Ramadan Timetable UK 2026: Suhoor & Iftar Times for Major Cities

Ramadan 2026 is here, and millions of Muslims across the United Kingdom are preparing to observe the blessed month of fasting. Knowing your suhoor (pre-dawn meal) and iftar (fast-breaking) times is essential to fulfilling this pillar of Islam correctly. This comprehensive guide provides accurate Ramadan timetables for London and all major UK cities, along with practical advice to help you make the most of every fasting day.

Whether you are in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Glasgow, or anywhere else in the United Kingdom, this guide will give you the times you need — plus essential context on how those times are calculated, how fasting hours change throughout the month, and tips for managing your fast in the British winter-to-spring transition.

When Is Ramadan 2026?

Ramadan 1447 AH is expected to begin on approximately 17 February 2026, with the first day of fasting on 18 February 2026, in sha Allah. The month is anticipated to end around 19 March 2026, making it either 29 or 30 days depending on the sighting of the new crescent moon (hilal).

The Islamic calendar follows the lunar cycle, which means each month begins with the confirmed sighting of the new moon. This is why the exact start and end dates of Ramadan can vary by a day or two, and different communities may begin on slightly different dates depending on which moon-sighting methodology they follow — local sighting, Saudi Arabia sighting, or astronomical calculations.

"Fast when you see the crescent moon, and break your fast when you see the crescent moon. If it is obscured from you, then complete thirty days of Sha'ban."

— Sahih al-Bukhari 1909, Sahih Muslim 1081

The month of Shawwal follows immediately after Ramadan. The first day of Shawwal — 1 Shawwal 1447 AH — is Eid al-Fitr, the Festival of Breaking the Fast, expected around 20 March 2026. Eid al-Fitr is one of the two major celebrations in Islam, marked by a special congregational prayer, giving of Zakat al-Fitr (charity given before Eid prayer), and joyful gathering with family and community.

It is worth noting that Ramadan 2026 falls during the late winter and early spring months in the UK. This means relatively shorter fasting days compared to summer Ramadan years (such as 2015-2016, when fasts lasted 18-19 hours). This year, UK Muslims can expect fasting hours of approximately 12 to 13 hours — a welcome relief and a mercy from Allah.

Key Dates at a Glance

How Suhoor & Iftar Times Are Calculated

Understanding how fasting times are determined helps you appreciate the precision behind Islamic worship and empowers you to verify times independently if needed.

Suhoor — Tied to Fajr (True Dawn)

Suhoor must be completed before the Fajr adhan (call to prayer). Fajr time begins at true dawn (al-Fajr as-Sadiq), which is the point at which a thin horizontal line of white light appears along the eastern horizon. This is distinct from the false dawn (al-Fajr al-Kadhib), which appears as a vertical streak and then fades.

Allah clarifies the beginning of the fast in the Quran:

"...and eat and drink until the white thread of dawn becomes distinct to you from the black thread [of night]. Then complete the fast until the sunset."

— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:187

In practice, most timetables indicate a suhoor end time that corresponds with the beginning of Fajr. It is sunnah to eat suhoor as late as possible (close to Fajr) and not to skip it. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Eat suhoor, for in suhoor there is blessing."

— Sahih al-Bukhari 1923, Sahih Muslim 1095

Iftar — Tied to Maghrib (Sunset)

The fast is broken at Maghrib time, which is the moment the sun fully dips below the western horizon. There is no waiting period after sunset — the sunnah is to break your fast promptly. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"The people will remain upon goodness as long as they hasten to break the fast."

— Sahih al-Bukhari 1957, Sahih Muslim 1098

Calculation Methods Used in the UK

Different Islamic organisations calculate Fajr and other prayer times using different sun angle conventions. The most commonly used methods in the UK include:

• Muslim World League (MWL): Fajr at 18° below the horizon. Widely used internationally and by many UK mosques.
• Islamic Society of North America (ISNA): Fajr at 15°. Produces slightly later Fajr times, meaning a slightly shorter fast.
• Umm al-Qura (Makkah): Fajr at 18.5°. Used primarily in Saudi Arabia but referenced by some UK communities.
• UOIF / France: Fajr at 12°. Generally not used in the UK but worth knowing about.

