Ramadan 2026 is likely to begin February 19, pending moon sighting with fasting hours averaging 12–14 hours globally.
Muslims gather for evening prayers as they await the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan 2026 (Photo: File)
Ramadan 2026 Date: Ramadan in the year 2026 is expected to begin on February 18 or 19, depending on the sighting of the crescent moon and there are 2 billion Muslims worldwide who will observe this holy month including over 200 million in India. In general, the fast is expected to last between 12 to 14 hours, since it is close to the spring equinox.
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is one of the five pillars of Islam during the daylight hours of the month of Ramadan, pious Muslims observe a fast from dawn until sunset, abstaining from food, drinks and other physical necessities of life. This fast is called Roza and is intended to foster self-discipline, sympathy for others and spiritual concentration and the month of Ramadan is also a time of charity, Taraweeh prayers and study of the Quran.
In India, the beginning of Ramadaan is established by the old-fashioned method of hilal sight. On the 29th night of Shabaan, committees look up at the sky after the sunset prayer. If the crescent is sighted, Ramadaan begins the following day and if not, Shabaan extends its 30 days. Astronomical calculations may indicate the likelihood of an event occurring, but the Islamic scholars prefer the actual sight. Delhi, Mumbai and Lucknow await the actual sight before making any official announcement.
Astronomical Calculations indicate that the new moon will occur on February 17, 2026 however naked-eye sightings are likely to occur on the night of February 18. This means that the first fast will likely start before dawn on February 19 and if the crescent is sighted early in some places, the fast will start on February 18 while the final decision will depend on the weather and topography.
The month of Ramadan in India for the year 2026 is likely to commence on February 19, subject to the sighting of the moon on the 18th of February and the month is likely to end on either the 19th or 20th of March, depending on the sighting of the moon for the month of Shawwal.
For Saudi Arabia, one of the countries that is considered a guide for all Muslim-majority countries, the month of Ramadan is expected to commence on February 17 or 18. However, this information will be updated later to confirm the exact day after sighting the moon.
In the United Arab Emirates, the expected date for the onset of Ramadan is February 19, 2026, subject to the sighting of the moon and the UAE's moon sighting committee is expected to announce their decision soon after their observations in the evening.
Qatar is also expected to follow suit with their neighbors in the Gulf with the expected date for the onset of Ramadan being February 19, 2026.
The official announcement from Al-Azhar and Dar al-Ifta in Egypt is what will determine the exact day with estimates indicating that it will be on February 19th, marking the beginning of fasting.
For Turkey, there is a combination of both astronomical observations and moon sighting with estimates indicating that it is likely to begin on February 19th.
For Thailand, especially in the southern regions, it is likely that the fast will begin on February 19th, although this is yet to be confirmed.
In United States of America, Islamic societies generally base their calculations on either moon sighting or consensus and this year, Ramadan is expected to start on the evening of February 18 where the first day of fasting is set to take place on February 19.
In the United Kingdom, most mosques are likely to mark February 19 as the first day of fasting and depending on crescent visibility.
In Dubai, Ramadan is projected to begin on February 19, pending official confirmation from UAE authorities.
Kuwait is also expected to observe the first fast on February 19, subject to moon sighting.
In the Philippines, where a minority Muslim population resides mainly in Mindanao, Ramadan is likely to begin on February 19.
Pakistan will rely on its Ruet-e-Hilal Committee for confirmation and current forecasts suggest February 19 as the probable start date.
Since Ramadan 2026 falls close to the spring equinox, daylight hours will be relatively balanced where fasting durations in major cities are expected to range between 12 and 14 hours in most regions.
| Country/Region | Fasting Hours (Approx) |
| India | 12.5–13.5 hours |
| Saudi Arabia | 12–13 hours |
| UAE | 12–13 hours |
| UK | 13–14.5 hours |
| United States | 12–14 hours (varies by state) |
| Turkey | 12–13.5 hours |
| Egypt | 12–13 hours |
| Thailand | 12–13 hours |
| Pakistan | 12.5–13.5 hours |
| Philippines | 12–13 hours |
As we draw closer to late March, the fasting period does stretch out slightly longer in the northern regions. The start of Ramadan comes around every year at one specific moment from both an astronomical and a very human point of view. It’s tied to the moon but shaped by communities, devotion and anticipation. The start of fasting in India on February 18 or 19 makes no difference to the essence of the experience.
Q: Where is the Ramadan moon sighted first and how does it affect other countries?
A: The crescent moon is typically sighted first in Saudi Arabia and its official announcement often guides many other countries in confirming the start of Ramadan, although some nations rely on their own local moon sightings.
Q: Why does the start date of Ramadan differ between countries?
A: Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon and since moon visibility varies by location, weather and calculation methods, some countries may begin fasting a day earlier or later than others.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only. Ramadan dates are subject to official moon sighting announcements and readers should confirm with local religious authorities.
