When is Ramadan 2026? As the blessed month of Ramadan draws near, hearts around the world begin to stir with anticipation. For many Muslims, especially in the United States. Ramadan isn’t just a date on the calendar. It’s a sacred rhythm that returns each year with mercy, forgiveness, and renewal.
Whether you’re preparing your home, your heart, or your calendar, this guide will help you understand when Ramadan 2026 begins and ends, why the dates change each year, and how to spiritually prepare for the most sacred month in Islam.
Quick Answer: Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Monday, February 16, 2026, and end on the evening of Tuesday, March 17, 2026. Eid ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Wednesday, March 18, 2026.
When Is Ramadan 2026? Expected Dates and Start Time
According to astronomical estimates and global moon sighting predictions:
| Event | Expected Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ramadan Begins | Monday, February 16, 2026 (evening) | After Maghrib prayer |
| First Day of Fasting | Tuesday, February 17, 2026 | Full day of fasting begins |
| Last 10 Nights Begin | Friday, February 27, 2026 | Most blessed nights |
| Laylatul Qadr (likely) | Friday, March 13, 2026 (27th night) | Night of Power |
| Last Day of Ramadan | Tuesday, March 17, 2026 (evening) | After sunset |
| Eid ul-Fitr | Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | Celebration day |
Important Note: These dates are based on astronomical calculations and moon visibility predictions. Actual dates may vary by 1-2 days depending on local moon sighting announcements from your mosque or Islamic center.
Why Do Ramadan Dates Change Every Year?
Ramadan follows the Islamic lunar calendar, not the solar Gregorian calendar we use daily. Each Islamic month begins with the sighting of the new moon (hilāl), making the months 29 or 30 days long.
How the Lunar Calendar Works
The Islamic calendar is approximately 354 days per year, which is about 11 days shorter than the solar year. This means:
- Ramadan moves back approximately 10-11 days each Gregorian year
- Over a 33-year cycle, Ramadan passes through all four seasons
- In 2026, Ramadan falls in late winter/early spring
- By 2030, it will be in winter
The Moon Sighting Tradition
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“Do not fast until you see the crescent moon, and do not break your fast until you see it.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, 1909
This is why different countries or communities may start Ramadan on different days—the moon may be visible in one location but not another, usually resulting in a 1-2 day difference globally.
U.S. Observance: What to Expect in 2026
Muslims in the United States typically follow announcements from national Islamic organizations such as:
- ISNA (Islamic Society of North America)
- Fiqh Council of North America
- Local mosque committees
Fasting Hours Across the U.S. in 2026
Since Ramadan 2026 occurs during late winter to early spring, fasting hours will be moderate and manageable:
By Region:
- Northern states (New York, Minnesota, Michigan): 12.5–13.5 hours
- Mid-Atlantic (Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia): 12–13 hours
- Southern states (Texas, Florida, Georgia): 11.5–12 hours
- West Coast (California, Washington, Oregon): 12–13 hours
- Mountain states (Colorado, Utah): 12–12.5 hours
Compared to Summer Ramadans: These are significantly shorter than when Ramadan falls in June/July (15-17 hours in northern states), offering a great opportunity for those new to fasting or struggling with long days.
Temperature: Late winter/early spring means mild temperatures in most regions, making fasting physically easier than summer heat.
Ramadan 2026 Day-by-Day Calendar
First 10 Days – Days of Mercy (Rahma)
The first third of Ramadan focuses on seeking Allah’s mercy.
Week 1:
- Day 1: Tuesday, February 17, 2026
- Day 2: Wednesday, February 18, 2026
- Day 3: Thursday, February 19, 2026
- Day 4: Friday, February 20, 2026 (First Jummah)
- Day 5: Saturday, February 21, 2026
- Day 6: Sunday, February 22, 2026
- Day 7: Monday, February 23, 2026
Week 2:
- Day 8: Tuesday, February 24, 2026
- Day 9: Wednesday, February 25, 2026
- Day 10: Thursday, February 26, 2026
Focus: Increase your Qur’an recitation, make sincere dua for Allah’s mercy, and begin establishing consistent worship habits.
Second 10 Days – Days of Forgiveness (Maghfirah)
The middle third emphasizes seeking forgiveness for sins.
Week 3:
- Day 11: Friday, February 27, 2026 (Second Jummah)
- Day 12: Saturday, February 28, 2026
- Day 13: Sunday, March 1, 2026
- Day 14: Monday, March 2, 2026
- Day 15: Tuesday, March 3, 2026
- Day 16: Wednesday, March 4, 2026
- Day 17: Thursday, March 5, 2026
- Day 18: Friday, March 6, 2026 (Third Jummah)
- Day 19: Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Day 20: Sunday, March 8, 2026
Focus: Increase your repentance (tawbah), make amends with those you’ve wronged, and seek Allah’s forgiveness earnestly.