In the United Kingdom, the majority of mosques and Islamic centres follow guidance from their local Islamic authority. Organisations such as East London Mosque, London Central Mosque (Regent's Park), and regional mosque councils publish their own verified timetables each year. We recommend following the timetable of your local mosque or community for consistency.

The times presented in this article are based on the Muslim World League (18°) method as a general reference. Always cross-check with your local mosque's published timetable.

London Ramadan Timetable 2026

London is home to the largest Muslim population in the UK, with over one million Muslims. The following table provides approximate suhoor and iftar times for London throughout Ramadan 2026, broken down by week. Times are based on the Muslim World League calculation method for Central London (latitude 51.5°N).

As you can see, fasting hours in London increase from roughly 12 hours at the start of Ramadan to approximately 13.5 hours by the end of the month. This gradual increase is due to the lengthening daylight hours as the UK transitions from winter into spring. The clocks also change to British Summer Time (BST) on 29 March 2026, but since Ramadan is expected to end before this date, times remain in GMT throughout the month.

Daily Tips for London Muslims

• Set your alarm for at least 30-45 minutes before Fajr to allow time for a proper suhoor meal and some worship before the fast begins.
• Many London mosques, including East London Mosque and London Central Mosque, publish daily timetables — follow their announcements for the most accurate local times.
• Use Naqiro's live prayer times tool for daily updates specific to your postcode.

Timetable for Major UK Cities

The United Kingdom spans a significant range of latitudes — from London (51.5°N) to Edinburgh and Glasgow (55.9°N). This means prayer and fasting times vary noticeably between cities. Northern cities experience slightly earlier Fajr times and slightly later Maghrib times in late winter, though the overall fasting hours remain broadly comparable.

The following table shows approximate mid-Ramadan (around 4 March 2026) suhoor and iftar times for major UK cities:

A few key observations from the data above:

• Northern cities like Glasgow and Edinburgh have slightly earlier Fajr times (dawn comes earlier at higher latitudes in late winter) and slightly later Maghrib. However, the net effect on total fasting hours is modest — typically only 20-30 minutes longer than London.
• Western cities like Cardiff and Belfast are further west, which slightly shifts their sunset time later. Belfast, being both northern and western, sees some of the latest Maghrib times in the UK.
• Regardless of city, all UK Muslims this Ramadan benefit from fasting hours that are significantly shorter than summer Ramadan — a blessing of Allah's timing.

Important: These are reference times only. Always confirm with your local mosque or Islamic centre for the exact times they follow, as methodology and local adjustments can produce differences of a few minutes.

How Fasting Hours Change During Ramadan 2026

One of the unique aspects of observing Ramadan in the UK is the noticeable change in daylight hours throughout the month. Because Ramadan 2026 falls in February and March, the month straddles the transition from late winter into early spring — a period when daylight increases rapidly.

The Daily Shift

In London, for example:

• Day 1 (18 Feb): Fajr at approximately 5:30 AM, Maghrib at 5:20 PM — fasting about 11 hours 50 minutes.
• Day 15 (4 Mar): Fajr at approximately 4:58 AM, Maghrib at 5:54 PM — fasting about 12 hours 56 minutes.
• Day 30 (19 Mar): Fajr at approximately 4:38 AM, Maghrib at 6:14 PM — fasting about 13 hours 36 minutes.

That represents an increase of roughly 1 hour 46 minutes from the beginning to the end of Ramadan. You gain approximately 3-4 minutes of fasting each day as dawn comes earlier and sunset comes later.

Comparison with Summer Ramadan

To appreciate the mercy of a winter Ramadan, consider the contrast with summers past. When Ramadan fell in June and July (2015-2016), UK Muslims fasted for 18 to 19 hours per day. Fajr was as early as 2:30 AM in some northern UK cities, and Maghrib did not arrive until nearly 9:30 PM. SubhanAllah, those were extraordinarily challenging fasts.

By contrast, Ramadan 2026 offers fasting hours of 12 to 13.5 hours — nearly 5-6 hours shorter than peak summer. This is a tremendous blessing and an opportunity to focus more energy on worship, Quran recitation, and acts of charity without the physical strain of extremely long fasts.

