Ramadan 2026 to Bring Moderate Fasting Hours with Sharp North–South Differences

Ramadan 2026 to Bring Moderate Fasting Hours with Sharp North–South Differences
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Astronomical calculations indicate that the holy month of Ramadan in 2026 (1447 AH) is expected to begin on or around February 19, placing it in late winter and early spring in the Northern Hemisphere. This timing is set to make Ramadan 2026 one of the more moderate fasting seasons in recent years, particularly compared with periods when the month coincided with peak summer.

Fasting hours will continue to vary significantly by geography, depending largely on latitude. Daylight increases the farther north one travels, while it shortens closer to the equator and in the Southern Hemisphere.

Globally, the longest fasting hours are expected in regions near the Arctic Circle, where daylight gradually lengthens ahead of the spring equinox. In cities such as Nuuk in Greenland and parts of Iceland and northern Norway, fasting hours may exceed 16 hours, a situation that often raises religious discussions about fasting guidelines in areas with extended daylight.

By contrast, countries in the Southern Hemisphere will experience the shortest fasting days. In nations such as Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, and South Africa, fasting is expected to last around 11 to 12 hours.

Across the Arab world, fasting hours will be relatively moderate, generally ranging between about 12.5 and 14 hours. Capitals closer to the equator, such as Moroni and Mogadishu, will record shorter fasting days, while North African capitals like Rabat, Tunis, and Algiers will see the longest fasting hours in the region, approaching 14 hours.

Outside the Arab world, parts of Central Asia and Eastern Europe are expected to have longer fasting periods, while cities near the equator will see relatively stable fasting hours of around 13 hours.