Ramadan 2025: The Longest and Shortest Fasting Hours by Country

As Ramadan 2025 approaches, Muslims across the globe are gearing up for their month of fasting, but the experience will differ greatly depending on location. While some communities will fast for more than 20 hours, others will complete their daily fasts in nearly half that time. The stark contrast in fasting durations—shaped by the Earth’s position and seasonal variations—highlights the diversity of Ramadan experiences worldwide.

In northern regions, where daylight lingers for extended hours, fasting will be exceptionally long, with countries like Sweden, Norway, and Greenland seeing Muslims abstaining from food and drink for nearly an entire day. On the other hand, those in the Southern Hemisphere, including parts of Argentina, Chile, and South Africa, will observe much shorter fasting periods, benefiting from early sunsets.

Fasting Durations in Major Cities

Longest Fasts:

Sweden (Kiruna): 20 hours 30 minutes
Norway: 20 hours 30 minutes
Greenland (Nuuk): 20 hours
Iceland (Reykjavik): 19 hours 59 minutes
Finland (Helsinki): 19 hours 9 minutes

Shortest Fasts:

Christchurch, New Zealand: 12 hours
Buenos Aires, Argentina: 12 hours
Johannesburg, South Africa: 11-12 hours
Montevideo, Uruguay: 11-12 hours

How Geography Shapes Fasting Hours

The variation in fasting durations is driven by Earth’s axial tilt and position in its orbit around the sun. In the Northern Hemisphere, where Ramadan 2025 falls closer to the summer solstice, daylight hours are significantly longer. Meanwhile, the Southern Hemisphere is transitioning into autumn, resulting in shorter days.

For Muslims in polar regions where the sun barely sets, Islamic scholars advise following fasting times based on Makkah’s schedule or the closest moderate city to ensure a balanced fasting experience.

With Ramadan beginning on March 1, 2025, Muslims worldwide will adjust their routines accordingly, embracing the spiritual discipline of fasting despite regional differences.