Muslims worldwide are preparing for Ramadan 2026, expected to begin on Thursday, 19 February. Eid Al Fitr will likely fall on Friday, 20 March, depending on moon sightings. Ramadan will come at the end of winter and start of spring in the northern hemisphere. This means fasting hours will be shorter and temperatures cooler compared to recent summer Ramadans. In Arab countries, fasting hours per day will range from 12 to 13 hours. Much of the Middle East and North Africa will start fasting at around 12 hours and 40 minutes daily, gradually rising to just under 13 hours by month-end. Cairo, Egypt will follow this pattern. Cooler days will make fasting easier. Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman will see similar fasting durations between 12 and 13 hours with slight city differences. Fasting times vary by location because of geography. Countries near the equator have steady daylight all year. Northern countries see more daylight changes by season. Ramadan 2026 comes before spring equinox so daylight grows longer as the month passes. Outside the Arab world, fasting hours increase farther north. In the US, New York fasting starts at about 12.5 hours and goes to 13 or more. In Europe, including the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia, fasting hours are longer but less intense than past summer Ramadans. Muslims in far northern places with extreme daylight changes follow the nearest moderate city’s fasting or Makkah’s times. Overall, Ramadan 2026 promises a more balanced and manageable fasting month for Muslims globally, thanks to milder weather and shorter daylight. This easing is welcome after several years of hard summer fasts.