For Muslims in the UK, knowing when Ramadan begins is essential for planning worship, work, and family life. In 2026, the holy month is expected to start on the evening of Tuesday 17 February, with the first full day of fasting on Wednesday 18 February. However, because the Islamic calendar depends on the sighting of the new crescent moon, the exact date can shift by a day or two depending on local observations and religious announcements.
Several authoritative UK sources, including Islamic Relief and the Royal Observatory Greenwich, point to 17 February as the most likely start evening. UKIM (UK Islamic Mission) gives a slightly later predicted date of 19 February. These small differences are normal for lunar calendar events and reflect varying moon sighting traditions rather than factual errors. This article gathers the key dates, explains how the start is determined, and answers the most common questions about Ramadan 2026 in the UK.
When Does Ramadan Start 2026?
Ramadan 2026: Key Dates and Facts at a Glance
- Start date evening: Tuesday 17th February 2026 (most common prediction, subject to moon sighting)
- Start date evening: Thursday 19th February 2026 (alternative according to UKIM)
- End date evening: Wednesday 18th March or Thursday 19th March 2026
- Duration: 29 or 30 days (confirmed by moon sighting)
Key Insights: Ramadan 2026 in the UK
- The exact start date of Ramadan is confirmed upon sighting of the crescent moon; predictions vary by one to two days.
- Most UK sources (Islamic Relief, Almanac) project start on 17 Feb 2026; UKIM projects 19 Feb 2026.
- Ramadan moves backward by about 10–11 days each year on the Gregorian calendar.
- The moon sighting tradition means the start date may differ by one day across regions, even within the UK.
Quick Facts: Ramadan 2026
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Predicted start evening | 17 February 2026 (most sources) / 19 February 2026 (UKIM) |
| Predicted end evening | 18 March or 19 March 2026 |
| Duration | 29 or 30 days (moon-dependent) |
| Next year (2027) start (estimated) | around 6–8 February 2027 |
| Rule | Fasting from dawn to sunset |
What Is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting, prayer, reflection, and community. The BBC describes it as a period when the Qur’an was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Fasting from dawn until sunset is one of the Five Pillars of Islam.
Why Does the Start Date Change Each Year?
The Islamic calendar is approximately 11 days shorter than the Gregorian solar calendar, so Ramadan begins about 10–11 days earlier each year. Furthermore, each month begins only when the new crescent moon is sighted, which can vary by a day depending on atmospheric conditions and local sighting methods. The Royal Observatory explains that the Islamic month starts with the new crescent Moon, and that a month has 29 or 30 days depending on whether the crescent is seen on the 29th night.
The Royal Observatory Greenwich states that the Islamic month begins with the new crescent Moon. A month in the Islamic calendar has 29 or 30 days, determined by whether the crescent is sighted on the 29th evening. For Ramadan 2026, the crescent sighting is expected to be attempted on the evening of Tuesday 17 February 2026 in the UK.
Ramadan 2026 Timetable for London
Mosques in London and across the UK typically publish timetables based on the predicted start of 18 February 2026 (or 19 February according to UKIM). Exact prayer times, suhoor (pre-dawn meal) cut-off times, and iftar (breaking fast) times vary by city and mosque.
UKIM states that its Ramadan 2026 timetable is subject to official moon sighting, and lists the expected start date as 19 February. In contrast, Global Study UK and the Royal Observatory point to 18 February as the first fasting day. Users should check with their local mosque for the most accurate local timetable.
How Many Days Till Ramadan?
As of the current date, Ramadan 2026 is predicted to begin on 17 February 2026. A countdown tool can give exact days remaining. During Ramadan itself, you can check how many days are left by subtracting the current day from 29 or 30, depending on the moon sighting.
When Does Ramadan Start 2027?
Based on the lunar calendar shift of about 10–11 days each year, Ramadan 2027 is estimated to begin around 6–8 February 2027. Precise predictions will become available around November 2026, with final confirmation in February 2027 after the moon sighting.
First predictions for Ramadan 2027 are expected around November 2026. Final confirmation will follow the moon sighting in February 2027. If you need an early estimate for planning, assume a window of 6–8 February 2027, but always verify with local religious authorities closer to the time.
How Is the Start of Ramadan Determined?
