Ramadan Calendar Calculator

Find the estimated start and end dates of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr for any year. These dates are based on astronomical calculations and should be confirmed with local Islamic authorities for actual observance.

Islamic Calendar Conversion: The Islamic (Hijri) calendar is purely lunar: ? Year length: 354-355 days (vs. 365-366 Gregorian) ? Month length: 29-30 days (based on lunar cycle) ? Annual shift: ~10-12 days earlier each Gregorian year Ramadan Timing: ? 9th month of the Hijri calendar ? Begins with crescent moon sighting after Sha'ban (8th month) ? Ends with crescent moon sighting, followed by Eid al-Fitr (1st Shawwal) Lunar Month Calculation: Average lunar month = 29.53059 days New moon -> Crescent visibility (typically 18-30 hours after new moon) Approximate Formula: Hijri Year ~= (Gregorian Year - 622) * 1.030684 Since 1 Hijri year ~= 0.97 Gregorian years, Ramadan shifts: Days earlier per year ~= 10-12 days Complete cycle ~= 33 Gregorian years
Example Ramadan Dates (Astronomical Estimates): 2024 (1445 AH): ? Ramadan starts: March 11, 2024 (Monday) ? Ramadan ends: April 9-10, 2024 ? Eid al-Fitr: April 10-11, 2024 2025 (1446 AH): ? Ramadan starts: February 28, 2025 (Friday) ? Ramadan ends: March 29-30, 2025 ? Eid al-Fitr: March 30-31, 2025 2026 (1447 AH): ? Ramadan starts: February 17, 2026 (Tuesday) ? Ramadan ends: March 18-19, 2026 ? Eid al-Fitr: March 19-20, 2026 Cycle Pattern: Ramadan moves ~11 days earlier each year, cycling through all seasons over ~33 years. Remember: Always confirm dates with local Islamic authorities, as actual observance depends on moon sighting.

How is Ramadan determined?

Ramadan is the 9th month of the Islamic lunar (Hijri) calendar. It begins with the sighting of the new crescent moon and lasts 29-30 days. The Islamic calendar is 10-12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, so Ramadan shifts earlier each year.

Why does Ramadan date vary each year?

The Islamic calendar is lunar-based (354-355 days/year), while the Gregorian calendar is solar-based (365-366 days/year). This ~11-day difference causes Ramadan to move backward through the seasons, cycling completely over ~33 years.

Is moon sighting or calculation more accurate?

Traditional Islamic practice uses physical moon sighting by reliable witnesses. Astronomical calculations predict when the moon is visible but cannot replace actual sighting. Many communities combine both methods, using calculations for planning while confirming with local sightings.

What is the Hijri calendar?

The Hijri (Islamic) calendar is a purely lunar calendar starting from the Hijra (Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE). It has 12 months of 29-30 days each, totaling 354-355 days per year.

Can I rely on calculated dates for fasting?

Calculated dates provide excellent estimates for planning purposes. However, official start and end dates should be confirmed by local Islamic authorities based on moon sighting, as practices vary by community and region.

What happens if the month is 29 or 30 days?

Islamic lunar months are either 29 or 30 days depending on moon sighting. If the crescent is sighted on the 29th evening, the new month begins. If not sighted, the month completes 30 days. The calculator estimates both possibilities.

Why do different countries start Ramadan on different days?

Differences arise from: (1) geographic location affecting moon visibility, (2) varying criteria for moon sighting (local vs. global), and (3) different methodologies (calculation vs. physical sighting). Most variations are 1-2 days apart.

How accurate are long-term predictions?

Astronomical calculations for moon positions are highly accurate (within minutes). However, actual visibility depends on atmospheric conditions, observer location, and sighting criteria. Predictions beyond 1-2 years should be considered estimates.