Ramadan 2026 Guide: Suhoor & Iftar Timings and Travel Advice

Almosafer
Jan 12
3 min read

Before we explore the schedule for Ramadan 2026, it is essential to understand how this holy month is determined. Muslims follow the Hijri calendar, a lunar system based on the moon's phases. Unlike the Gregorian calendar, the Hijri year is shorter, causing Ramadan to rotate through the seasons, advancing by approximately 10 to 11 days each year.

How is the Start of Ramadan Determined?

Islamic nations typically use two integrated methods:

Moon Sighting: Following the Sunnah, the new crescent is searched for on the 29th night of the month of Shaban.
Astronomical Calculations: In 2026, modern technology provides high precision in predicting the moon's birth, offering an excellent tool for pre-planning worship and travel.

Expected Suhoor and Iftar Timings for 2026

According to astronomical forecasts, Ramadan is expected to begin on 18 or 19 February 2026. Below is an approximate timetable for the first day across several major cities (based on projections):

City	Country	Suhoor (Imisak)	Iftar (Maghrib)
Makkah	Saudi Arabia	05:32 AM	06:20 PM
Riyadh	Saudi Arabia	05:06 AM	05:49 PM
Madinah	Saudi Arabia	05:31 AM	06:18 PM
Jeddah	Saudi Arabia	05:36 AM	06:24 PM
Cairo	Egypt	05:01 AM	05:44 PM
Dubai	UAE	05:22 AM	06:14 PM
Kuwait City	Kuwait	05:02 AM	05:43 PM
Doha	Qatar	04:54 AM	05:37 PM

Please note: These timings are provisional for 2026. Official prayer times will be updated once the moon sighting is confirmed by the relevant religious authorities in each country.

Travel Advice for Ramadan 2026

As Ramadan 2026 falls in February (late winter), the weather will be pleasantly cool in most regions ideal time for performing Umrah or travelling for business. Here is how to manage your journey:

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Travelling Tips during Ramadan

Most Muslims try to stay at home during Ramadan; this is because fasting is exhausting for most Muslims. But sometimes, we can't stay in the comfort of our homes, and we need to travel during Ramadan or even abroad to work. So, here are our tips and tricks for all Muslims travelling during Ramadan.

Plan ahead

Have a plan in mind before even booking the flight. Try to book a flight that starts after Suhoor and ends before Iftar to avoid breaking your fast or starting it during your flight.

Timing

If you travel abroad, it is crucial to know the Suhoor timing and the Iftar timing of the country you visit.

You can look it up on Google or download a Muslim-friendly App, a location-specific app. So the moment you land in any other country, the app will automatically update the suhoor, iftar and prayer timings.

Packing emergency food

You can never be too ready, so preparing an emergency meal in case your flight is delayed will help tremendously.

Never skip Suhoor

Always remember NEVER TO SKIP SUHOOR. It is by far the most important meal during Ramadan. You might feel tired from travelling while fasting, but try to make a quick trip to any nearby supermarket. Make sure you pick up food high in protein and complex carbohydrates to remain as healthy as possible during travel.

Breaking the Fast

If you feel particularly sick or exhausted during your trip, breaking your fast is halal. But you’ll need to make up the days you didn’t fast after Ramadan is over.

Recommended for you: When is Ramadan in 2026?

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Frequently Asked Questions about Ramadan 2025:

Q1 What is Ramadan?

Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and is celebrated by Muslims around the world as a month of fasting, prayer, meditation and recitation. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).

Q1: When do the last ten nights of Ramadan 2026 begin?

A: They are expected to begin around 10 March 2026. This is the period when Muslims seek Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power).

Q2: Will fasting hours be longer in 2026?

A: No. As Ramadan moves further into the winter months, fasting hours in the Northern Hemisphere (including most Arab countries) will be shorter and more comfortable than in previous years.

Q4 What is the significance of Laylat al-Qadr?

Laylat al-Qadr, or Night of Destiny, is believed to be the night on which the Qur'an was first revealed. It is considered the holiest night of Ramadan, occurring on one of the last ten nights, usually the odd-numbered nights. Worship on this night is believed to be better than a thousand months.

Please note that the exact dates of Ramadan may vary depending on the sighting of the crescent moon in different regions. You are advised to consult your local mosque or Islamic body for exact times and any regional practices.