Ramadan to Fall Entirely in Winter for First Time in 29 Years

Astronomer Mohammed Reda Al Asfoor has announced that this year’s holy month of Ramadan will fall entirely within the winter season, marking the first time since 1997. He noted that this seasonal alignment will continue until 2030, offering more moderate weather and shorter daylight hours, which eases the physical demands of fasting compared to the hotter summer months.

According to astronomical calculations, the crescent moon marking the start of Ramadan 1447 AH will appear on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at 3:01 pm local time in Bahrain. This coincides with an annular solar eclipse that will not be visible in Bahrain or any other Arab or Islamic countries.

Sunset on that day is expected at 5:32 pm, while the moon will be below the horizon at a negative altitude of 0.6 degrees. The moon is expected to set around one minute after sunset at approximately 5:33 pm. The angular separation between the sun and moon will be less than one degree, with the moon’s age around two and a half hours and illumination at about 0.01 per cent.

Al Asfoor explained that although the central conjunction occurs before sunset, sighting the crescent on Tuesday evening will not be possible, as the moon will still be in the new moon phase and below the horizon. Observation will be impossible both with the naked eye and optical instruments.

However, conditions on Wednesday evening, 18 February 2026, are expected to be favourable for crescent sighting, provided skies are clear. The crescent will be at a height of approximately 11.7 degrees and will remain visible for about one hour after sunset, with an illumination of 1.5 per cent.

Al Asfoor emphasized that astronomers’ role is limited to presenting scientific data and clarifying visibility conditions, while official authorities are responsible for confirming the start of Hijri months and announcing the beginning of Ramadan and Eid.

He also invited astronomy enthusiasts to participate in a crescent-sighting event on Wednesday, 18 February 2026, organised in cooperation with the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities at the walkway of Bahrain Fort at 5 pm.