# 2027 religious holidays and travel (Morocco and Egypt)

According to astronomical calculations published in the UAE, Ramadan 2027 would start on Monday 8 February, Eid al-Fitr would fall on 9 or 10 March and Eid al-Adha around 16 or 17 May. Morocco and Egypt set their dates by sighting the crescent moon, which can shift them by a day.

Source : https://sabaro-travel.com/en/guides/religious-holidays-2027-morocco-egypt/

## Expected dates for 2027

Muslim holidays follow the lunar calendar. The dates of Ramadan, the two Eids and the Islamic New Year come from calculations by the UAE Astronomy Centre, published on 22 August 2026 and updated on 1 September 2026; the Mawlid date follows the same lunar calendar. In Morocco and Egypt, official dates are set by local sighting of the crescent moon and may differ by a day from those in the Gulf states.

| Holiday | Expected date |
|---|---|
| Start of Ramadan | Monday 8 February 2027 |
| Eid al-Fitr (end of Ramadan) | 9 or 10 March 2027, depending on the crescent sighting on 8 March |
| Day of Arafah | 15 or 16 May 2027 |
| Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice) | Sunday 16 or Monday 17 May 2027 |
| Islamic New Year 1449 (1 Muharram) | Between 5 and 7 June 2027 |
| Mawlid (Prophet's birthday) | Saturday 14 August 2027, give or take a day |

## Morocco

**Religious public holidays**:

- Islamic New Year (1 Muharram);
- Prophet's birthday (12 and 13 Rabi al-Awwal);
- Eid al-Fitr (1 and 2 Shawwal);
- Eid al-Adha (10 and 11 Dhu al-Hijjah); in 2027, these two public holidays are expected on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 May.

**Legal time.** Since 20 September 2026, Morocco has been on GMT all year (decree no. 2.26.530, Official Bulletin of 29 June 2026). The clock change that came with Ramadan in previous years no longer applies in 2027. During Ramadan 2027, Morocco will be the same time as London.

**During Ramadan**, non-Muslim travellers avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public during the day; sites and hotels stay open, and in Agafay the Scarabeo camps welcome guests all month. The Travelling in Morocco during Ramadan guide covers the rhythm of the day and local customs.

## Egypt

**Archaeological sites during Ramadan.** Hours published by the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, local time:

| Site | Ramadan | Outside Ramadan |
|---|---|---|
| Giza plateau | 8:00, last entry 15:30 | 7:00, last entry 16:00 |
| Saqqara | 8:00 to 15:30 | 8:00 to 16:00 |
| Egyptian Museum, Cairo | Last entry 15:00 | Last entry 16:00 |
| Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Abu Simbel | 6:00, last entry 16:00 | Unchanged |

**Grand Egyptian Museum**: during Ramadan, site open 8:30 to 17:00 and galleries 9:00 to 16:00, instead of 19:00 and 18:00 normally.

**Time.** During Ramadan 2027, in February and March, Egypt is on winter time (UTC+2): 2 hours ahead of London. On Eid al-Adha, in mid-May, it is on summer time (UTC+3): 2 hours ahead of London.

## What these dates mean for your trip

- **Ramadan** slows the days and livens up the evenings; it rules out no visit. Plan visits early, as Egyptian sites close earlier.
- **The two Eids** are family festivals: many people travel back to their home region, and trains, coaches and domestic flights are in heavy demand in the days before. Souks, shops and government offices largely close for one or two days; hotels and tourist sites stay open.
- **On Egypt's Red Sea and north coast**, Egyptians make the most of the Eid holidays: hotels fill up and prices rise. Book early if your stay falls in mid-May.

## Frequently asked questions

### When is Ramadan 2027?

Astronomical calculations put it from Monday 8 February to 8 or 9 March 2027, with Eid al-Fitr on 9 or 10 March. Official dates in Morocco and Egypt are announced after the crescent is sighted and may differ by a day.

### Are Egyptian sites open during Ramadan?

Yes, sometimes with shorter hours. At the Giza plateau, opening at 8:00 and last entry at 15:30; at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, last entry at 15:00. Karnak and the Valley of the Kings keep 6:00, last entry 16:00, local time.

### When is Eid al-Adha 2027?

Around 16 or 17 May 2027, according to astronomical calculations published in the UAE. In Morocco, the two public holidays (10 and 11 Dhu al-Hijjah) are expected on 17 and 18 May. The official date depends on the crescent sighting.

### Does Morocco change its clocks during Ramadan 2027?

No. Since 20 September 2026, Morocco has stayed on GMT all year.