Ramadan 2026: What Muslims and Communities Should Expect

Muslim communities worldwide are preparing for Ramadan 2026, expected to start in late February depending on moon sighting. The holy month brings changes to worship schedules, community charity efforts, and public services across many countries. Below is what to know now about likely start dates, common observances and practical implications for businesses, schools and travelers.

Likely start date and moon-sighting practices

Based on astronomical calculations and the traditional method of sighting the new crescent moon, Ramadan 2026 is anticipated to begin on the evening of either Thursday, February 26 or Friday, February 27 (ET), with fasting observed from the following dawn. Precise start dates vary by community: some follow astronomical predictions to fix the calendar in advance while others rely on local visual confirmation of the lunar crescent after sunset.

Leaders in different regions will announce the formal start after sunset observations, which can shift the start by a day. Many mosques will publish final prayer and iftar schedules the evening the crescent is sighted. Travelers and event planners should allow flexibility around February 26–28 (ET) when booking or scheduling community events.

Religious and communal observances to expect

Ramadan centers on fasting from dawn to sunset, increased prayer, and community solidarity. Daily routines change as dawn (fajr) and sunset (maghrib) prayer times govern fast start and end each day. Many congregations will add taraweeh (night) prayers, often held immediately after the evening prayer and continuing most nights of the month.

Charity typically intensifies: zakat (obligatory almsgiving) and voluntary donations rise to support food distribution, iftar dinners and other social services. Community kitchens, food banks and charitable drives often expand operations to accommodate increased demand. Businesses and municipalities in areas with large Muslim populations frequently coordinate to provide public iftar events and adjusted service hours.

Practical impacts: workplaces, schools and travel

Employers should anticipate schedule adjustments. Many workplaces introduce flexible hours, break rooms for iftar, or shifts that avoid the late evening. Students observing the fast may need accommodations for exam scheduling and physical education activities. Schools with sizable Muslim student bodies sometimes alter lunch and recess arrangements and provide quiet spaces for prayer.

Travel plans can be affected as well: airports and public transport hubs in some regions adapt services to accommodate fasting passengers, and hospitality businesses often offer special Ramadan menus and room-service timing changes. For international travelers, awareness of local practices and community events can improve the experience; some destinations hold nightly markets and cultural programs that run throughout the month.

Looking ahead

Communities typically announce exact start times closer to the date once local moon-sighting decisions are finalized. For organizations and individuals making plans around Ramadan 2026, the prudent course is to prepare for a late-February start and to build flexibility into calendars and logistics. The month’s conclusion will be marked by a major holiday, Eid al-Fitr, whose timing also depends on the next new-moon sighting and typically occurs about 29–30 days after the start of fasting.

As preparations ramp up, mosques and community groups will publish local timetables and program details. Observers and planners should monitor local announcements for final confirmation of prayer times, communal meals and public accommodations during Ramadan 2026.