When Is Ramadan 2027? The Direct Answer

Ramadan 2027 is expected to start on Wednesday, February 17, 2027 (subject to moon sighting), with Eid al-Fitr on Friday, March 19, 2027 if the month completes 30 days, or Thursday, March 18 if it is 29 days. The date is derived from astronomical calculations of the lunar conjunction, but remains conditional on physical moon sighting in countries that follow visual observation such as Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Morocco, Jordan and others.

The Hijri calendar is lunar and consists of 354 or 355 days, making it roughly 10-11 days shorter than the solar Gregorian calendar. That is why Ramadan moves about 11 days earlier each Gregorian year, sliding from March 2024, to February 2025, then February 2026, and now February 2027.

The Complete Ramadan 2027 Calendar Day by Day

Here is the expected Gregorian/Hijri calendar for Ramadan 1448 AH:

• Tuesday, February 16, 2027: Night of moon sighting for Ramadan – the last day of Sha’ban 1448.
• Wednesday, February 17, 2027: First day of Ramadan 1448 – 1 Ramadan.
• Sunday, February 28, 2027: Middle of the first ten days – 12 Ramadan.
• Saturday, March 6, 2027: End of the first ten days and start of the middle ten – 18 Ramadan.
• Friday, March 12, 2027: End of middle ten and start of the last ten days – 24 Ramadan (peak worship period and the search for Laylat al-Qadr).
• Thursday, March 18, 2027: 29th day of Ramadan – night of moon sighting for Shawwal.
• Friday, March 19, 2027: Blessed Eid al-Fitr (if Ramadan completes 30 days).

Ramadan 2027 contains five odd-numbered nights in the last ten days: nights 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29, which are most likely to contain Laylat al-Qadr (Night of Power) according to authentic hadith. These correspond to the Gregorian nights of March 12, 14, 16, 18 and 20, 2027.

Fasting Hours in Ramadan 2027 by City

Because Ramadan 2027 falls in February and March (late winter to early spring), fasting hours across the Northern Hemisphere are moderate, even short by historical standards, compared to the July and August fasts of a decade ago. The table below shows average fasting hours for the first day (Feb 17) and the last day (March 18) of Ramadan in selected cities:

Cairo, Egypt

Fajr begins around 4:45 AM on the first day of Ramadan, with Maghrib at 5:55 PM, giving a fasting period of 13 hours 10 minutes. By the last day (March 18), Fajr shifts to 4:25 AM and Maghrib to 6:10 PM, a fasting period of 13 hours 45 minutes. The 35-minute difference between the start and end of the month reflects the approach of the Spring Equinox on March 20.

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Fajr is around 5:00 AM on Feb 17 and Maghrib 5:55 PM, a 12-hour 55-minute fast. On March 18, Fajr is 4:40 AM and Maghrib 6:10 PM, for 13 hours 30 minutes. Riyadh enjoys mild February-March weather with temperatures between 15 and 25 degrees Celsius, making fasting relatively comfortable. Cool desert nights are perfect for Tarawih prayers at the King Fahd Grand Mosque.

Dubai and the United Arab Emirates

Fajr around 5:10 AM, Maghrib 6:05 PM on Feb 17, for a 12-hour 55-minute fast. By month end, Fajr is 4:55 AM and Maghrib 6:25 PM, totalling 13 hours 30 minutes. Dubai’s weather during Ramadan 2027 will be near-perfect (20-28 degrees Celsius), arguably making Dubai one of the most comfortable cities for fasting this year. Iftar tents at the Burj Al Arab and Atlantis become global culinary destinations.

Beirut, Lebanon

Fajr around 4:55 AM, Maghrib 5:35 PM on Feb 17, a 12-hour 40-minute fast – among the shortest among major Arab capitals. Beirut’s mild Mediterranean winter makes fasting comfortable. Suhoor in Ashrafieh and Hamra is regaining its vibrancy after difficult years, and Iftar tables overlooking the sea in Raouche are among the most beautiful sights in the region.

Amman, Jordan

Fajr 4:50 AM, Maghrib 5:45 PM, totalling 12 hours 55 minutes. Amman is a hilltop city where February temperatures are cold (5-15 degrees), which helps fasting but makes warm Suhoor staples like soup and manakish essential. The Rainbow Street and downtown areas radiate special Ramadan charm.

Casablanca, Morocco

Fajr 6:10 AM, Maghrib 6:55 PM, a 12-hour 45-minute fast. Morocco’s time zone (UTC+1) makes Iftar a little later. Moroccan harira soup, chebakia and baghrir on the Iftar table, and prayers at the Hassan II Mosque, create unforgettable experiences. Weather is mild (10-20 degrees).

