Ramadan 2027
February 8, 2027 - March 8, 2027
About Ramadan 2027
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday 8 February 2027 and end on Monday 8 March 2027, with Eid al-Fitr expected on Tuesday 9 March 2027. Dates are expected and confirmed by moon sighting: Ramadan begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon, so the start may fall a day later in some countries.
| Year | Expected dates |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday 18 February to Thursday 19 March 2026 |
| 2027 | Monday 8 February to Monday 8 March 2027 |
| 2028 | Friday 28 January to Saturday 26 February 2028 |
What is Ramadan?
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic lunar calendar and the month in which Muslims believe the Quran was first revealed to the Prophet Muhammad. Fasting from dawn until sunset during Ramadan is one of the five pillars of Islam. Adults abstain from food, drink and smoking during daylight hours, break the fast each evening with a meal called iftar, and rise before dawn for suhoor. The month is also a time for extra prayer, charity and reading the Quran, and it ends with the festival of Eid al-Fitr.
Because the Islamic calendar is around 11 days shorter than the solar year, Ramadan moves earlier each year and passes through every season over roughly 33 years. Exact dates depend on the sighting of the new moon and can differ by a day between countries. In the UK, guidance on dates and fasting times is published by mosques and bodies such as the Muslim Council of Britain, which also produces resources for employers and schools.
Why it matters for marketers and organisations
Around four million Muslims live in the UK and more than three million in the United States, so Ramadan touches almost every workplace, school and retailer. HR teams plan flexible hours, prayer space and considerate scheduling of meetings and social events. Schools adjust PE and exam arrangements for fasting pupils. Supermarkets, food brands and charities see a major uplift: Ramadan is the peak period for zakat and sadaqah giving, and grocery sales of dates, rice, oil and sweets rise sharply. The right angle is respect and usefulness, such as iftar timings, inclusive food ranges and support for fasting colleagues, rather than generic festive marketing.
Ideas: how to mark Ramadan
- Publish a short guide for line managers on supporting fasting staff, including flexible start times and lighter meeting schedules late in the day.
- Provide a quiet room for prayer and make sure it is available throughout the month.
- Host an open iftar for staff or the community, inviting non Muslim colleagues to share the meal.
- Avoid scheduling team lunches, drinks or exams during Ramadan where possible.
- Run a Ramadan food range or gift box with Halal certified products and clear labelling.
- Match staff charitable giving to zakat eligible charities during the month.
- Share local sunrise and sunset times on your intranet or app for each day of the month.
- Plan Eid greetings and time off requests in advance rather than at the last minute.
Key facts
- Ramadan is the ninth month of the Hijri calendar and lasts 29 or 30 days.
- The 2021 Census recorded 3.9 million Muslims in England and Wales, 6.5 per cent of the population.
- Fasting hours in the UK vary from around 10 hours in winter to more than 18 hours in midsummer.
- Laylat al-Qadr, the Night of Power, is observed in the last ten nights of the month, most commonly on the 27th night.
- Muslim charities in the UK raise a large share of their annual income during Ramadan, with the Charity Commission estimating well over 100 million pounds given each year.
Frequently asked questions
When is Ramadan 2028?
Ramadan 2028 is expected to begin on Friday 28 January 2028 and end on Saturday 26 February 2028, with Eid al-Fitr expected on Sunday 27 February 2028. Final dates are confirmed by moon sighting and may differ by a day.
Who is exempt from fasting?
Children, people who are ill, travellers, pregnant and breastfeeding women, and those for whom fasting would be harmful are exempt. Missed fasts are made up later or, where that is not possible, compensated by feeding those in need.
Can I eat in front of a fasting colleague?
Yes. Most Muslims do not expect others to change their eating habits, but it is thoughtful not to schedule food centred events during the month and to avoid commenting on a colleague’s fast.
Published 28 August 2026: dates checked for 2026 to 2028.
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