Moon Sighting: The Traditional Method
The start of Ramadan is traditionally determined by the sighting of the new crescent moon after sunset on the 29th day of Sha’ban, the preceding month. If the crescent is visible, Ramadan begins the next day; if not, Sha’ban completes 30 days. The Royal Observatory hosts live moon sighting events, including one planned for 18 February 2026.
Calculated vs. Sighted Moon
Some organisations use astronomical calculations to predict the start date well in advance, while others rely solely on physical sighting. This explains the one- or two-day discrepancy between sources. UKIM and Islamic Relief both use calculation-based predictions, but their results differ slightly. The Almanac agrees with the 17 February start based on astronomical data.
Global Study UK and the Royal Observatory point to 18 February 2026 as the first fasting day, while UKIM’s timetable lists 19 February. This difference reflects varying moon-sighting traditions or announcement conventions, not a factual contradiction. Always follow your local mosque’s announcement.
Ramadan 2026 Timeline (Predicted)
- 17 Feb 2026 (evening): First night of Ramadan (tarawih prayers begin)
- 18 Feb 2026 (dawn): First full day of fasting (if Ramadan begins previous evening)
- Week of 1–10 March 2026: Approximate middle of Ramadan (based on 30-day calculation)
- 17–19 March 2026 (evening): Last night of Ramadan (Laylat al-Qadr possible)
- 18–19 March 2026 (evening): Eid al-Fitr begins (subject to moon sighting)
Certainty vs. Uncertainty: When Does Ramadan Start?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Ramadan begins when the new crescent moon is sighted after the month of Sha’ban. | Exact date may vary by one to two days due to lunar visibility. |
| Fasting lasts 29 or 30 days. | UK sources disagree: some say 17 Feb, some say 19 Feb 2026. |
| Astronomical calculations provide a highly reliable forecast, but official start is confirmed by religious authorities. | Moonsighting differences can cause different start dates even within same country. |
What the Sources Say: Key Quotes
“This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on the evening of Tuesday 17th February 2026 and end on either the evening of Wednesday 18th March or Thursday 19th March.”
— Islamic Relief UK
“This year, the Ramadan start date in the UK is expected to be 19 February 2026, and fasting will conclude on the evening of 19 March 2026.”
— UKIM
“Ramadan begins at the first sighting of the crescent Moon on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, 2026.”
— The Old Farmer’s Almanac
Summary: When Does Ramadan Start 2026 UK?
For most UK Muslims, Ramadan 2026 will likely begin on the evening of Tuesday 17 February, with fasting starting Wednesday 18 February. However, due to moon sighting traditions, some mosques may begin on 19 February. The month will last 29 or 30 days, ending around 18 or 19 March with Eid al-Fitr. To stay updated, check with your local mosque and follow official moon sighting announcements. For a deeper look at the moon sighting process, read our guide on Ramadan Moon Sighting in 2026.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days till Ramadan?
As of now, Ramadan 2026 is predicted to start on 17 February 2026. Use a countdown tool to see exact days remaining.
What day of Ramadan is today?
You can check the current day of Ramadan by using an Islamic calendar or our timetable above.
Is Ramadan tomorrow?
Check the predicted start date: if today is 16 February 2026, then yes, Ramadan begins tomorrow evening.
How many days left for Ramadan?
Use the countdown from today’s date to 17 February 2026 (predicted start).
How many days of Ramadan left?
During Ramadan, subtract the current day from 29 or 30 (depending on moonsighting).
When does Ramadan 2026 end?
It ends around 18 or 19 March 2026, subject to moon sighting.
Why do dates differ between sources?
Different moon-sighting methods (calculated vs. sighted) cause small discrepancies of one or two days.
Is the Ramadan start date the same everywhere?
No, it can vary by country or even by mosque within the same city, depending on local sighting.
Can I use a timetable for all UK cities?
No, prayer and fasting times vary by location. Check your local mosque for precise times.
What is Laylat al-Qadr?
It is the Night of Power, believed to be the night the Qur’an was first revealed, falling in the last ten nights of Ramadan.
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Isabelle Reed is TV & Streaming Editor at CultureObserver.uk, covering television, streaming platforms, broadcast schedules and platform news.