Why Ramadan travels through every season of the year?

For the Turkish community in London and millions of others worldwide, Ramadan is a month of spiritual focus and communal gathering. However, you may have noticed that the timing of the holy month changes every year. In 2026, we are observing it during the crisp tail-end of winter, but many of us remember the long, grueling fasts of the hot summer years ago. This constant movement isn't a coincidence—it is a fascinating result of how the Islamic calendar interacts with the natural world.

The dance between the moon and the sun

The primary reason for this seasonal journey is the use of the Lunar Calendar (Hijri calendar). While the Gregorian calendar used in the UK is solar-based—meaning it follows the Earth's orbit around the sun—the Islamic calendar follows the phases of the moon. A lunar year consists of 12 months, each lasting either 29 or 30 days, depending on when the new crescent moon is sighted.

This results in a lunar year that is approximately 354 days long. Because the solar year is roughly 365.25 days long, there is a gap of about 10 to 11 days between the two. This difference causes Ramadan to "migrate" backward through the seasons every year. If you are a business owner running a Restaurant in Haringey, you likely plan your seasonal menus around this 11-day shift to ensure your iftar specials stay relevant to the weather.

The 33-year cycle of seasons

Because of this annual 11-day shift, it takes approximately 33 years for Ramadan to complete a full cycle and return to the exact same date on the Gregorian calendar. This means that over a person's lifetime, they will experience the holy month in every season—from the snowy mornings of January to the humid evenings of July.

In London, this shift has a significant impact on daily life. During summer months, fasts can last up to 18 or 19 hours due to the northern latitude. In contrast, during winter months like February 2026, the days are much shorter, often making the fast easier to manage for those balancing busy schedules in Business or Education & Learning.

A lesson in spiritual discipline

This seasonal migration is seen by many as a blessing that offers variety and fairness. It ensures that no single region of the world is stuck with permanently long or short fasts. Whether you are living in Enfield or Barnet, the changing seasons offer a unique atmosphere for worship each year. Winter brings cozy, indoor iftars with warm soups, while summer brings the beauty of breaking fast in local parks and enjoying the Tourism & Culture of the city's outdoor events.

Planning for the future

As we move through 2026, the dates will continue to creep earlier into the winter. Staying aware of these shifts helps families and Community Services prepare for events, prayer times, and celebrations. Understanding the celestial mechanics behind the month only adds to the wonder of the experience as we watch the moon determine our rhythm of life in this global city.