Ramadan 2027 in The Gambia is expected to run from Monday, 8 February to Wednesday, 10 March 2027, subject to local moon sighting, followed by the Koriteh (Eid al-Fitr) public holiday on 9 and 10 March 2027.
With a population that is roughly 96% Muslim, The Gambia turns into a warm, welcoming slice of West Africa during the holy month. Expect breezy coastal weather, early iftars by the River Gambia, and Senegalese-style ndogou hospitality. If you’re planning a trip, compare flights to Banjul and hotels in Banjul on Wego.
Ramadan 2027 Dates in The Gambia
The start of Ramadan depends on the sighting of the crescent moon (hilal), announced locally by The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council. Astronomical projections point to the dates below.
| Event | Expected Date (2027) |
|---|---|
| First day of Ramadan | Monday, 8 February 2027 |
| Laylat al-Qadr (27th night) | Sunday, 7 March 2027 |
| Last day of Ramadan | Wednesday, 10 March 2027 |
| Koriteh (Eid al-Fitr) | Tuesday, 9 – Wednesday, 10 March 2027 |
Final confirmation rests with the national moon-sighting committee. Dates can shift by a day depending on the hilal.
Suhoor and Iftar Times in Banjul
The Gambia sits in the Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+0) zone with no daylight saving. Fasting days in 2027 run around 12 hours and 45 minutes on average, which is comfortable compared with many other destinations.
| Week | Suhoor (Fajr) | Iftar (Maghrib) |
|---|---|---|
| 8 – 14 Feb 2027 | ~6:03 am | ~7:11 pm |
| 15 – 21 Feb 2027 | ~5:57 am | ~7:13 pm |
| 22 – 28 Feb 2027 | ~5:50 am | ~7:14 pm |
| 1 – 10 Mar 2027 | ~5:40 am | ~7:17 pm |
These are weekly estimates for Banjul based on astronomical sunrise and sunset data. Check the Gambia Supreme Islamic Council or local mosques for the exact daily timetable once Ramadan is declared.
How Ramadan Shapes Daily Life in The Gambia
Life slows during the day and lights up after sunset. Expect quieter streets between Fajr and iftar, with a genuine community buzz returning at Maghrib.
The Daily Rhythm
- Suhoor (around 4 am to Fajr): Families share porridge (moyi), bread with tea, and leftover stew before the dawn prayer.
- Quiet mornings (Fajr to noon): Most offices and schools open late. Markets in Banjul and Serrekunda run on shortened hours.
- Afternoon slowdown (noon to iftar): Traffic thins and restaurants stay closed. Hotels on the Atlantic coast remain open for non-fasting visitors.
- Iftar (around 7:10 pm): The fast is broken with dates, water, and ndogou — a shared plate of bread, kinkeliba tea, and fruit.
- Taraweeh and late-night life (8 pm onwards): Mosques fill for Taraweeh, and streets come alive with tea stalls, street-corner prayers, and family visits.
Adjusted Services to Expect
- Government offices: Usually open from 9 am to 2 pm during Ramadan.
- Banks: Typically shortened hours, often closing by 1 pm.
- Restaurants: Many local eateries close by day and reopen for iftar around 6:30 pm.
- Tourist hotels and resorts on the Senegambia strip and Kololi continue to serve meals throughout the day for non-Muslim guests.
Ramadan Traditions Unique to The Gambia
The Ndogou Culture
Borrowed from neighbouring Senegal, ndogou is the Wolof word for breaking the fast. It is more than a meal — it is a ritual of sharing. Neighbours, colleagues, and even passing strangers are handed bread, dates, and Café Touba (clove-spiced coffee) the moment the Maghrib adhan rings out.
Gamo Nights
During Ramadan, Gamo gatherings take place at mosques and community grounds across Greater Banjul. These all-night events feature Qur’anic recitation, Islamic poetry, and sermons by respected Imams, often drawing worshippers from Senegal and Guinea-Bissau.
Taraweeh at King Fahad Mosque
The King Fahad Mosque in Banjul, the largest in the country, holds nightly Taraweeh prayers that can gather several thousand worshippers. Smaller neighbourhood mosques in Bakau, Serrekunda, and Brikama run their own Taraweeh in Wolof, Mandinka, and Arabic.
Charity and Zakat
Giving defines the month. Households cook extra portions for neighbours, and groups like Sen Ndogou distribute rice, oil, and sugar packages to low-income families in Wellingara, Tallinding, and beyond.
What to Eat During Ramadan in The Gambia
Gambian iftar tables lean heavy on rice, peanuts, and fresh Atlantic fish. Expect hearty, flavour-packed dishes rooted in Wolof and Mandinka kitchens.
- Domoda: A rich peanut stew with beef, lamb, or chicken served over rice — arguably the national comfort dish.
- Benachin (Jollof rice): One-pot rice cooked with fish or meat, tomatoes, and vegetables; often the centrepiece of a family iftar.