Istanbul, Turkey

Fajr 5:30 AM, Maghrib 6:00 PM, for 12 hours 30 minutes – the shortest fast among major Islamic cities. Istanbul’s cold winter (3-10 degrees) sometimes sees February snow, but the Sultan Ahmed and Suleymaniye mosques glow with thousands of lanterns, and free public Iftars are distributed for the poor following a centuries-old Ottoman tradition.

London, United Kingdom

Fajr 5:30 AM, Maghrib 5:35 PM on Feb 17, a 12-hour 5-minute fast. On March 18, Fajr is 4:30 AM and Maghrib 6:10 PM, totalling 13 hours 40 minutes. London’s 1.3 million Muslims celebrate Ramadan along Edgware Road and Whitechapel’s halal markets. The Central London Mosque hosts thousands of worshippers every night.

New York, United States

Fajr 5:35 AM, Maghrib 5:50 PM, a 12-hour 15-minute fast. The Arab Muslim community in Bay Ridge and Astoria comes alive, and mosques like Masjid At-Taqwa host community Iftars. Weather is cold (-2 to 8 degrees) in February, so warm soups and hot drinks at Iftar are popular.

Ramadan 2026 vs Ramadan 2027: The Subtle Differences

Ramadan 2026 began on Wednesday, February 18, 2026 and ended on Friday, March 19, 2026, with Eid al-Fitr on Saturday, March 20. Ramadan 2027 will start Wednesday, February 17, 2027 and end Thursday March 18 or Friday March 19, 2027, with Eid al-Fitr on Saturday March 20 or Friday March 19.

The gap is just one day, even though the Hijri year advances 11 days. The mathematical reason is that 2028 is a Gregorian leap year, and February 29, 2028 compensates for part of the gap. This phenomenon occurs roughly every 4 years when the Gregorian leap year intersects with the Hijri advance.

Climatically, Ramadan 2027 will be slightly colder than 2026 in the first half because it starts one day earlier. Fasting hours are also shorter by just one or two minutes in most cities.

Economically, the two years are similar in their impact on Gulf markets, but Ramadan 2027 will coincide with expectations of Fed rate cuts after pauses in previous months. That could mean greater liquidity in emerging markets and better performance for retail and consumer staples stocks.

Work Hour Adjustments in Ramadan 2027

In the UAE, the 2020 Labour Law mandates a two-hour reduction in working hours daily for all employees regardless of religion. Government work generally runs 9 AM to 2 PM (5 hours), while the private sector operates 9 AM to 3 PM (6 hours).

In Saudi Arabia, the Labour Law specifies a two-hour reduction for Muslim employees. Government bodies typically run 10 AM to 3 PM, and the private sector varies between 6 and 7 hours daily.

In Qatar, the legal maximum is 6 hours per day for Muslims. In Kuwait, Labour Law prohibits more than 6 hours of work during Ramadan. In Oman, it is 6 hours for Muslims and 8 for non-Muslims, with a ban on work during Iftar time.

In Egypt, no unified law exists, but customary practice is a one- to two-hour reduction, with the banking sector operating 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM. The Egyptian Exchange (EGX) trades from 11 AM to 1:45 PM.

In Jordan, Lebanon and Morocco, adjustments are optional for private companies but widespread. Multinational firms in the region (consulting houses, global banks, technology companies) apply flexible policies including work-from-home or shortened hours for everyone.

Family Planning Around Ramadan 2027

Travel and holidays: Eid al-Fitr 2027 falls on a weekend (Friday-Saturday), meaning a 4-5 day break in most Gulf countries when tied to the weekend. This creates a prime travel window. Hotel and flight bookings in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, the Maldives and Egypt should be made now before January 2027 price spikes.

Weddings: Avoid contracting marriage or holding large weddings during Ramadan for religious and social reasons. Recommended pre-Ramadan dates are late January to early February 2027, and post-Ramadan from March 20 to April 15.

Births and deliveries: Gulf hospitals and obstetricians notice an increase in scheduled C-section bookings in the second half of Sha’ban (early February 2027) by mothers wishing to avoid delivery during the Ramadan fast, especially in high-risk pregnancies.

Schools: International schools in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar schedule mid-term breaks to coincide with the end of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Parents plan family trips during this period. Government schools shorten the day by at least one hour.

Personal finance: An Arab family’s Ramadan budget typically rises 30-50% due to communal Iftars, Zakat and charitable giving, Eid clothing and the customary Eidiya. Planning from now (5% monthly into a Ramadan savings account) eases the pressure in February 2027.

