Ramadan countdown
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar, and it begins when the new crescent moon is sighted. The timer counts down to the expected first day, February 8, 2027, at midnight in your time zone; the confirmed start may be a day later where you live.
Countdowns run on your device's clock and time zone, so they reach zero at local midnight wherever you are.
Next dates for Ramadan
| Date | Weekday | Days until |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | in 113 days | |
| Friday | in 467 days | |
| Tuesday | in 821 days | |
| Saturday | in 1,175 days |
Why Ramadan moves about 11 days a year
The Islamic (Hijri) calendar has 12 months of 29 or 30 days, adding up to about 354 days, roughly 11 days fewer than the solar year. It has no leap month to bring it back in line with the seasons, so Ramadan starts about 11 days earlier on the Gregorian calendar each year and passes through every season in about 33 years. The expected start dates are February 8, 2027, January 28, 2028, January 16, 2029 and January 5, 2030. Because of the drift, 2030 will contain two Ramadan starts: the one in early January and the next one in late December.
These years put Ramadan in the northern winter, which means short fasting days in Europe and North America, with sunset arriving in the late afternoon. The fast runs from dawn to sunset, so its length depends heavily on latitude and changes slightly every day of the month.
Moon sighting and the official start
A new month begins when the thin crescent of the new moon is seen after sunset on the 29th day of the previous month, Sha'ban. If it is not seen, Sha'ban is completed as 30 days. Many countries announce the result on the evening of the sighting, which is why the official first day is often confirmed only the night before. Saudi Arabia relies on reported sightings for Ramadan, while Turkey and some communities in Europe and North America follow astronomical calculations set in advance, so neighbors can begin a day apart.
The month ends with Eid al-Fitr on the first day of Shawwal, again set by the next crescent, about 29 or 30 days after Ramadan begins. To follow announcements from Mecca and Riyadh, the current time in Riyadh shows how far ahead or behind your own clock Saudi Arabia is.
Getting ready
Many people use the final weeks of Sha'ban to adjust sleep toward a pre-dawn meal (suhoor), plan iftar gatherings and arrange time off for the last ten nights or for Eid. Employers in several countries shorten working hours during the month.
Other countdowns
Frequently asked questions
- When does Ramadan 2027 begin?
- It is expected to begin on Monday, February 8, 2027, subject to sighting of the new moon. In some countries the first day may be February 9.
- Why can Ramadan start on different days in different countries?
- Some countries wait for a local or regional sighting of the crescent moon, others accept sightings from elsewhere, and others use astronomical calculation. Weather and the moon's position after sunset can make the difference of one day.
- How long does Ramadan last?
- 29 or 30 days, depending on when the crescent of the following month, Shawwal, is sighted. Eid al-Fitr is celebrated on the day after Ramadan ends.
- Will there be two Ramadans in 2030?
- Yes. Ramadan is expected to begin around January 5, 2030 and, about 354 days later, again in late December 2030, because the lunar year is shorter than the solar one.