Ramadan 2026: Fasting hours, suhoor and iftar times around the world
Al Jazeera
February 15, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Ramadan 2026 marks a unique period for Muslims worldwide as they observe the holy month of fasting during varying daylight hours depending on their geographic location. This year, Ramadan is set to begin on February 18 or 19, following the sighting of the crescent moon. The fast, which involves abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn to dusk, lasts approximately 12 to 15 hours globally, with variations based on location. For those in the Northern Hemisphere, this year’s Ramadan will feature shorter fasting periods compared to recent years, with durations decreasing throughout the month. Conversely, regions in the Southern Hemisphere, such as Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa, will experience longer fasting times of up to 14-15 hours on the first day.
The shifting dates of Ramadan are due to the Islamic calendar’s lunar-based structure, which causes the holy month to begin approximately 10-12 days earlier each year. This discrepancy arises because the lunar Hijri calendar is shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar by about 11 days. As a result, over time, Ramadan will cycle through different seasons. By 2031, it will align with the winter solstice, making it the shortest fasting period of the year. Interestingly, in 2030, Ramadan will be observed twice due to this lunar-solar mismatch.
The global variation in fasting hours highlights the unique cultural and geographic diversity within the Muslim world. For instance, regions near the equator, such as Saudi Arabia, will see consistent fasting durations of around 14-15 hours throughout the month. In contrast, areas closer to the poles, like Scandinavia or parts of Russia, will experience longer fasts initially but shorter ones as the
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Originally published on Al Jazeera on 2/15/2026