As Ramadan 2026 approaches, Muslims across the world are curious about fasting hours during the holy month. Due to seasonal changes and geographical differences, fasting durations will vary from country to country.
In Pakistan, fasting hours during Ramadan are expected to range between 13 to 13.5 hours. At the beginning of Ramadan, fasts will be close to 13 hours, gradually increasing to around 13 hours and 30 minutes by the end of the month.
Why Fasting Hours Will Increase Gradually
Ramadan 2026 is expected to fall toward the end of winter and the beginning of spring in the Northern Hemisphere. As a result, daylight hours will slowly increase throughout the month, making fasts slightly longer during the final days.
This gradual increase in fasting duration is a natural outcome of Earth’s tilt and seasonal daylight changes, especially noticeable in countries located farther from the equator.
Fasting Hours in Muslim Countries
Across most Muslim-majority countries, fasting hours will remain relatively moderate:
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In many regions, fasts will begin at around 12 hours in the early days
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By the end of Ramadan, fasting duration is expected to reach around 13 hours
In Middle Eastern and North African countries, shorter days will be experienced at the start of Ramadan, with daylight gradually extending as the month progresses.
For example, in Egypt, fasting hours are expected to start at approximately 12 hours and 40 minutes, increasing to nearly 13 hours by the end of Ramadan.
Similarly, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman are expected to follow a comparable pattern, with fasting durations generally staying between 12 and 13 hours, with slight city-to-city variations.
Europe & North America: Longer Fasts Expected
Muslims living in Europe, including the UK, Germany, and Scandinavian countries, will observe longer fasting hours due to higher latitudes. While not extreme in 2026, fasting durations in these regions will still be noticeably longer than in the Middle East.
In New York, fasting hours are expected to start at around 12.5 hours, increasing to 13 hours or slightly more as Ramadan progresses.
Expected Start Date of Ramadan 2026
Astronomical calculations suggest that Ramadan 2026 may begin around February 19. However, the final date will be confirmed after moon sighting on 29th of Sha’ban, as per Islamic tradition, particularly in Saudi Arabia.
