind lead the blind then both shall fall in the Ditch. 15 Then aswered peter and said unto him, declare unto us this parable. 16 And Jesus said are ye also with out understanding. 17 Do not ye yet understand that whatsoever enterith in at the mouth go into the belly, and is cast out into the draught? 18 But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19 For out of the Heart proceed, evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness and blasphemies : 20 These things are what defileth a man, But to eat with unwashed hands defileth not a man. You are being just as the Pharasees were in that day, and still you are going on with your vain traditions, and teaching men the same, when Jesus made it perfectly clear.
<span>Zedm</span> Tue, 06/16/2015 - 17:27
You are right Gracely if you follow what Jesus (Isa (pbuh)) said you will go to heaven he spoke the truth and he had the sprit of truth with him. As muslim we follow exactly what Jesus said and do what he advised us to do. If you don't believe me read the Quran and you will see how Jesus (Isa (Pbuh)) is spoken about so nicely and I am sure you will learn more beautiful things about Jesus. The Quran/Islam praises Jesus.
<span>Siraj</span> Thu, 07/10/2014 - 02:02
Asslamwalaikum Ramzan mubarak
<span>Mr. Gary</span> Mon, 07/07/2014 - 22:13
As^salamu alaykum... I'm not a Muslim but i convert to Muslim last year.. i try to obligation to Allah (god the creator).. anybody to answer my question.. what is the end of fasting..?
<span>Satham</span> Thu, 06/18/2015 - 02:14
It is not celebration of end fasting,but a time is joyfulness and Thanksgiving for Allah....
<span>Philip Flint</span> Wed, 06/17/2015 - 14:02
As Salaam Alaikum Brother Gary I am not sure what your question is or how to answer it: But here goes If you converted to Al-Islam then you are a muslim;the end of fasting is depending where you live and time zone I am in America, New York City, and it ends nightly here a little before 9pm.
<span>Suhail Ahmad</span> Tue, 06/16/2015 - 08:57
Ramadan will end on july 17 ,2015 ,,,,,and there will be Eid on july 18 ,2015 ,,,,May Allah grant us Patience to fast during the holy month of Ramadan and on Lailat ul Qadr specially
<span>Abbas Mzee Kidemi</span> Mon, 06/08/2015 - 08:46
Brother Gary, Wa aleykum salaam. Please keep in touch with me so that we can further communicate and learn day by day as there's much to learn before we leave this world. In Islam we learn from the baby cot to the grave. Wish you well.
<span>Aminah</span> Thu, 06/04/2015 - 15:29
The end of the day of fasting is called iftari. That is when you open your fast.
<span>Mohammad Zuber</span> Sun, 05/17/2015 - 03:03
after 30holy days from starting of ramzan it end and in those 30days Allah give 70x of any worship pray e.g if you pray namaz e fazr you will get credit 70 days of namaz e fazr... all hamdulillah and in whole ramzan Allah opens the gate for heaven and all close the gate of hell... if any Muslim who belief in Allah with heart dies he goes to heaven in these days without any question or query...