Get Almanac's Daily Updates Extended Forecasts Where to Buy Contact Us

Ramadan 2026: When is Ramadan? What is Ramadan?

When does Ramadan begin each year? What is Ramadan?

The Meaning and Traditions of 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.

Read Next

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 is the Executive Digital Editor of Almanac.com, the website companion of The Old Farmer's Almanac. She covers gardening, plants, pest control, soil composition, seasonal and moon c...
Read More from Catherine Boeckmann

More Like This

Comments

<span>Noora</span> Wed, 03/13/2024 - 06:21
Yesterday I saw a moon next new moon
<span>Prayer</span> Fri, 03/08/2024 - 13:01
mashaa allaah now you are deciding when is ramadan is starting without Hilal being investigated ? no my sister this is incorrect , this is an titative date and expectations , Saudi Arabia and other countries have to investigate Hilal on 10th evening, then they will decide if its 12th or 13th but its not 10th please correct your informations
<span>Ibrahim Yusuf …</span> Thu, 01/18/2024 - 18:55
Alhamdulillahi Ala Ni'imatil Ramadan. Masha Allah.
<span>Ibrahim Yusuf …</span> Thu, 01/18/2024 - 18:59
Alhamdulillahi Ala Kulli Halin.
<span>Muslimah</span> Thu, 03/23/2023 - 14:57
Salam Alaykum, May Allah reward you for spreading the knowledge of Islam to benefit others. Just to bring to your attention that while some of the benefits of Ramadan include cleansing the body and a reminder of the state of those that are poor. The foremost reason of Ramadan (Fasting) is to attain God-consciousness (Taqwa or piety). Barakalahu fee kum
<span>Kathryn M Quigley</span> Thu, 04/04/2024 - 18:28
I agree 100 per cent Musilmah that the foremost reason of Ramadan should be to attain God consciousness. I have been meditating and doing breath work with my friends from India now for 13 years and I have a Guru also from India. I also have not eaten any meat (animals) for 13 years as well. In my opinion, if you eat meat on a daily basis, you cannot cleanse your body although I know the Muslims way of killing animals is not as bad as Western man's method.
<span>Sauban</span> Sat, 03/23/2024 - 08:24
Some people do fasting without praying or attending any place of preaching, I just want to advise some that instead of doing fasting without sallah is better to do sallah and leave fasting that is question thanks
<span>Sauban</span> Sat, 03/23/2024 - 08:23
Some people do fasting without praying or attending any place of preaching, I just want to advise some that instead of doing fasting without sallah is better to do sallah and leave fasting that is question thanks
<span>Peter Jenkins</span> Fri, 03/08/2024 - 04:32
why do so many muslims become so aggressive during a time when they are seeking God consciousness. The actions of muslims on THE TEMPLE MOUNT and the AL Aqsa Mosque denies your claims
<span>Ren</span> Tue, 03/12/2024 - 19:07
Because they act like their god. Full of hatred and self. And there is no peace in him. Just war and bloodshed from his beginning till now.