Last 10 Days – Days of Salvation from Hellfire
The final third is dedicated to seeking refuge from the Hellfire and searching for Laylatul Qadr.
Week 4-5:
- Day 21: Monday, March 9, 2026 ⭐ (Odd night)
- Day 22: Tuesday, March 10, 2026
- Day 23: Wednesday, March 11, 2026 ⭐ (Odd night)
- Day 24: Thursday, March 12, 2026
- Day 25: Friday, March 13, 2026 ⭐ (Odd night – Fourth Jummah)
- Day 26: Saturday, March 14, 2026
- Day 27: Sunday, March 15, 2026 ⭐ (Most likely Laylatul Qadr)
- Day 28: Monday, March 16, 2026
- Day 29: Tuesday, March 17, 2026 ⭐ (Odd night)
- Day 30: Wednesday, March 18, 2026 (if 30 days) or Eid ul-Fitr
Focus: Maximize your worship on odd nights (21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th, 29th), consider I’tikaf if possible, and make abundant dua.
Key Nights in Ramadan 2026
Laylatul Qadr – The Night of Power
The most blessed night of the entire year, better than 1,000 months of worship:
“Indeed, We sent the Qur’an down during the Night of Decree. And what can make you know what is the Night of Decree? The Night of Decree is better than a thousand months.”
— Surah Al-Qadr (97:1–3)
Most Likely Dates for Laylatul Qadr in 2026:
- 21st night: March 8-9, 2026 (Sunday night)
- 23rd night: March 10-11, 2026 (Tuesday night)
- 25th night: March 12-13, 2026 (Thursday night)
- 27th night: March 14-15, 2026 (Most probable – Saturday night)
- 29th night: March 16-17, 2026 (Monday night)
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Seek Laylatul Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten days of Ramadan.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, 2017
Jummah (Fridays) in Ramadan 2026
There will be four Fridays during Ramadan 2026:
- February 20 (Day 4)
- February 27 (Day 11)
- March 6 (Day 18)
- March 13 (Day 25) – Potentially coinciding with Laylatul Qadr!
Friday is already the most blessed day of the week. Combined with Ramadan’s blessings and potentially Laylatul Qadr, these are incredibly powerful opportunities for worship.
Duas for Welcoming Ramadan
Before Ramadan Begins
Dua to Reach Ramadan:
Allāhumma ballighnā Ramaḍān.
“O Allah, allow us to reach Ramadan.”
Dua for a Blessed Ramadan:
Allāhumma ahillahu ‘alaynā bil-amni wal-īmān, was-salāmati wal-Islām.
“O Allah, bring it to us with security, faith, peace, and Islam.”
During Ramadan
For Easy Fasting and Prayer:
Rabbi yassir lī fīhi siyāmī wa qiyāmī.
“O my Lord, make easy for me my fasting and nightly prayer during it.”
For Laylatul Qadr: The Prophet ﷺ taught Aisha (RA) to say:
Allāhumma innaka ‘afuwwun tuhibbul ‘afwa fa’fu ‘anni.
“O Allah, You are Most Forgiving, and You love forgiveness, so forgive me.”
— Sunan at-Tirmidhi, 3513
Hadith and Quranic Wisdom
The Command to Fast
“O you who have believed, fasting is prescribed for you as it was prescribed for those before you that you may become righteous.”
— Surah Al-Baqarah (2:183)
The Virtues of Ramadan
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:
“When Ramadan begins, the gates of Paradise are opened, the gates of Hell are closed, and the devils are chained.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, 1899
“Whoever fasts during Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven.”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, 38
“Fasting is a shield. When any of you is fasting, let him not utter obscenities or act in an ignorant manner, and if anyone insults him or wants to fight him, let him say: ‘I am fasting.'”
— Sahih al-Bukhari, 1904
The Three Parts of Ramadan
According to authentic narrations:
- First 10 days: Mercy from Allah
- Middle 10 days: Forgiveness of sins
- Last 10 days: Freedom from Hellfire
How to Spiritually Prepare
Ramadan is more than a schedule. It’s a transformation of the heart. Here’s how to prepare:
1. Cleanse Your Intentions
Make Sincere Tawbah (Repentance):
- Reflect on sins committed throughout the year
- Ask Allah for forgiveness with a sincere heart
- Make amends with people you may have wronged
- Clear grudges and ill feelings
Set Pure Intentions:
- Fast for Allah’s sake alone, not for social reasons
- Seek spiritual growth, not just physical discipline
- Aim to leave Ramadan better than you entered it
2. Practice Fasting Before Ramadan
Fast in Sha’ban (the month before Ramadan):
- The Prophet ﷺ would fast most of Sha’ban
- Fast Mondays and Thursdays
- Fast the white days (13th, 14th, 15th of the lunar month)
Benefits:
- Your body adjusts gradually
- You build the habit before Ramadan starts
- You enter Ramadan with momentum
3. Start a Qur’an Routine Now
Don’t wait until Ramadan to start reading Qur’an regularly.
