The first day of Ramadan 1447 AH starts on Thursday, 19 February 2026, and Eid al-Fitr will probably occur on Friday, 20 March 2026, again depending on the local moon sighting at your place.
Ramadan is based on the Hijri (Islamic) lunar year, which is approximately 10-11 days less than the Gregorian year. That is the reason why Ramadan shifts forward every solar year. The month is not determined by the moment of the astronomical new moon; the month is determined when the new crescent (hilal) appears at sunset.
The astronomical new moon (conjunction) will be on Tuesday, 17 February 2026 at 12:00 UT; however, it will not be visible anywhere that evening. The following night, on Wednesday, 18 February, visibility is enhanced over India, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe, and on Thursday, 19 February, the crescent is readily visible globally.
What Does That Mean in Practice?
Due to variation in methodologies by Muslims, with some Muslim traditions basing calculations on local sighting, or some on regional/global sighting or calculated calendars, start dates may be one day earlier or one day later across nations or communities:
- North America (FCNA/Umm al-Qura reckoning calendar): The start of Ramadan will be approximated as Wednesday evening, 18 Feb (Tarawih), and Thursday, 19 Feb will be the first day to fast. They are expected to celebrate Shawwala 1 (Eid al-Fitr) on Friday, 20 March 2026.
- Outlook of moonsighting around the world: Due to the broad visibility of the crescent on 18 February, local moonsighting in most countries that observe local moonsighting as opposed to international moonsighting (particularly in the Middle East) may also change to 19 February. Weather or local testimony variation may still push some societies to Friday, 20th February.
- Eid al-Fitr 2026: According to astronomical observers, the Shawwal crescent will be visible in the USA on Thursday, 19 March, and visible without difficulty in most of the world on Friday, 20 March, so Eid will probably be Friday, 20 March 2026 in most areas (as always, see locally). Other independent calendars, such as timeanddate, display the same provisional date.
Significant Dates in a Nutshell (projected)
- Astronomical new moon (conjunction): Tue, 17 Feb 2026, 12:00 UT — will not be visible that night.
- Probably the first night of Ramadan (Tarawih): Wed, 18 Feb 2026 (in most countries by moonsighting or using a calculated calendar).
- Probably the first day of fasting (1 Ramadan): Thu, 19 Feb 2026 in most countries; in some countries it is a day later, based on local sightings.
- Probably Eid al-Fitr (1 Shawwāl): Fri, 20 Mar 2026 (local subject to sighting).
Why Dates Can Differ by a Day
The prophetic practice is to commence the month on the day on which the new crescent is actually visible (or to finish 30 days of Shaʿbān unless it is not). It is possible to forecast when and in what locations the crescent will be visible, yet weather conditions, the visual clarity of the horizon, and observational techniques do play a role. This explains why even when the two neighboring countries have the same new-moon time, they can begin on different days. Credible moonsighting services issue visibility maps and localized advice to allow communities to make a plan, subject to local announcements.
Booking Ramadan (and Travel) with Ease
The dates above are confident working schedules to families, mosques, schools, and travel planners, good enough to have Ramadan penciled in Tarawih schedules, Iʿtikaf arrangements, and possible in-country Ramadan Umrah visits. As the month nears, get arrangements ready by consulting announcements of your local Hilal (moon-sighting) committee, national councils, or your mosque.
When making travel plans to Makkah or Madinah, keep in mind that the ten days (21-29/30 Ramadan) before and after Eid al-Fitr are the most crowded. Flights and hotels become insanely busy during the time many pilgrims seek to be in the Ḥaram during the Laylat al-Qadr and the last few days of worship. To plan more broadly for a year, observe that in the year 1447 AH, on Tuesday, 26 May 2026, Yawm ʿArafah falls, and in the year 1448 AH, Eid al-Aḍha falls on Wednesday, 27 May 2026 (both, again, depending on sighting).
Last Word – Always Check Locally
Although astronomy provides an excellent preview, Ramadan begins and ends with the official notification through an observed sighting, as announced by your local religious leaders. Once we approach February and March 2026, keep your mosque or your national council informed of the official call.
May your preparations be easy and your month be fully blessed and full of light.