Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around Monday, February 8, 2027, but the final date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon in your country. This guide explains the expected dates, why they can differ by a day, and what to do while you wait for the announcement.
Ramadan 2027 Dates at a Glance
Astronomical calculations indicate that Ramadan is expected to begin on Monday, February 8, 2027, subject to the official sighting of the crescent moon. The decision rests on the moon sighting after sunset on Sunday, February 7, which is the 29th of Sha’ban 1448 AH. gulfnewswego
The month lasts 29 or 30 days, so Eid al-Fitr is expected on March 9 or 10, 2027. Forecasts point to either Tuesday, March 9 or Wednesday, March 10, depending on the length of the month and the Shawwal moon sighting. These are forecasts. The announced dates in your country are the ones that count. gulfnewswego
Why the Start Date Can Differ by Country
Different countries may begin on February 8 or 9, 2027, depending on their local moon-sighting rules. For example, Saudi Arabia is expected to start on Monday, February 8, while Bangladesh is expected to start a day later, on Tuesday, February 9. wegobangladatetoday
There are three common approaches:
- Local sighting: the community follows the crescent seen (or not seen) in its own country.
- Global sighting: the community follows a sighting anywhere in the world, and moves with it.
- Astronomical calculation: the community uses calculated dates, such as the Umm al-Qura calendar used in Saudi Arabia.
Scholars have long discussed these methods, and the position depends on your local scholars and community. The simplest guidance is to follow the announcement of your local mosque or Islamic authority, so that your family and community fast and celebrate together.
What the Prophet ﷺ Taught About the Moon
The Prophet ﷺ taught us to begin fasting when we see the crescent, and to stop fasting when we see the crescent of Shawwal. If the sky is cloudy and the moon can’t be seen, we complete thirty days of Sha’ban (Sahih al-Bukhari and Sahih Muslim). This is why the month is always confirmed by sighting or by the method your community follows, and not guessed in advance.
Why Ramadan Moves Every Year
The Islamic calendar follows the moon, so its months are shorter than the months of the Gregorian calendar. That puts Ramadan 2027 about 11 days earlier than Ramadan 2026. Over a cycle of about 33 years, Ramadan passes through every season. In 2027 it falls in winter in the Northern Hemisphere, which means shorter fasting days for many readers. zakat
Key Nights to Plan For
If Ramadan begins on February 8, these are the approximate dates when the odd nights of the last ten nights begin (each night starts at sunset the evening before):
| Night | Begins at sunset on |
|---|---|
| 21st night | February 27 |
| 23rd night | March 1 |
| 25th night | March 3 |
| 27th night | March 5 |
| 29th night | March 7 |
If your country begins a day later, shift each date by one day. These are the nights to seek Laylat al-Qadr, so read our guide to Laylat al-Qadr: Signs, Dua, and How to Seek It.
How to Prepare Before the Moon Is Sighted
- Start the spiritual preparation now. Follow the steps in our Ramadan 2027 Complete Preparation Guide.
- Learn your duas early. Our Ramadan Duas guide includes the dua for seeing the crescent and for breaking the fast.
- Make up any missed fasts. If you owe days from last Ramadan, complete them before the new month begins.
- Plan your meals and Qur’an goals. A weekly plan makes the first days much easier.
- Check the announcement. On the evening of 29 Sha’ban (February 7), watch for the announcement from your local mosque or Islamic council.
Final Thoughts
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin around February 8, with the confirmed date announced after the crescent is sighted. Prepare now, follow your local announcement, and begin the month ready to worship. May Allah allow us to reach Ramadan and make it a month of forgiveness and mercy. Ameen.