As Ramadan 2026 approaches, Muslims worldwide are preparing for the sacred month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. One key aspect that varies significantly across the globe is the daily fasting duration, which depends on sunrise and sunset times in each region.
Why Fasting Hours Differ Across Countries
Muslims observe fasts from dawn (Fajr) until sunset (Maghrib). Because the Islamic calendar is lunar, Ramadan shifts earlier each year by about 10–12 days. This year, Ramadan is expected to begin on February 19, 2026, though some countries may start a day earlier if the crescent moon is sighted.
Read More: Ramadan 2026: Which Countries Will Have Longest and Shortest Fasting Hours
Fasting hours change due to a country’s latitude and seasonal daylight patterns. Countries nearer to the equator have more consistent sunrise and sunset times, while those farther north or south experience greater variation.
Longest Fasting Hours in 2026
In 2026, many cities in the Northern Hemisphere will record some of the longest fasting durations due to longer daylight hours during late winter and early spring.
• Helsinki, Finland: ~17.5 hours
• Nuuk, Greenland: ~17 hours
• Glasgow, Scotland: ~16.5 hours
• Ottawa, Canada: ~16.5 hours
• Zurich, Switzerland: ~16.5 hours
• Rome, Italy: ~16.5 hours
• Moscow, Russia: ~~11–12 hours (varies)
• London, UK: ~14–16 hours
These figures reflect how locations closer to the Arctic experience extended days even in February and March. Many Muslims in these regions rely on moderation rules from scholars, allowing them to follow fasting times of nearby moderate cities or follow Mecca’s schedule to ensure health and feasibility.
Shortest Fasting Hours Around the World
Conversely, countries closer to the equator and in the Southern Hemisphere will observe some of the shortest fasting hours:
• Christchurch, New Zealand: ~11–11.5 hours
• Puerto Montt, Chile: ~11.5 hours
• Karachi, Pakistan: ~12 hours
• Buenos Aires, Argentina: ~12 hours
• Cape Town, South Africa: ~12.5 hours
• New Delhi, India: ~12.5 hours
• Dubai, UAE: ~12–13 hours
• Nairobi, Kenya: ~13 hours
These regions benefit from more balanced and consistent day lengths in late winter, making fasting durations manageable for many observers.
Read More:SBP Declares Bank Holiday on Ramadan’s First Day for Zakat Deduction
Moderate Fasting Times in Many Regions
Many countries, including those in the Middle East and South Asia, will see fasting hours around 12.5–14 hours. For example:
• UAE (first day fast): ~12 hours 46 minutes — shorter than last year’s ~13 hours 16 minutes.
• Pakistan: Fasting hours are generally shorter in 2026 compared with the previous year.
In cities like Cairo, Riyadh, Jakarta, and Kuala Lumpur, the duration will also range towards shorter or balanced fasting times because of proximity to the equator or favorable daylight patterns.
Scholarly Guidance for Extreme Locations
In areas where daylight hours are extremely long such as Greenland or northern Scandinavia, many Islamic scholars recommend that Muslims either follow the fasting timings of Makkah or a nearby moderate city to maintain health and avoid hardship. This practice is widely accepted among jurists and helps ensure that the fast remains spiritually meaningful and physically sustainable.