Health Preparation Tips for Ramadan 2027

Nutritionists across the Middle East advise starting Ramadan preparation at least two months ahead. Begin now (December 2026) with:

• Gradually cut caffeine: from 3 cups of coffee to 1-2 to avoid first-day Ramadan headaches.
• Reduce added sugar 50% to avoid sudden glucose crashes during fasting.
• Practice intermittent fasting (16:8) three times a week to acclimate your body.
• Drink 2.5-3 liters of water daily, and cut soft drinks and sugary juices.
• Increase protein and fiber (legumes, vegetables, eggs) in lunch and dinner.
• Regular sleep of 7-8 hours daily – sleep disruption is the top health complaint during Ramadan.
• Light exercise 30 minutes daily (brisk walking, yoga) to maintain fitness.

For those with chronic conditions (diabetes, hypertension, kidney disease, heart disease), consulting your doctor a month before Ramadan is essential to adjust medication doses and timing. The International Diabetes Federation has issued special Ramadan guidelines available in Arabic and English.

Markets and Economy in Ramadan 2027

The Gulf retail sector achieves 30-40% of its annual sales in Ramadan and Eid. Food spending rises 25-35%, clothing 40-60% (closer to Eid), and electronics 15-20% (Eid gifts). Companies like Lulu, Carrefour, Spinneys and Panda increase their staffing 20% for the month.

Ramadan TV advertising costs 3-5 times more than the rest of the year in the 6-9 PM window. MBC, Rotana, the United Media Services and OSN allocate enormous production budgets to Ramadan series. The average budget for a major Egyptian Ramadan drama is EGP 80-100 million ($1.6-2 million), while a Gulf production can reach $5 million.

The hospitality sector is packed with hotel Iftar buffets: average per-person price at Dubai 5-star hotels is AED 250-450 ($68-122), in Riyadh SAR 250-500 ($66-133), in Cairo EGP 1,500-3,000 ($30-60).

Religious tourism to Mecca peaks annually. General Presidency of the Two Holy Mosques forecasts 6-7 million Umrah pilgrims in Ramadan 2027 versus 5.5 million in 2026. Economy Umrah from Cairo: EGP 25,000-35,000 ($500-700); from the UAE: AED 1,800-2,500 ($490-680).

Laylat al-Qadr in Ramadan 2027

Laylat al-Qadr, described in the Quran as “better than a thousand months,” is most likely to occur on one of the odd-numbered nights of the last ten days of Ramadan. Nights 21, 23, 25, 27 and 29 of Ramadan correspond in 2027 to:

• Night of 21 Ramadan: evening of Saturday, March 12, 2027.
• Night of 23 Ramadan: evening of Monday, March 14, 2027.
• Night of 25 Ramadan: evening of Wednesday, March 16, 2027.
• Night of 27 Ramadan: evening of Friday, March 18, 2027 (the most likely according to the majority of scholars).
• Night of 29 Ramadan: evening of Sunday, March 20, 2027.

Major mosques (Mecca’s Grand Mosque, the Prophet’s Mosque, Al-Aqsa, Al-Azhar, Al-Zaytuna, Sultan Ahmed) experience extensive itikaf (spiritual retreat). In 2027, senior scholars expect a strong return to itikaf after years of disruption caused by regional political crises.

Eid al-Fitr 1448 / 2027: Celebrations and Holidays

Eid al-Fitr 2027 falls on Friday, March 19 or Saturday, March 20 depending on sighting. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman grant 3-5 days of holidays. Egypt grants 3 days (Saturday-Monday), Jordan and Lebanon 3 days, Morocco 2 days.

Traditions vary: in Egypt, Eid prayers are performed in large squares, followed by family visits, distribution of kahk and biscuits, and receiving Eidiya. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, Eid prayers are followed by giving meat to relatives, and Gulf families prepare Maamoul. In Morocco, vermicelli with milk and gazelle horns are served. In Turkey, baklava and Seker Bayrami sweets are common.

Eid travel reaches its annual peak. Dubai, Riyadh, Cairo and Istanbul airports handle 30-40% more traffic. Airfares rise 50-70% in the week before and after Eid. Booking early (3-4 months ahead) saves up to 50%.

Conclusion

Ramadan 2027 (1448 AH) is a moderate month in terms of fasting hours, comfortable in weather across most Arab countries, starting February 17 and ending around March 19 with Eid al-Fitr. Good preparation – health, financial and social – ensures maximum benefit from these blessed days. Follow The Middle East Insider for monthly Ramadan updates including the latest series, recipes and economic coverage of the holy month.