Ramadan 2026 Fasting Hours Around the World Explained
During Ramadan 2026, Muslims across the globe will fast daily from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib). Because the holy month falls earlier in the year compared to recent Ramadans, fasting hours will vary widely depending on geographic location, daylight length and latitude. In 2026, daily fasting durations are expected to range from around 11 hours to nearly 19–20 hours.
Regions With the Longest Fasting Hours
Northern Europe and Scandinavia
Cities such as Kiruna in Sweden, Helsinki in Finland, and parts of Norway will experience some of the longest fasting hours, approaching 18 to 19 hours due to extended daylight, even though days are slightly shorter than later-spring Ramadans.
Iceland and Greenland
Muslims in Reykjavik, Iceland, and Nuuk, Greenland, will also observe long fasting days, averaging 18 to 19 hours, as daylight remains dominant for much of the day during this period.
Regions With the Shortest Fasting Hours
Southern Hemisphere Countries
Because Ramadan 2026 occurs during late summer in the southern hemisphere, cities such as Buenos Aires (Argentina) and Christchurch (New Zealand) will see shorter fasting hours, typically between 11 and 12 hours.
Equatorial Regions
Countries near the equator — including Indonesia, Malaysia, and Kenya — will continue to experience relatively consistent fasting durations of around 13 to 14 hours, as daylight length changes very little throughout the year.
Estimated Fasting Hours in Major Cities
- London, UK: approximately 14.5 to 15 hours
- Paris, France: around 14 to 14.5 hours
- New York, USA: roughly 12.5 to 13 hours
- Dubai, UAE: about 13 hours
Special Considerations for Extreme Daylight Regions
In areas where daylight lasts unusually long, or where the sun barely sets, Islamic scholars offer practical guidance to safeguard health and wellbeing:
- Following Makkah’s timetable: Some Muslims adopt the fasting hours observed in Makkah, where day lengths remain moderate.
- Following the nearest moderate city: Others follow the prayer and fasting schedule of the closest location with more balanced daylight hours.
These accommodations reflect Islam’s emphasis on ease, compassion and practicality, ensuring that fasting remains a spiritually meaningful experience without causing harm.
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