Hijri Date Converter
Instantly convert dates between the Gregorian and Islamic Hijri calendars.
Gregorian / Hijri Date Converter
The Hijri Calendar: A Lunar History
The Hijri calendar — the official dating system of Saudi Arabia — is based on lunar cycles and used to determine religious holidays, official acts, and daily life throughout the Kingdom. Its name comes from the Hijra, the Prophet Muhammad's migration from Mecca to Medina in 622 CE, which marks year 1 of the Islamic calendar. We are currently in the year 1446–1447 of the Hijri calendar. Understanding this system is essential for travelers planning their visit in alignment with local realities.
How the Lunar Calendar Works
Unlike the solar Gregorian calendar with its fixed 365-day year, the Hijri calendar is purely lunar. Each month begins with a new moon and lasts 29 or 30 days based on actual crescent moon sighting (hilal). A Hijri year has 354 or 355 days — about 11 days fewer than a Gregorian year. This difference means Islamic holidays advance approximately 11 days earlier each Gregorian year, cycling through all seasons every 33 years. The 12 months are: Muharram, Safar, Rabi al-Awwal, Rabi al-Thani, Jumada al-Ula, Jumada al-Thani, Rajab, Sha'ban, Ramadan, Shawwal, Dhul Qi'dah, and Dhul Hijjah.
Why This Converter Is Essential for Your Trip
Saudi authorities, banks, and businesses often use both calendars simultaneously. Your visa stamp will show a Gregorian date, but local officials refer to Hijri dates for official procedures, holidays, and religious events. National holidays are almost exclusively Hijri-defined: Eid al-Fitr, Eid al-Adha, Founding Day, and National Day. Pilgrimage planners (Hajj and Umrah) particularly benefit from knowing Hijri dates for ritual coordination. Our converter uses the Umm al-Qura algorithm — the Kingdom's official calendar system — for maximum accuracy.
Key Islamic Dates for Travelers
Several Hijri dates are especially significant for Saudi Arabia travelers. Muharram 10 (Ashura) is a day of fasting and remembrance. Rabi al-Awwal 12 marks the Prophet's birthday (Mawlid an-Nabi). Rajab 27 commemorates the Night Journey (Laylat al-Miraj). The entire month of Ramadan brings modified business hours, a unique spiritual atmosphere, and restricted public eating during fasting hours. Shawwal 1 (Eid al-Fitr) triggers 3 national holidays with widespread commercial closures. Dhul Hijjah 10 (Eid al-Adha) coincides with the Hajj — the busiest period in Mecca and Medina. Knowing these dates helps you plan visa timing and manage expectations for your stay.