The National Institute of Meteorology (INM) Announces the Start of Ramadan in Winter
The National Institute of Meteorology (INM) has announced that the sacred month of Ramadan will begin this year (2026 AD / 1447 AH) in winter, marking its return to this season after approximately 26 years. The last time Ramadan began in winter was in 1999, specifically on December 9. Since then, it has gradually moved through the different seasons due to the shift between the Hijri (lunar) year and the Gregorian (solar) year.
The Cycle of Seasons
This shift, which amounts to approximately 11 days per year, causes the month of Ramadan to move forward each year in the civil calendar. It thus completes a full rotation through all the seasons over a cycle of approximately 33 years. This is how, in 1447 AH, Ramadan will once again coincide with the winter atmosphere.
Astronomical Forecasts
According to astronomical calculations, the first day of the month of Ramadan is expected to fall on either Wednesday, February 18, 2026, or Thursday, February 19, 2026. Read also: Wednesday or Thursday? Here is the start date of Ramadan 2026 in several countries
