Ramadan 2026 likely to begin Feb. 18 (ET); communities prepare for moon-sighting and plans
Religious leaders, mosques and Muslim communities around the world are gearing up for Ramadan 2026, which is expected to begin on the evening of Feb. 17 and mark the first day of fasting on Feb. 18, 2026 (ET), pending local moon sightings. The annual month of fasting and reflection prompts plans for worship schedules, communal meals and adjustments to work and school routines.
When Ramadan 2026 is expected to start and end
Astronomical calculations point to the new lunar crescent becoming visible on the evening of Feb. 17, 2026 (ET), making Feb. 18, 2026 (ET) the probable first day of fasting for many communities. Final confirmations typically come from national and local moon-sighting committees that meet after sunset to confirm visibility. Because the Islamic calendar is based on lunar observation, some communities may begin a day earlier or later depending on local sighting conditions.
Ramadan lasts 29 or 30 days, so the festival that marks its end, Eid al-Fitr, is likely to fall around March 19, 2026 (ET) for communities that start on Feb. 18 and observe a 29-day month, or March 20 if a 30th day is observed. Those dates remain provisional until local authorities or religious organizations announce the official end of the fast following moon-sighting decisions.
Community preparations and worship adjustments
Places of worship and community centers are finalizing schedules for nightly prayers, pre-dawn meals (suhoor) and post-sunset gatherings (iftar). Many mosques will publish timetables for prayer and fasting times specific to their city, as daylight hours and fasting lengths vary widely by latitude. Organizers are also arranging special programming for the last ten nights of Ramadan, when attendance often increases for prayers and contemplation.
Health advisories and guidance for vulnerable groups—such as the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic conditions—are being circulated by community health coordinators and faith leaders. Employers in regions with sizeable Muslim populations are discussing flexible scheduling, remote work options and leave policies to accommodate fasting employees, particularly for those observing longer fasting days in northern latitudes.
Travel, public life and the role of moon-sighting
Airlines and travel operators are noting increased demand for flights timed around the start and end of Ramadan, and some communities expect peak travel in the days leading up to Eid al-Fitr. Retailers and food services in many cities prepare for higher evening activity as iftar gatherings increase foot traffic at restaurants and markets.
Moon-sighting remains central. While some communities follow astronomical calculations to set fixed dates in advance, others uphold traditional local observation practices, meaning start and end dates can differ by country or even by city. This dual approach means travelers and organizers should check announcements from local religious authorities for definitive dates and times.
Public institutions in several countries provide guidance on prayer spaces, adjusted hours and exemptions for fasting employees. Schools in jurisdictions with significant Muslim enrollment may announce schedule changes or accommodations well in advance to allow families to plan for suhoor and iftar times.
As Ramadan 2026 approaches, leaders are also encouraging community solidarity: expanded charitable efforts, food drives and support for those in need are a hallmark of the month. Preparations emphasize both spiritual observance and practical measures to ensure communal safety and access to essential services during the fasting period.
Communities and individuals looking for precise start and end dates should monitor announcements from their local religious committees in the days around Feb. 17–18, 2026 (ET). Those decisions will determine the official calendar for Ramadan 2026 and the timing of Eid al-Fitr celebrations that follow.
