Ramadan 2026: Where Fasting Hours Are the Longest and Shortest Worldwide
Muslims around the world are beginning the holy month of Ramadan, a period marked by fasting from dawn to sunset, reflection and spiritual renewal. But not all fasting hours are created equal. Depending on where you live, the length of your fast can vary dramatically, creating challenges and unique experiences for millions.
In the northern hemisphere, especially in countries far from the equator, the days are longer. Cities like Reykjavík in Iceland face fasting hours stretching over 18 hours, while Nuuk in Greenland and Helsinki in Finland see similar extended days, often exceeding 17 hours. Even Oslo in Norway and Glasgow in Scotland will see fasts lasting 16 to 17 hours. For residents here, the challenge is not just abstaining from food and water, but maintaining energy and focus through such extended periods.
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Contrast this with the southern hemisphere, where the days are shorter due to the approaching winter. In cities like Christchurch in New Zealand and Porto Montt in Chile, Muslims will fast for just over 12 hours. Canberra, Australia, along with Montevideo in Uruguay and Johannesburg in South Africa, have slightly longer days but still under 13 hours. The differences illustrate how geography and seasonal shifts can deeply influence the Ramadan experience.
In the Middle East and much of the Arab world, fasting hours are more moderate, generally between 13 and 15 hours. In Kurdistan, Iraq, the first few days of Ramadan bring fasting periods of roughly 12 hours and 26 minutes, gradually extending to 13 hours and 31 minutes as the month progresses. In Saudi Arabia and the UAE, fasting averages around 13 and a half hours, while in Egypt and parts of North Africa, it reaches about 14 hours. These patterns allow for a more balanced daily routine, but still require discipline, particularly in managing work, prayer and community obligations.
This global variation in fasting hours highlights the adaptability and resilience of Muslim communities, who adjust their daily schedules, meals and spiritual practices according to local daylight conditions. It also emphasizes the universal human capacity for patience and devotion, as millions synchronize their lives around natural rhythms that vary from one region to another.
As the world observes Ramadan 2026, these differences remind us of the diversity within the shared practices of faith. Whether fasting for 12 hours or 18, the essence remains the same: reflection, compassion and connection. Stay with us as we continue to track how communities worldwide observe this sacred month and adapt to the challenges of their local environments.
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