Ramadan Dates
Check the holy month dates from 2024 to 2030 and plan your Saudi Arabia trip accordingly.
Ramadan Dates
Find the estimated start and end dates of the holy month of Ramadan for the coming years.
Exact dates depend on moon sighting and may vary by one day.
Ramadan: A Month of Spirituality
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic Hijri calendar and the holiest month of the year. It commemorates the revelation of the Quran to the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims in good health observe fasting (sawm) from dawn (Fajr) to sunset (Maghrib). In Saudi Arabia, Ramadan profoundly transforms daily rhythms, business hours, and the general atmosphere of cities — a period of intense prayer, generosity, and family gatherings. For travelers, both Muslim and non-Muslim, visiting Saudi Arabia during Ramadan offers a unique experience — provided you understand and respect the cultural and religious codes in place.
How Ramadan Dates Are Determined
Ramadan begins with the sighting of the crescent moon (hilal) at sunset on the last day of Sha'ban. In Saudi Arabia, the Supreme Court announces the official first day based on direct moon observation or astronomically validated calculations. Dates can therefore vary by one day from calendar predictions — which is why our tool shows 'estimated' dates (±1 day). Since the Hijri calendar is purely lunar (354-355 days/year vs. 365-366 Gregorian), Ramadan advances ~11 days earlier each Gregorian year. Between 2024 and 2030, Ramadan moves progressively earlier, from March toward January.
Traveling During Ramadan: What Changes
For the uninitiated traveler, Ramadan requires some adjustments. Restaurants, cafes, and fast food outlets are closed during fasting hours (dawn to sunset). International hotels always offer room service and designated dining areas for non-fasting guests. Eating, drinking, or smoking in public during fasting hours is strictly prohibited — this rule applies to tourists and non-Muslims as well. Business hours shift: shops often open later in the morning and remain open well after sunset. Many shopping malls stay open past midnight, creating a vibrant nocturnal atmosphere. Government services may experience longer wait times.
What Makes Ramadan Unforgettable
Despite logistical considerations, Ramadan is one of the most rewarding periods to visit Saudi Arabia. After Iftar (sunset meal breaking the fast), cities come alive with a unique festive energy: packed traditional markets, illuminated streets, decorations, and beautiful Tarawih prayers in the grand mosques. Saudi hospitality reaches its peak during Ramadan. Being invited to share Iftar with a local family — a meal traditionally beginning with dates (tamr) and milk — is an unforgettable experience. For pilgrims planning Umrah, performing it during Ramadan is spiritually equivalent, by tradition, to a complete Hajj. Book your visa and accommodations months in advance if you plan to visit during this period.