If you remember long summer fasts in the 2010s and shorter winter fasts more recently, you have noticed Ramadan moving through the seasons. Ramadan comes about 11 days earlier each year. This guide explains why, what it means for fasting hours, and how to see the expected date with our Days Until Ramadan countdown.
The lunar calendar
The Islamic (Hijri) calendar follows the Moon. Each month begins with the new crescent and lasts 29 or 30 days. Twelve lunar months add up to about 354 or 355 days.
The solar calendar
The Gregorian calendar follows the Sun, with 365 or 366 days. Because the lunar year is about 11 days shorter, every Islamic date moves about 11 days earlier in the Gregorian calendar each year.
Approximate start of Ramadan
| Year | Ramadan begins around |
|---|---|
| 2026 | mid-February |
| 2027 | early February |
| 2028 | late January |
| 2029 | mid-January |
| 2030 | early January, and again in late December |
These are expected dates based on the Umm al-Qura calendar; Pakistan’s dates depend on moon sighting.
A full cycle every 33 years
After about 33 years, Ramadan returns to the same season. A person who lives to 66 experiences Ramadan in every season twice.
Fasting hours change
Fast length depends on daylight between dawn and sunset. In Pakistan, winter fasts are shorter (roughly 12 to 13 hours) and summer fasts longer (often 15 hours or more). Check daily times with Sehri & Iftar Timings.
Two Ramadans in one year
Because Ramadan moves earlier, occasionally it starts twice in one Gregorian year, as expected around 2030.
Eid moves too
Eid ul Fitr follows Ramadan, so it also moves about 11 days earlier each year. See Days Until Eid ul Fitr. To convert any date to the Islamic calendar, use Islamic Date Today (Hijri Converter). For preparation tips, read how to prepare for Ramadan.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Ramadan move each year?
The Islamic year is lunar and about 11 days shorter than the solar year.
How long until Ramadan returns to the same season?
About 33 years.
Can Ramadan happen twice in one year?
Yes, occasionally, such as around 2030.