"Allah intends for you ease and does not intend for you hardship."

— Surah Al-Baqarah 2:185

Take advantage of these manageable fasting hours. Use the extra energy to increase your night prayers, complete the Quran, give generously in charity, and strengthen your relationship with Allah. A shorter fast does not mean less reward — the reward is determined by sincerity of intention and quality of worship.

Taraweeh Prayer Guide

Taraweeh is one of the most beloved and spiritually enriching acts of worship during Ramadan. These special night prayers bring Muslims together in mosques across the UK each evening, creating an atmosphere of devotion and community spirit that is unique to this blessed month.

What Is Taraweeh?

Taraweeh (from the Arabic tarwiha, meaning "to rest") refers to the extra voluntary (nafl) prayers performed after the Isha prayer during Ramadan. They are called Taraweeh because the early Muslims would take a brief rest between every four rakats due to the length of the prayers.

The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

"Whoever stands in prayer during Ramadan out of faith and seeking reward, his previous sins will be forgiven."

— Sahih al-Bukhari 37, Sahih Muslim 759

When Is Taraweeh Prayed?

Taraweeh is prayed after the Isha prayer and before the Witr prayer. In most UK mosques during Ramadan 2026, Isha will be around 7:30 – 8:00 PM (varying with the month), and Taraweeh follows immediately after, typically concluding around 9:30 – 10:30 PM depending on the mosque and the number of rakats prayed.

How Many Rakats?

There is a well-known scholarly discussion regarding the number of rakats in Taraweeh:

• 8 rakats: Based on authentic hadith from Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her), who reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) never prayed more than 11 rakats at night (8 Taraweeh + 3 Witr), whether in Ramadan or outside it (Sahih al-Bukhari 2013).
• 20 rakats: The practice established by Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) during his caliphate, when he gathered the Muslims behind a single imam and they prayed 20 rakats. This is followed by the Hanafi and Shafi'i schools of jurisprudence, and by many mosques in the UK, particularly those with South Asian congregations.

Both positions are valid and backed by scholarly evidence. The key is sincerity and devotion in your prayer, not the count alone. Pray with your local mosque and maintain unity within your community.

Can You Pray Taraweeh at Home?

Yes, Taraweeh can absolutely be prayed at home — it is a voluntary (sunnah mu'akkadah) prayer, not obligatory. However, praying in congregation at the mosque is strongly encouraged and carries immense reward. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said:

"Whoever stands in prayer with the imam until he finishes, it will be recorded for him as if he prayed the whole night."

— Sunan Abu Dawud 1375, Jami' at-Tirmidhi 806

If you cannot attend the mosque — due to illness, distance, work commitments, or other valid reasons — praying at home is perfectly acceptable. Women may especially find it easier to pray at home, though many UK mosques now provide excellent women's prayer facilities during Ramadan.

Looking for a mosque near you? Use the Naqiro Mosque Finder to locate mosques in your city, check their Taraweeh schedules, and plan your nightly worship.

Tips for Managing Your Fast in the UK

While Ramadan 2026 offers relatively manageable fasting hours, it is still important to prepare wisely so you can maintain energy, focus, and spiritual productivity throughout the day. Here are practical, Sunnah-aligned tips for UK Muslims.

1. Stay Hydrated at Suhoor

Dehydration is the biggest challenge during fasting, even in cooler UK weather. Drink plenty of water at suhoor — aim for at least 2-3 glasses. Avoid overly salty or spicy foods that increase thirst. Hydrating foods like watermelon, cucumber, and yoghurt are excellent suhoor additions.

2. Eat Slow-Release Foods

The key to sustained energy throughout the fasting day is choosing foods with a low glycaemic index (GI) that release energy slowly:

• Oats and porridge — The ideal suhoor staple. Add honey, banana, and nuts for a complete meal.
• Wholegrains — Wholemeal bread, brown rice, and barley provide lasting energy.
• Eggs — High in protein and incredibly satiating.
• Dates — A Sunnah food rich in natural sugars, fibre, and potassium.
• Bananas — Packed with potassium to maintain hydration and prevent muscle cramps.
• Avocado — High in healthy fats that keep you full for longer.

