When is Ramadan in 2026? Predicted Dates, Calendar & Eid al-Fitr Start

When is Ramadan in 2026? Your Guide to the Dates and Schedule

Every year, millions of Muslims around the world eagerly anticipate the holy month of Ramadan. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the dates shift approximately 11 days earlier each solar year. If you are planning ahead for work, travel, or spiritual preparation, the most pressing question is: When is Ramadan in 2026?

Based on current astronomical predictions, Ramadan in 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This means the first full day of fasting will likely be Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Please note: These dates are based on astronomical calculations for the new moon. The official start of the month depends on the sighting of the crescent moon (Hilal) by religious authorities and may vary by a day depending on your geographical location.

Ramadan 2026 Dates at a Glance

To help you organize your schedule, here is a quick breakdown of the predicted key dates for Ramadan 2026.

Export to Sheets

How Are the Dates for Ramadan 2026 Determined?

It is important to understand why we cannot give a 100% guaranteed date years in advance. The Islamic calendar (Hijri calendar) is based on lunar cycles, whereas the Gregorian calendar used internationally is solar.

A lunar month begins only when the new crescent moon is sighted.

Astronomical Prediction vs. Moon Sighting

While modern astronomy can predict the exact moment of the “new moon” birth years in advance, the religious requirement for starting Ramadan is usually the naked-eye sighting of the crescent.

• The Prediction: Astronomers calculate when the moon should be visible. The date of February 17th, 2026, is the currently accepted astronomical prediction for when the crescent will form.
• The Confirmation: On the evening of the 29th day of Shaban (the month before Ramadan), religious committees look for the moon. If they see it, Ramadan begins the next day. If cloudy skies obscure the view, Shaban lasts 30 days, and Ramadan begins the day after.

Therefore, while February 18th is the most likely start date for fasting, it is always wise to mark a one-day buffer on your calendar until official announcements are made closer to the date.

Why Does Ramadan Move Earlier Every Year?

You might notice that Ramadan 2026 is in February, while a few years ago it was in the middle of summer.

Because a lunar year consists of 12 lunar months, it is roughly 354 or 355 days long—about 11 days shorter than the solar year (365 days). Consequently, Islamic dates, including Ramadan and Hajj, “regress” or move backward through the seasons each year.

This cycle takes about 33 years to complete. It ensures that over a lifetime, a Muslim will experience fasting in different seasons and varying daylight hours depending on where they live in the world.

Planning Ahead for Ramadan 2026

Knowing when is Ramadan in 2026 allows you to prepare mentally, spiritually, and logically. Since Ramadan 2026 falls in February and March, those in the Northern Hemisphere can expect shorter fasting days and cooler weather compared to summer Ramadans. Conversely, those in the Southern Hemisphere will experience longer, warmer days.

Start preparing now by adjusting your schedule, setting spiritual goals, and planning for the joyous celebration of Eid al-Fitr likely occurring on March 19, 2026.