Ramadan 2026 Dates by Country

Can you believe we’re already talking about Ramadan 2026? It feels like the months are just flying by, and honestly, there is nothing quite like that pre-Ramadan buzz. It is that one time of year when everything slows down, and our hearts finally get a chance to breathe and reconnect.

We have all been there, scrolling through our phones, trying to figure out the exact start date. I still laugh when I think about growing up; my family would be all set to start fasting, while my aunt in a different time zone would tell us they were still waiting for a moon sighting. It felt like a mystery back then! If you have ever wondered why your friends are starting on a Wednesday while you’re geared up for Thursday, you are definitely not alone.

Let’s walk through what the 2026 calendar looks like. I’ll break down the expected dates for different countries and, more importantly, explain why these little differences happen in the first place. Think of this as your friendly guide to getting ready for a beautiful month ahead.

Why Ramadan Dates Differ by Country

I know it can feel a bit confusing at first - why doesn't the whole world start fasting at the exact same moment? Let me break it down for you in a simple way.

Think of it like watching the sunrise. When you wake up in Dubai and the sun is already bright in the sky, your friends in New York are still sleeping in darkness, right? The moon crescent works exactly the same way.

The Birth and Movement of the Moon: 

Ramadan follows the lunar cycle, and each new month begins when that thin crescent appears in the sky. But here's the thing - the moon doesn't show up for everyone at the same time! As it orbits around Earth, it becomes visible to some countries before others, just like a wave moving across the globe.|

Weather and Sky Clarity: 

Sometimes the crescent is technically up there in the sky, but - unfortunately - thick clouds, fog, or even pollution in big cities completely hide it from our eyes. Imagine trying to spot something incredibly tiny through a white curtain!

Different Methods and Traditions: 

And here's where it gets really interesting - every community has its own approach. Some mosques and countries stick firmly to the traditional way: we must see the crescent with our own eyes, no guessing allowed. Meanwhile, other communities trust precise astronomical calculations done by scientists, which tell us in advance when the crescent will appear. Both methods have their roots and their followers, and this diversity is part of what makes the Muslim ummah so beautifully varied.

How Ramadan Dates Are Determined

In the Islamic calendar, a month can be either 29 or 30 days long. On the evening of the 29th day of the month before Ramadan (which is called Sha’ban), people look at the western sky right after sunset.

Sighting the Crescent:
If the thin crescent moon is seen, Ramadan begins the very next morning.

Completing the Month:
If the moon is not seen, then Sha’ban is considered to be 30 days long, and Ramadan starts one day later.

The Role of Science:
Today, many organizations like the Fiqh Council of North America use astronomical data. This helps people plan their work and school schedules well in advance.

Expected Global Start of Ramadan 2026

For the year 2026, the moon is expected to be born on February 17. However, it likely won't be visible to the eye until the next day. This means most of the world will start fasting on Wednesday, February 18, or Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Region	Expected Start Date
North America (Calculated)	Wednesday, February 18, 2026
Middle East	Wednesday, February 18 or 19, 2026
South Asia	Thursday, February 19, 2026

Ramadan 2026 Dates in Middle East Countries

Most countries in the Middle East wait for an official announcement from their local religious authorities or the sighting in Saudi Arabia.

Country	Expected Start Date (2026)
Saudi Arabia	February 18 or 19
UAE	February 18 or 19
Egypt	February 18 or 19
Jordan	February 18 or 19
Qatar	February 18 or 19
Kuwait	February 18 or 19

Ramadan 2026 Dates in South Asia

Because of their geographical position further East, countries in South Asia often start one day after the Middle East if they rely on local physical sightings.|

Country	Expected Start Date (2026)
Pakistan	February 19
India	February 19
Bangladesh	February 19

Ramadan 2026 Dates in Africa

African nations often have very clear traditions regarding moon sightings. Morocco, in particular, is known for its very precise local sighting system.

Country	Expected Start Date (2026)
Morocco	February 19
Nigeria	February 18 or 19
Sudan	February 18 or 19
Algeria	February 18 or 19

Ramadan 2026 Dates in Europe

In Europe, many communities follow the European Council for Fatwa and Research, which often aligns with astronomical calculations.

• UK, France, and Germany: Most major Islamic centers in these countries are expected to announce the start for Wednesday, February 18, 2026.
• Some local mosques may wait for a physical sighting, which could push their start to February 19.
  
  

Ramadan 2026 Dates in North America

For those of us in the USA and Canada, we usually have two main ways of deciding. Many major organizations use pre-calculated dates based on when the moon is born, while many local Masjids prefer to wait for a confirmed sighting report.

Organization / Region	Expected Start Date (2026)
Fiqh Council of North America	February 18, 2026
ISNA (Islamic Society of N.A.)	February 18, 2026
Local Sighting Mosques	February 19, 2026

Ramadan 2026 Dates in Australia and Oceania

Because Australia is so far ahead in time zones, they are often among the first to look for the moon or make an announcement based on their local horizon.

Country	Expected Start Date (2026)
Australia	February 18 or 19
New Zealand	February 18 or 19

Why Some Countries Start Earlier or Later

It is helpful to remember that the "day" in Islam begins at sunset, not midnight. This adds another layer to the timing.

• The Curve of Visibility: The moon is easier to see in the Southern Hemisphere or in the West (like America) than it is in the Far East on that first night.
• Official Decisions: In some countries, the government decides. In others, a committee of scholars makes the call.
• 30-Day Limit: A lunar month can never be 31 days. If people can't see the moon on the 29th day, they must start after the 30th day regardless.
  
  

Following Local versus Global Moon Sighting

This is a question many people ask every year. Should you follow the news from overseas or your local Masjid?

• Local Sighting: This means you start with the people in your own city. It is great for community feeling and helps everyone celebrate Eid together.
• Global Sighting: Some people prefer to follow Saudi Arabia because it is the heart of the Muslim world.
• Community Guidance: Most scholars suggest that for the sake of unity, it is best to follow the decision of your local community or the mosque where you pray Taraweeh. This prevents confusion within families and neighborhoods.
  
  

A Final Thought

Whether you start on Wednesday or Thursday, the most important thing is the spirit you bring into the month. Ramadan is a gift. It is a chance to recharge your spiritual battery and show extra kindness to those around you.

Start preparing your heart now. Think about the goals you want to achieve, whether it is reading more Quran or simply being more patient with your colleagues.

May your Ramadan 2026 be filled with peace, light, and many blessings for you and your family!