Billions of Muslims around the world are all set for performing prayers, reading Quran and fasting from dawn to dusk as Ramzan approaches. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam, and the fasting duration varies as per the different geographical regions.
As per the lunar Islamic calendar, which is about 10 to 12 days shorter than the Gregorian calendar, Ramadan moves earlier annually. This means that in 2030, Muslims will follow two Ramadans—once in January and again in December.
Besides this, the fasting hours also change yearly, with shorter durations when Ramadan falls in winter and longer ones in summer.
For Muslims living in northern regions of the globe, such as Iceland and Greenland, it is highly challenging for them, lasting up to 16 hours. Meanwhile, those in the southern hemisphere, for instance Belgium, New Zealand, and Bulgaria, have to observe fast duration of nearly 12 to 13 hours. The variation in timing is mainly due to how daylight hours shift throughout the seasons, especially in those regions which are much closer to the poles.
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Interestingly, fasting hours are presently decreasing for those living in the Northern Hemisphere and it is expected to decrease until 2031. That year, Ramadan will accompany with the winter solstice—the shortest day of the year—offering some relief to those fasting in places like Canada, the UK, and Scandinavia. However, after that, the hours are about to increase again as Ramadan gradually moves back toward the summer months. Conversely, those in the Southern Hemisphere will experience the opposite trend.
Countries with the Longest and Shortest Fasting Hours in 2025
Longest Fasts (16 hours or more):
• Nuuk, Greenland – 16 hours
• Reykjavik, Iceland – 16 hours
Long Fasts (14-15 hours):
• Helsinki, Finland – 15 hours
• Oslo, Norway – 15 hours
• Stockholm, Sweden – 15 hours
• Glasgow, Scotland – 15 hours
• Berlin, Germany – 14 hours
• Dublin, Ireland – 14 hours
• Moscow, Russia – 14 hours
• London, UK – 14 hours
• Paris, France – 14 hours
• New York, USA – 14 hours
Moderate Fasts (13 hours):
• Athens, Greece – 13 hours
• Tokyo, Japan – 13 hours
• Washington, DC – 13 hours
• Cairo, Egypt – 13 hours
• Dubai, UAE – 13 hours
• Islamabad, Pakistan – 13 hours
• Jakarta, Indonesia – 13 hours
• Johannesburg, South Africa – 13 hours
• Buenos Aires, Argentina – 13 hours
• Canberra, Australia – 13 hours
Muslims all over the world unite in their dedication to faith, prayer, and community during the holy and blessed month of Ramadan despite differences in the fasting hours or time. However, some may endure longer fasts, others may feel relief in shorter durations, but one thing is common among all that they share the same spiritual journey of self-control, gratitude, and devotion.