Avoid sugary cereals, white bread, and heavily processed foods — they cause blood sugar spikes followed by crashes that leave you drained by midday.

3. Manage Caffeine Withdrawal

If you are a regular tea or coffee drinker (and which Brit is not?), going cold turkey on caffeine when Ramadan starts can cause severe headaches and fatigue. The solution: gradually reduce your caffeine intake in the weeks before Ramadan. Start cutting down during the last two weeks of Sha'ban so your body adjusts before the first fast.

During Ramadan, have a small cup of tea or coffee at suhoor if needed, and drink another at iftar. This keeps withdrawal symptoms at bay while maintaining your fast.

4. Take Short Naps

The Prophet (peace be upon him) used to take a short midday nap (qaylulah), and this practice is especially beneficial during Ramadan. Even a 20-30 minute power nap after Dhuhr can dramatically restore your energy and focus for the rest of the day. If your work schedule allows, use your lunch break for a brief rest.

5. Adjust Your Schedule Where Possible

Many UK employers are increasingly understanding of Ramadan. Consider:

• Shifting your work hours earlier (start earlier, finish earlier) to have more energy in the productive morning hours.
• Using annual leave strategically — the last ten nights of Ramadan are the most important spiritually, and taking time off to focus on worship is an investment that pays eternal dividends.
• Reducing non-essential social commitments and focusing your energy on worship, family, and rest.

6. Make Your Intention (Niyyah) Every Night

The intention to fast does not need to be spoken aloud — it is a resolve in the heart. The majority of scholars hold that the intention for an obligatory fast (like Ramadan) should be made before Fajr. If you wake for suhoor with the intention of fasting, that suffices. Some scholars allow the intention to be made even the night before.

"Whoever does not intend to fast before Fajr, there is no fast for him."

— Sunan an-Nasa'i 2331; graded Sahih by Al-Albani

Make it a habit: as you set your alarm for suhoor each night, renew your intention in your heart to fast the next day purely for the sake of Allah.

Track Live Prayer Times with Naqiro

While this timetable provides a reliable reference for Ramadan 2026, daily prayer times shift by a minute or two each day. For precise, daily-updated prayer times specific to your UK city, use the Naqiro Prayer Times tool.

The Naqiro Prayer Times tool covers all major UK cities and towns, including London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bradford, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Cardiff, Belfast, Leicester, Sheffield, Bristol, Nottingham, and many more. Whether you are at home, travelling within the UK, or planning your Ramadan schedule ahead of time, you can rely on Naqiro for accurate and up-to-date information.

Features of the Naqiro Prayer Times Tool

• City-specific times: Simply select your city to see today's full prayer timetable including Fajr (suhoor end time), sunrise, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib (iftar time), and Isha.
• Multiple calculation methods: Choose the calculation method that matches your mosque's practice for consistent results.
• Clean, mobile-friendly design: Check times quickly on your phone — perfect for those rushed pre-Fajr moments.

Pair the prayer times tool with our Mosque Finder to locate your nearest mosque, check their Ramadan programmes, and join your community for Taraweeh and Qiyam al-Layl prayers.

Making the Most of Ramadan 2026

Ramadan is not merely a month of hunger and thirst — it is a divinely appointed season of spiritual renewal, self-discipline, and drawing closer to Allah. With fasting hours of just 12-13 hours this year, UK Muslims have been given a beautiful opportunity to fast with relative ease and channel their energy into what truly matters: prayer, Quran, charity, and personal growth.

Use the timetables in this guide as your starting reference, confirm times with your local mosque, and take advantage of Naqiro's digital tools — from live prayer times to our mosque finder — to stay organised and focused throughout the month.

We ask Allah to allow us all to reach Ramadan, to grant us the strength and sincerity to fast every day and pray every night, and to accept all our worship during this blessed month. May He make this Ramadan a turning point in our lives.

Ramadan Mubarak! May Allah accept your fasting, your prayers, and your duas. Ameen.

For more Ramadan guidance, read our Complete Guide to Preparing for Ramadan 2026, Essential Ramadan Duas for Fasting and Prayer, and Iftar Essentials Shopping Guide.