- Yassa: Tangy onion-and-lemon marinated chicken or fish, a favourite on Koriteh day.
- Supa Kanja: Okra stew with smoked fish and palm oil, traditionally simmered all afternoon.
- Ngalakh: A sweet millet porridge with peanut butter and baobab fruit, shared widely in the final week of Ramadan.
- Kinkeliba tea and Café Touba: The two drinks that bookend every Gambian iftar.
Street vendors in Serrekunda’s Westfield junction and along Kairaba Avenue set up iftar stalls selling bread, akara (bean fritters), and fresh baobab juice from late afternoon.
Best Things to Do During Ramadan in The Gambia
Join a Community Iftar
Many hotels on the Senegambia strip, along with guesthouses in Bakau and Fajara, host open iftar tables. Coco Ocean Resort and the Kairaba Beach Hotel are known for their Ramadan spreads.
Visit Historic Mosques
Beyond King Fahad Mosque, the Banjul Central Mosque (Independence Drive) and the village mosques along the South Bank Road offer a quieter, more traditional feel. Dress modestly and ask before entering during prayer times.
Explore the River Gambia
Mornings are perfect for river cruises to Kunta Kinteh Island or birdwatching in Tanji and Abuko Nature Reserve. Evening iftars aboard pirogues are a growing trend among local guides.
Shop the Ramadan Markets
Albert Market in Banjul and Serrekunda Market see peak activity in the last 10 days of Ramadan, with stalls selling bazin and damask fabrics, prayer mats, and sweets for Koriteh.
Where to Experience Ramadan in The Gambia
| City | Ramadan Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Banjul | Historic, mosque-centred | Taraweeh at King Fahad Mosque, Albert Market shopping |
| Serrekunda | Bustling, commercial | Street food, Gamo nights, iftar stalls |
| Kololi & Senegambia | Beachside, resort | Hotel iftars, coastal sunsets |
| Brikama | Traditional, Mandinka | Village mosques, cultural depth |
Ramadan Etiquette for Visitors
- Dress modestly in markets, villages, and mosque areas — cover shoulders and knees.
- Avoid eating or drinking in public during fasting hours. Hotels and tourist restaurants remain open indoors.
- Greet with respect: “Salaam Aleikum” is universal; reply with “Maaleekum Salaam”.
- Ask before photographing worshippers, especially at mosques and Gamo events.
- Accept an invitation to ndogou if offered — it is considered rude to refuse.
Koriteh (Eid al-Fitr) 2027 in The Gambia
Koriteh, Gambia’s name for Eid al-Fitr, is expected on Tuesday, 9 March 2027, with an additional public holiday on Wednesday, 10 March, as declared annually by the Office of the President.
The day starts with Eid prayer at open grounds like the Independence Stadium in Bakau, followed by family visits, salibo (children asking elders for small gifts), and a feast of Yassa chicken, benachin, and ngalakh.
Booking Tips for Ramadan 2027 in The Gambia
- Book flights early: February is peak dry-season tourism. Compare fares on Wego flights to Banjul.
- Aim for coastal stays: Kololi and Senegambia have more iftar options. Browse hotels in the Greater Banjul area.
- Fly via regional hubs: Royal Air Maroc, Turkish Airlines, and Brussels Airlines serve Banjul International Airport (BJL).
- Arrive with cash: Many smaller towns are cash-only; the Gambian Dalasi is the local currency.
- Lock in Eid travel early: Flights and long-distance ferries fill up quickly around Koriteh.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ramadan 2027 start in The Gambia?
Ramadan 2027 is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027, pending the local sighting of the crescent moon by The Gambia Supreme Islamic Council.
Is The Gambia a good destination to visit during Ramadan?
Yes. February and March bring dry, warm weather, short fasting hours of around 12 to 13 hours, and a strong Ramadan culture shaped by Wolof and Mandinka traditions.
What is Koriteh in The Gambia?
Koriteh is the Gambian name for Eid al-Fitr, the festival marking the end of Ramadan. In 2027, it is expected on 9 March, with a second public holiday on 10 March.
Can non-Muslim travellers visit during Ramadan?
Absolutely. Resorts and tourist restaurants along the Kololi and Senegambia strip remain open all day. Visitors are expected to dress modestly and avoid eating in public areas.
What is ndogou?
Ndogou is the Wolof word for breaking the fast. It typically includes dates, bread, Café Touba, and kinkeliba tea, and is often shared with neighbours and passersby.
Sources
- Office of The President, State House of The Gambia – Public Holiday Declarations
- Office Holidays – Koriteh in Gambia 2027
- Public Holidays Africa – Koriteh Dates
- TimeandDate – Sunrise and Sunset, Banjul
- Moonsighting.com – Ramadan Moon Visibility
- Access Gambia – Koriteh Guide
- Access Gambia – Ramadan Fasting Month
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