Ramadan 2026: How Daylight Saving Time Impacts Fasting Hours in Ohio & US

Muslims around the world are at the midpoint of Ramadan, while those in Ohio are preparing for a shift in their daily fasting routines. This year’s observance is unique: it marks the last time Ramadan will coincide with Daylight Saving Time until 2057.

The change, set to occur on March 8, 2026, will extend daily fasting hours by nearly an hour for many, requiring a logistical and spiritual adjustment for the faithful. Ramadan, based on the lunar calendar, shifts approximately 10-12 days earlier each year relative to the Gregorian calendar. This means the holy month cycles through all seasons over roughly 33 years, making the convergence of Ramadan with Daylight Saving Time a relatively infrequent occurrence.

Currently, Muslims in the Columbus, Ohio area began fasting around 6:06 a.m. And ended around 6:12 p.m. On February 18, the first full day of Ramadan, according to Islamic Finder. However, when clocks “spring forward” on March 8, the fasting period will significantly lengthen. The morning prayer, Fajr, will begin at 6:42 a.m., and the evening meal, Maghrib, marking the end of the fast, will occur at 7:31 p.m.

By the end of Ramadan, fasting hours will stretch from 6:24 a.m. To 7:43 p.m., exceeding 13 hours for many in the United States. This lengthening of fasting hours is a direct result of the interplay between the lunar Islamic calendar and the solar-based Daylight Saving Time.

Fasting hours vary globally, ranging from approximately 11.5 to 15.5 hours depending on location, according to Al Jazeera. Spring daylight hours lengthen in the Northern Hemisphere, meaning fasting hours increase each day after the start of daylight saving time before the spring equinox. Muslims in some areas could experience nearly 16 hours of fasting during daylight before Ramadan ends, while others could have around 12 hours or less of fasting by the end of the holy month.

This year, Muslims in Ohio will fast for up to 12 hours each day before the Islamic month ends. After daylight saving time takes effect, those hours will eventually increase to nearly 13 hours. Some fasting Muslims may need to readjust their Ramadan schedules as hours change, since fasting begins at the break of dawn and ends at sunset.

Ramadan’s timing shifts annually because the Islamic calendar is based on the lunar cycle, which is approximately 11 days shorter than the solar year. The lunar calendar determines the beginning and end of Ramadan, based on sightings of the crescent moon.

Aside from Ramadan 2026, the last two Ramadans also coincided with daylight saving time. Ramadan 2024 began on the same day as daylight saving time in 2024. It takes about 33 years for Ramadan to move through all of the seasons. This means Here’s the last Ramadan to overlap with daylight saving time until Ramadan 2057.