For millions of Muslims across Pakistan, Ramadan is not just a month on the calendar; it is a season of reflection, community, and spiritual renewal. Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, the dates for this holy month shift approximately 10 to 11 days earlier each solar year. This movement means that over time, the fasting period traverses through all the seasons.
Planning ahead is essential for balancing religious obligations with professional and personal commitments. Whether you are looking to schedule your annual leave, plan family gatherings, or simply prepare mentally for the fasting month, knowing the expected dates is the first step. Based on current astronomical predictions, we can now look ahead to what Ramadan 2026 will look like for residents of Pakistan.
Ramadan 2026 Start and End Dates
| Date | Day | Event |
|---|---|---|
| February 18 | Wednesday | Expected Moon Sighting |
| February 19 | Thursday | 1st Ramadan (Start of Fasting) |
| February 28 | Saturday | 10th Ramadan |
| March 10 | Tuesday | 20th Ramadan |
| March 19 | Thursday | 29th Ramadan |
| March 20 | Friday | 30th Ramadan (Expected End) |
| March 21 | Saturday | Eid-ul-Fitr (Expected) |
The start of Ramadan is contingent upon the sighting of the moon. In Pakistan, the Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee makes the final official announcement. However, astronomical data gives us a highly accurate prediction of when these dates will fall.
For the year 2026, experts predict that the Ramadan moon will be visible on the evening of February 18. Consequently, the first day of fasting (1st Ramadan) is expected to commence on February 19, 2026.
The holy month lasts for 29 or 30 days, depending on the sighting of the next crescent moon, which marks the month of Shawwal. Predictions suggest the Shawwal moon will likely be sighted on March 20, meaning the month of fasting will conclude that evening.
The 2026 Ramadan Countdown and Seasonality
One significant aspect of Ramadan in 2026 is the shift in weather. For many years, Pakistanis observed fasts during the scorching heat of summer, with long daylight hours making the abstinence from water particularly challenging.
By 2026, the holy month will have moved firmly into the late winter and early spring season. With a February start date, the days will be significantly shorter and the temperatures much cooler than the summer Ramadans of the past decade. This shift brings a welcome ease to the physical demands of fasting, allowing many to focus more intently on their spiritual practices.
Ramadan Urdu and Islamic Calendar
In Pakistan, the “Ramadan Urdu calendar” often refers to the combination of the Georgian dates used for civil purposes and the Hijri (Islamic) dates used for religious observances. Ramadan 2026 corresponds to the Islamic year 1447 AH.
The reliance on the lunar cycle is why there is often a day’s difference between Pakistan and other countries, such as Saudi Arabia. The geographical location impacts the visibility of the new moon. While technology allows for precise calculations, the tradition of physical moon sighting remains a central part of the culture in Pakistan.
Ramadan and Eid Holidays in 2026
The observance of Ramadan culminates in Eid-ul-Fitr, one of the most significant public holidays in Pakistan. Based on the projected end date of Ramadan, Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to fall on March 21, 2026.
The government of Pakistan typically announces a string of public holidays surrounding Eid to allow citizens to travel to their hometowns and celebrate with family. You can expect banks, schools, and government offices to be closed for at least three to four days starting from the projected date of March 21.
Other Key Religious Dates in 2026
Beyond Ramadan, astronomical data provides insight into other major events in the 2026 Islamic calendar:
- Dhul-Hijjah: This holy month is likely to begin on May 17, 2026.
- Eid-ul-Adha: The “Festival of Sacrifice” is expected to be celebrated on May 27, 2026.
Looking Further Ahead: Ramadan 2027
While we focus on the upcoming year, many people look even further ahead to understand the long-term regression of the lunar months.
You might wonder when Ramadan will occur in 2027. Continuing the pattern of shifting roughly 11 days earlier, Ramadan in 2027 is projected to begin in the first week of February. This continues the trend of shorter, cooler fasting days for the Northern Hemisphere, offering a winter Ramadan experience that many haven’t seen for over 20 years.
Preparing for the Month
As the dates approach, official Sehar and Iftar timings will be published for major cities like Karachi, Lahore, Islamabad, and Peshawar. Because the sun sets at different times across the country, these timings vary by a few minutes depending on your longitude.
For now, marking February 19 on your calendar is the best way to start your preparations. Whether it involves adjusting business hours, preparing zakat, or simply readying your home, knowing the probable schedule ensures you can welcome the holy month with peace of mind.