Ramadan 2026 fasting hours, suhoor and iftar times worldwide are expected to vary based on geographical location, as the holy month is likely to begin on February 18 or 19, subject to the sighting of the crescent moon.
Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, lasts 29 or 30 days, during which Muslims observe fasting from dawn (suhoor) until sunset (iftar). Depending on the region, daily fasting hours typically range between 12 to 15 hours.
Muslims believe that Ramadan marks the month when the first revelations of the Holy Quran were sent down to Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) more than 1,400 years ago. The fast is observed as an act of worship, self-discipline, and spiritual purification, aimed at achieving taqwa (God-consciousness). During daylight hours, believers abstain from eating, drinking, smoking, and marital relations.
Why Ramadan Dates Change Every Year?
The Islamic calendar follows the lunar Hijri system, which is about 11 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar. As a result, Ramadan moves 10 to 12 days earlier each year.
For nearly 90 percent of the global Muslim population living in the Northern Hemisphere, fasting hours in Ramadan 2026 will be shorter than previous years, continuing to decrease until 2031, when Ramadan will coincide with the shortest days of winter.
Meanwhile, Muslims living in the Southern Hemisphere will experience longer fasting durations, although daylight hours will gradually shorten as the month progresses.
Due to the shorter lunar year, Ramadan will be observed twice in 2030, first in early January and again in late December, a rare calendar occurrence.
Global Fasting Hours in Ramadan 2026
Fasting durations vary significantly around the globe. In Northern Hemisphere countries, such as Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the UK, fasting hours on the first day will be around 12 to 13 hours, increasing gradually.
In contrast, countries in the Southern Hemisphere, including Chile, New Zealand, and South Africa, will observe longer fasts of approximately 14 to 15 hours at the start of Ramadan, with durations decreasing toward the end of the month.
