Ramadan in 2026 is expected to start around the evening of Tuesday, 17 February 2026, with the first day of fasting on Wednesday, 18 February 2026 in many countries, but the exact date can differ slightly by location due to moon sighting.

Quick Scoop: Ramadan 2026 Start Date

  • Many Islamic calendars and organizations indicate that Ramadan 2026 is expected to begin on the evening of 17 February 2026.
  • That means the first fast is expected on Wednesday, 18 February 2026 for most places following these calculations.
  • Some local authorities and countries may start a day earlier or later depending on actual crescent moon sighting , so announcements from local mosques or Islamic councils closer to the date are important.

In simple terms: plan for fasting to start on 18 February 2026 , but always double‑check with your local mosque a day or two before.

Why the Date Can Vary

  • Ramadan follows the Hijri lunar calendar , which is about 10–11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, so the dates shift earlier every year.
  • The start of Ramadan is tied to sighting the new crescent moon (hilal) , and visibility can differ by country, weather, and the method used (naked‑eye sighting vs. astronomical calculation).

A practical example: some global sites show 17 February at sunset as the start, while specific countries (like the UAE) may officially announce the start as 19 February 2026 based on their moon‑sighting results.

Fast Facts (for planning)

  • Expected start (most global calendars): Evening of Tuesday, 17 February 2026.
  • Expected first fasting day: Wednesday, 18 February 2026.
  • Expected end: Evening of 19 March 2026 (exact end date and Eid al‑Fitr can also vary slightly by country).

TL;DR: If you are planning ahead, mark your calendar for 18 February 2026 as the likely first day of fasting, but confirm with your local Islamic authority once official moon‑sighting announcements are made.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.