Approaching Ramadan 2026: How Fasting Hours Vary Around the World
As Ramadan 2026 draws near, the length of the daily fast differs dramatically from one region to another. Countries close to the equator enjoy relatively short fasting days, while those far to the north face much longer daylight periods.
Key figure: On the first day of Ramadan, the average fasting time in the Middle East and North Africa is expected to be 12 hours 46 minutes.
Geographic Details & Context
| Region | Typical Fasting Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Northern latitudes (e.g., Russia, Greenland, Iceland) | 16 – 20 hours | In some parts of Canada the fast can reach 20 hours. |
| Equatorial & Southern‑hemisphere nations (Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, South Africa, Chile, New Zealand) | 11 – 13 hours | Day‑night balance is close to 12 hours year‑round. |
| Tropical countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Kenya) | 12 – 14 hours | Near‑equal day and night lengths keep the fast stable. |
- How fasting time is calculated: It is the interval between sunrise and sunset on the given day.
- Religious guidance for extreme latitudes: Authorities often allow believers to follow either the moderate (standard) time of Mecca or the schedule of a nearby city with more “reasonable” daylight hours. This flexibility helps Muslims observe the fast without undue hardship.
These variations highlight the strong influence of geography on Ramadan observance and underscore the need for adaptable solutions in regions with extreme daylight lengths.
Further Reading
These countries will observe the Ramadan crescent on Wednesday evening
Source: La Presse (Tunisia), 17 February 2026
Keywords: Ramadan 2026, fasting hours, daylight variation, equator, northern latitudes, Mecca time, religious flexibility, Ramadan crescent observation
