Travelling to Egypt during Ramadan is a special experience. Days are quieter, evenings come alive with lanterns, family gatherings and food stalls, and you see a side of Egyptian life most visitors never do. At the same time, opening hours change and a few practical rules are worth knowing. Here is what to expect and how to plan your trip during Ramadan 2027.
Ramadan 2027 at a Glance
| What to know | |
|---|---|
| First day of Ramadan | Monday, 8 February 2027 (expected) |
| Last day of Sha’ban | Sunday, 7 February 2027 — the crescent is expected after the new moon on Saturday evening, 6 February |
| Last day of Ramadan | Monday, 8 March 2027 (expected) |
| Eid al-Fitr | Tuesday, 9 March 2027 (expected), a public holiday of several days |
| Official announcement | Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah, based on the sighting of the new moon |
| Sights and museums | Open, usually with shorter hours |
| Tourist resorts | Hotels, restaurants and tours run normally |
These dates follow the astronomical calculations of Egypt’s National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG), as reported in the media: Ramadan 1448 AH is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027, and Eid al-Fitr on Tuesday, 9 March 2027. Some international calendars give 9 February for the start and 10 March for Eid.
Important: Egypt’s Dar al-Ifta confirms the exact start on the evening of the moon sighting, so dates can move by one day. Plan a one-day buffer around the start of Ramadan and Eid.
What Changes During Ramadan
- Fasting. Muslims do not eat, drink or smoke from dawn until sunset. Visitors are not expected to fast.
- Shorter opening hours. Museums and archaeological sites usually close earlier. For example, the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities lists Ramadan hours for the Egyptian Museum in Cairo of 09:00–16:00, with the ticket window closing at 15:00 (normally 09:00–17:00).
- Quieter afternoons. Offices and some shops close earlier; traffic is heavy just before sunset as everyone hurries home for iftar.
- Lively nights. After sunset the streets fill up: iftar meals, sweets such as kunafa and qatayef, lanterns (fanous) and cafés open until late.
Is Ramadan a Good Time to Visit?
In many ways, yes. Ramadan in 2027 falls in February and March, when the weather is pleasant for sightseeing and desert trips. Sights can be less crowded during the day, and the evening atmosphere is unforgettable. The main things to plan around are shorter opening hours and the Eid holiday at the end, when many Egyptian families travel and resorts get busy.
In Red Sea resorts such as Dahab, Sharm El Sheikh and Hurghada, daily life for visitors changes very little: hotels, beach restaurants, dive centres and excursions run as normal. See things to do in Dahab.
Etiquette for Visitors
- Avoid eating, drinking or smoking openly in the street during the day in cities and traditional areas; hotels, tourist restaurants and resorts serve food as usual.
- Dress a little more modestly than usual in cities — see what to wear in Egypt.
- Be patient in the late afternoon; people are fasting and tired.
- If you are invited to an iftar, accept — it is a warm, generous experience. Greet people with “Ramadan Kareem”.
- Tipping is especially appreciated during Ramadan — see tipping in Egypt.
Planning Tips
- Start sightseeing early in the morning to make the most of shorter hours.
- Check the hours of each site before you go on the Ministry’s official site — see our museum and site rules guide.
- Book hotels and transport early for the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
- Our tours run during Ramadan; times may be adjusted to site opening hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Ramadan 2027 in Egypt?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027, with Eid al-Fitr on Tuesday, 9 March 2027, according to the astronomical calculations of Egypt’s National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics. Dar al-Ifta confirms the exact date after the moon sighting, so it can shift by one day.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2027 in Egypt?
Expected on Tuesday, 9 March 2027. Eid is a public holiday of several days, when many Egyptian families travel and resorts are busy — book early.
Are tourist sites open during Ramadan?
Yes, but usually with shorter hours. The Egyptian Museum, for example, opens 09:00–16:00 during Ramadan according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
Can tourists eat during the day in Ramadan?
Yes. Visitors are not expected to fast, and hotels and tourist restaurants serve food. Avoid eating or drinking openly in the street in cities.
Is alcohol available during Ramadan?
Availability is more limited during Ramadan; in some places sales to non-hotel guests are restricted. Ask your hotel.
Sources
- Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities — Egyptian Museum opening hours, including Ramadan hours: egymonuments.gov.eg
- Dar al-Ifta al-Misriyyah — official announcement of the start of Ramadan: dar-alifta.org
- National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics (NRIAG) — astronomical calculations of the Hijri months: nriag.sci.eg
- Reports of the NRIAG calculation for Ramadan 1448 AH (start 8 February 2027): Algérie360; Gulf News
