Exploring the world during the holy month of Ramadan provides a unique spiritual experience. In 2026, the challenges and atmosphere of fasting in various parts of the world will vary greatly depending on geographical location. For those of you planning a trip, it is important to know the duration of daylight at your destination to ensure your worship remains smooth.
Factors Affecting Fasting Duration in Each Country
The tilt of the earth's axis relative to the sun causes differences in the duration of day and night. This ensures that the fasting experience across various countries is never the same. In northern regions, the sun tends to shine longer, while in southern regions, daylight hours tend to be shorter.
Countries located near the Equator, such as Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore, tend to have relatively stable day and night durations throughout the year, so fasting times usually range from 12-13 hours every year.
Countries with the Longest Fasting Times
For travelers who enjoy a challenge or want to experience the spring/summer atmosphere in the northern hemisphere, be prepared for fasting durations reaching 16 to 18 hours. Some of the countries with the longest fasting times in 2026 are:
Greenland (Nuuk)
Greenland is located within the Arctic Circle (North Pole). In geography, the further a place is from the equator toward the poles, the more extreme the difference in day and night duration becomes. Nuuk is situated at approximately latitude 64 degrees N, which means it is very close to the point where the sun can shine for almost the entire day during certain seasons.
Estimated Time: Fajr 03:30 – Maghrib 21:15 (~17 hours 45 minutes)
Iceland (Reykjavik)
Finland and Norway
In 2026, Ramadan takes place as the North Pole tilts further toward the sun. In cities like Oslo (Norway) or Helsinki (Finland), the sun's path across the sky tends to flatten and curve for a long time before finally setting. As a result, because the sun sets at a very shallow angle, the transition process from light to dark takes a long time.
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Finland (Helsinki): Fajr 04:00 – Maghrib 20:30 (~16 hours 30 minutes)
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Norway (Oslo): Fajr 04:15 – Maghrib 20:15 (~16 hours)
Countries with the Shortest Fasting Times
If you are looking for destinations that are more "friendly" in terms of duration, the southern hemisphere is the destination. Countries with the shortest fasting times usually take only about 11 to 12 hours. The list of countries includes:
New Zealand (Christchurch)
Chile & Argentina
Negara-negara di ujung Amerika Selatan ini memiliki posisi geografis yang mendekati Kutub Selatan (Antartika).Kota-kota seperti Ushuaia (Argentina) atau Punta Arenas (Chile) berada di garis lintang sangat tinggi di selatan. Posisi matahari di sini pada bulan Maret hingga April hanya muncul sebentar di atas cakrawala sebelum kembali tenggelam.
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Chile (Punta Arenas): Subuh 06:45 – Maghrib 18:00 (~11 jam 15 menit)
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Argentina (Ushuaia): Subuh 07:00 – Maghrib 18:15 (~11 jam 15 menit)
South Africa (Johannesburg)
Even though it is not as far south as Chile, South Africa still offers very friendly fasting times. Johannesburg's position in the southern hemisphere ensures that its daylight duration remains short during the month of Ramadan 2026. The angle of the sun's rays, which are not too intense during the local autumn/winter, makes the atmosphere feel cool. The impact: With a fasting time of around 12 hours, pilgrims have more time at night to rest.
Estimated Time: Fajr 05:15 – Maghrib 18:15 (~13 hours)
Tips for Dealing with Fasting Time Differences While Traveling
Being in a location with different time zones and durations certainly requires adaptation. Here are some short tips:
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Check the Local Imsakiyah Schedule: Always use a trusted application to monitor the local time at your destination.
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Maximum Hydration: Especially if you are in a country with the longest fasting times, ensure your water intake during suhoor is sufficient.
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Take Advantage of Traveler Exemptions: If your journey is very long and burdensome, remember there are concessions for travelers (musafir) in Islam, though it is still mandatory to make up for it at a later date.
Traveling during Ramadan 2026 is an opportunity to see the beauty of fasting diversity in various parts of the world. Whether you choose a country with a short or long duration, the essence of worship remains the same.
