when does ramadan finish
Ramadan in 2026 is expected to finish around the evening of Wednesday 18 March or Thursday 19 March 2026, depending on local moon sighting and calculations.
When does Ramadan finish? (Quick Scoop)
Ramadan does not have a single fixed civil date worldwide, because it follows the lunar (Hijri) calendar and ends when the new moon of Shawwal is sighted. That means the last day of fasting and the day of Eid alâFitr can differ by 1â2 days from country to country.
Key 2026 Dates (Global Estimates)
- Many major Islamic organizations expect Ramadan 2026 to:
- Start on the evening of 17â18 February 2026 (first fast 18â19 February).
* End on the evening of 18â20 March 2026 (last fast 18 or 19 March).
- Eid alâFitr is then celebrated as soon as the new moon of Shawwal is confirmed locally, usually the next morning/day.
A quick way to think about it
In 2026, if youâre checking your calendar: expect Ramadan to finish in the third week of March , most likely on the night of 18 or 19 March , but check your local mosque or national Islamic authority to be sure.
Why the date can differ
- Islamic months are 29 or 30 days long, based on the moon.
- Some communities:
- Rely on local, nakedâeye crescent sighting.
- Follow regional or global sighting announcements.
- Use astronomical calculations as their main method.
- This leads to slightly different âRamadan finishâ dates, especially between regions like the UK, Middle East, North America, and parts of Europe.
Example: 2026 dates from different organizations
Here is how some major charities and calendars (who publish timetables early) frame the end of Ramadan 2026:
| Source / Region | Expected start of Ramadan 2026 | Expected end of Ramadan 2026 | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Islamic Relief (global timetable) | Evening 17 February 2026 | [5]Evening 18 March 2026 | [5]Dates based on Muslim World League calculations; subject to moon sighting. | [5]
| Human Appeal (UKâbased) | Evening 18 February 2026; first fast 19 February | [1]20 March 2026 (approx.) | [1]Emphasises that final date depends on crescent sighting. | [1]
| HRF / charity blog (UK) | Evening 18 February 2026 | [3]Evening 19 March 2026; Eid that night | [3]Uses a 29âday projection; still âexpectedâ, not final. | [3]
| Barakah NGO (Germany focus) | Evening 17 February 2026 | [7]Evening 19 March 2026 | [7]Tailored to Germany; clearly notes moonâsighting variation. | [7]
| Muslim Aid FAQ | 17 February 2026 (approx.) | [9]Around 18 March 2026 | [9]Gives rounded global estimate; actual date may shift by a day or so. | [9]
So what should you follow?
Because youâre likely asking âwhen does Ramadan finishâ to plan fasting, work, school, or travel, the most practical move is:
- A week before the expected end (midâMarch 2026), check:
- Your local mosqueâs website, announcements, or app.
- A trusted national Islamic council or ministry of religious affairs.
- Note that:
- Some communities may end on 18 March 2026.
- Others may end on 19 or even 20 March 2026, depending on how they confirm the moon.
A simple rule of thumb: plan for fasting through at least 18 March 2026 , but be ready for your local announcement to say 18, 19, or 20 March as the last day.!
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.