Ramadan 2026 Start Date in London: Key Details and Live Moon Sighting Guide
The sacred month of Ramadan is poised to commence within days, marking a profoundly significant period for millions of Muslims worldwide. As the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadan involves fasting, prayer, and charitable acts, culminating in a major celebration. However, unlike fixed-date religious observances, Ramadan's start varies annually due to its reliance on the lunar cycle, leading to potential differences based on regional customs and moon sightings.
When Will Ramadan 2026 Begin in London?
In London, most Muslim communities and denominations look to Saudi Arabia's moon sighting committee to establish the start of Ramadan, as they utilize specialized equipment to monitor the lunar cycle. However, Muslims in the UK are generally advised to follow guidance from their nearest Muslim-majority nation, which for the UK is Morocco.
On February 15, 2026, Saudi Arabia's Supreme Court urged worshippers to begin searching for the crescent moon on the evening of Tuesday, February 17, and report sightings to local courts. In Morocco, astronomers anticipate that Thursday, February 19, will be declared as the opening day of Ramadan.
UK astronomers at the HM Nautical Almanac Office have indicated that the moon will not be visible to the naked eye in Mecca on Tuesday, February 17. Meteorological experts predict that the crescent will be 'easily visible' across Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, February 18, suggesting Ramadan will likely start on Thursday, February 19. Nevertheless, depending on moon sightings, some countries may begin observing Ramadan on Friday, February 20.
How to Watch the Moon Sighting Live from Home
For those uncertain about the exact start date, observing the moon personally or contacting a local mosque are recommended options. For London Muslims, the Royal Observatory in Greenwich will stream a live astronomical moonsighting feed on their website starting from the evening of February 18.
The live feed will be active from 5:30 PM on February 18, featuring insights from experts. As part of the coverage, Imad Ahmed, Director of the New Crescent Society, and Royal Observatory astronomer Jake Foster will present from Greenwich, discussing the connection between astronomy and Islam and offering tips for spotting the new crescent moon from home.
What Time Will Fasting Begin?
Traditionally, Muslims begin their day at sunset, meaning fasting starts shortly before the Fajr prayer in the early morning as the sun rises. Reports indicate that Ramadan in the UK is scheduled to begin on the evening of Wednesday, February 18, 2026, with the first full day of fasting on Thursday, February 19.
It is important to note that prayer times can vary by location, so always verify with your local mosque to determine the precise timing for Fajr during Ramadan.