Build the Habit:
- Start with 5-10 verses daily
- Gradually increase to 1 page (one side) per day
- By Ramadan, aim for 4 pages daily to complete the entire Qur’an
Tips for Success:
- Read after Fajr prayer (blessed time)
- Keep a mushaf (physical Qur’an) visible
- Use translation if you don’t understand Arabic
4. Reduce Distractions
Digital Detox:
- Limit social media usage starting now
- Delete time-wasting apps
- Set phone boundaries during worship times
Declutter Your Life:
- Organize your home to reduce stress
- Simplify your schedule where possible
- Reduce worldly commitments that drain spiritual focus
5. Plan Your Ibadah Goals
Set Realistic, Specific Goals:
Qur’an Goals:
- Complete full Qur’an (4 pages daily)
- Complete with understanding (use translation)
- Memorize new surahs
Prayer Goals:
- Pray all 5 daily prayers on time
- Attend Taraweeh every night
- Wake for Tahajjud (night prayer)
Charity Goals:
- Daily sadaqah (even $1/day)
- Pay Zakat if due
- Sponsor an iftar meal
- Support a cause close to your heart
Character Goals:
- Control anger
- Speak only good
- Be kind to family
- Forgive those who wronged you
6. Involve Your Family
Make Ramadan a family affair:
- Set family Qur’an reading times
- Prepare suhoor/iftar together
- Attend mosque as a family
- Discuss Islamic lessons at meals
- Create a family charity project
Ramadan 2026 Around the World
While Ramadan follows the same lunar calendar globally, different regions may start on slightly different days:
Expected Start Dates by Region
Middle East & North Africa:
- Saudi Arabia, UAE: Likely February 16-17, 2026
Europe & Americas:
- North America (USA, Canada): Likely February 16-17, 2026
- UK, Western Europe: Follow local Islamic councils
- Usually aligns within 1 day of North America
Note: Always verify with your local mosque or Islamic center for confirmed dates in your community.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ramadan 2026 start exactly?
Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of Monday, February 16, 2026, with the first day of fasting on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. The exact date depends on moon sighting in your location.
How many days is Ramadan 2026?
Ramadan lasts either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the new moon is sighted. Ramadan 2026 is expected to be 30 days, ending on March 17, 2026.
When is Eid ul-Fitr 2026?
Eid ul-Fitr 2026 is expected to fall on Wednesday, March 18, 2026, following the completion of Ramadan.
Why do different countries start Ramadan on different days?
Different countries follow different methods for moon sighting. Some follow Saudi Arabia’s announcement, while others rely on local moon sighting committees. This can result in a 1-2 day difference.
Can I start preparing for Ramadan now?
Absolutely! It’s highly recommended to begin spiritual preparation, especially by fasting in Sha’ban (the month before Ramadan) and increasing your Qur’an recitation and prayers.
What is the most important night in Ramadan 2026?
Laylatul Qadr (the Night of Power) is the most blessed night, most likely falling on March 14-15, 2026 (the 27th night), though it could be any odd night in the last 10 days.
How long will I fast each day in Ramadan 2026?
In the U.S., fasting hours will range from 11.5-13.5 hours daily, depending on your location. This is shorter than summer Ramadans, making it more manageable.
Is Ramadan 2026 in winter or spring?
Ramadan 2026 straddles late winter and early spring, starting in mid-February and ending in mid-March. This means moderate temperatures and balanced day/night hours in most regions.
Conclusion
Ramadan 2026 will, In shāʾ Allāh, begin on the evening of February 16 and conclude by March 17, followed by Eid ul-Fitr on March 18. As we await this beautiful season of mercy and renewal, now is the time to prepare not just with our calendars, but with our souls.
Whether it’s your first Ramadan or your fortieth, this could be the one that changes your heart forever. The gates of Paradise are about to open, the gates of Hell will close, and the devils will be chained. What will you do with this blessed opportunity?
May Allah allow us to reach Ramadan, witness Laylatul Qadr, and accept our fasts, prayers, and good deeds. May He forgive our sins and grant us Paradise. Āmīn.
Final Dua
Allāhumma aj’alna min man ṣāma Ramaḍāna īmānan wa iḥtisāban, fa ghafarta lahu mā taqaddama min dhanbih. Wa ballighnā Laylat al-Qadr wa taqabbal du’āʾanā.
“O Allah, make us among those who fast Ramadan with faith and seeking reward, and are forgiven for their past sins. Allow us to witness Laylatul Qadr and accept our duas. Āmīn.”
Note: All dates are based on astronomical calculations and may vary by 1-2 days depending on local moon sightings. Please confirm with your local mosque or Islamic center.
