Ramadan 2027 in the Maldives is expected to run from Monday, 8 February to Monday, 8 March 2027, with Eid-ul Fithr on Tuesday, 9 March.
Plan your trip with flights to Malé and Maldives stays on Wego.
Ramadan 2027 Dates in the Maldives
Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and corresponds to 1448 AH in 2027. Dates below are expected pending moon sighting.
| Event | Expected Date |
|---|---|
| First day of Ramadan | Monday, 8 February 2027 |
| Laylat al-Qadr (27th night) | Night of Saturday, 6 March 2027 |
| Last day of Ramadan | Monday, 8 March 2027 |
| Eid-ul Fithr | Tuesday, 9 March 2027 |
Sehri and Iftar Times in Malé
Because the Maldives sits just north of the equator, fasting hours barely shift across the month. Expect roughly 13 hours and 10 minutes of fasting, with iftar close to sunset at 6:25 PM most evenings.
Weekly estimates below are based on Malé sunrise and sunset data. Always confirm daily times with the Ministry of Islamic Affairs Maldives or a local mosque schedule.
| Week | Sehri (Fajr) Ends | Iftar (Maghrib) |
|---|---|---|
| Week 1 (8 to 14 Feb) | ~5:12 AM | ~6:23 PM |
| Week 2 (15 to 21 Feb) | ~5:10 AM | ~6:24 PM |
| Week 3 (22 to 28 Feb) | ~5:07 AM | ~6:24 PM |
| Week 4 (1 to 8 Mar) | ~5:03 AM | ~6:25 PM |
Ramadan Traditions Unique to the Maldives
Maldivian Ramadan carries centuries-old island customs that blend faith, food, and the rhythm of the sea.
Maahefun Pre-Ramadan Feasts
In the final days of Shaʿbān, islands across the country host Maahefun beach picnics. Families spread mats on the sand, share cardamom-scented curries and chirutha spirals, and welcome the fasting month with bodu beru drum performances.
The Ramadan Cannon in Malé
Every evening, an antique cannon outside the National Defence Force headquarters fires once at sunset. The boom signals the moment to break fast and draws residents to pop-up maaiza stalls for rose-milk drinks, foli foli banana fritters, and huni hakuru coconut honey.
Bodu Mas Parade Before Eid
On the eve of Eid, villages parade a towering papier-mâché tuna called the bodu mas. Masked maali spirits whirl to drums in a tale of triumph over sea demons, carrying the last night of Ramadan into the joy of Eid.
Taraweeh Across Island Mosques
Taraweeh prayers run 20 rakʿah every night, with many mosques targeting a complete Qur’an recitation by the 27th night. In the final ten nights, extended Qiyam al-Layl vigils keep worshippers awake in search of Laylat al-Qadr.
What to Eat During Ramadan in the Maldives
Maldivian iftar tables are built around tuna, coconut, and rice, reflecting the country’s deep fishing heritage.
- Garudhiya: a clear, fragrant tuna broth served with lime, chilli, and steamed rice. A staple suhoor dish in most Maldivian homes.
- Mas huni: shredded smoked tuna mixed with grated coconut, onion, and chilli, eaten with roshi flatbread.
- Bambukeylu hiti: a slow-cooked breadfruit curry neighbours often share on banana-leaf plates after Maghrib.
- Samboosa and gulha: deep-fried tuna-filled parcels and dough balls that anchor every iftar spread.
- Bodibai: a sweetened rice dish prepared in the afternoon and served after Taraweeh.
- Foli foli and kulhi boakibaa: banana fritters and spiced fish cakes for late-night snacking.
- Hedhikaa platters: short eats sold at teashops and guesthouses throughout the evening.
Where to Find Local Iftar
In Malé, head to the Henveiru and Maafannu neighbourhoods for teashop iftars. On resort islands, most properties lay out mixed Maldivian and international iftar buffets with tuna-based specialties on rotation.
Best Things to Do During Ramadan in the Maldives
Ramadan slows the pace in the capital and opens space for quieter, more spiritual experiences across the atolls.
Sunset Lagoon Walks
The Raalhugandu surf point and Hulhumalé beach path are the most popular places in Malé to walk before iftar. The Ramadan cannon fires here as the adhan echoes across the lagoon.
Island Mosque Visits
Malé’s Hukuru Miskiy (Old Friday Mosque) and the Grand Friday Mosque host the city’s largest Taraweeh gatherings. On local islands, smaller coral-stone mosques offer a more intimate setting.
Late-Night Markets and Teashops
After Taraweeh, Malé’s waterfront fills with families until 2 AM. Teashops stay open past midnight serving hedhikaa, tea, and sai.
Resort Ramadan Programmes
Most resort islands run private Ramadan packages with dedicated prayer areas, daily iftar buffets, and suhoor room service. These are ideal if you prefer to fast in quiet island surroundings.
Atoll Island-Hopping
Use Malé as a base and take speedboats to nearby local islands such as Maafushi, Gulhi, and Himmafushi for a deeper look at community iftars.
Where to Visit During Ramadan 2027
Choose between the urban pulse of the capital and the slower rhythms of the atolls.
| Destination | Best For | Book On Wego |
|---|---|---|
| Malé | City iftars, Taraweeh at Grand Friday Mosque, Ramadan cannon | Malé hotels |
| Hulhumalé | Family-friendly beach walks, modern mosques, easy airport access | Hulhumalé hotels |
| Maafushi | Local island iftars, guesthouse stays, community feel | Maldives stays |
| Addu City | Southern atoll traditions, quieter Ramadan pace | Maldives stays |
| Resort islands | Private iftar buffets, suhoor room service, full-board packages | Maldives resorts |
Ramadan Etiquette for Visitors
The Maldives is a Muslim-majority country and visitors are expected to respect Ramadan norms, especially on inhabited local islands.
- No public eating or drinking during daylight hours on inhabited islands, including Malé and Hulhumalé.
- Modest dress on local islands: cover shoulders and knees. Swimwear is limited to designated “bikini beaches” and resort islands.
- Private dining only: non-fasting visitors should eat inside hotels, guesthouses, or screened resort sections.
- Low-volume music: loud public music is discouraged, particularly around mosques and at prayer times.
- Avoid PDA: public displays of affection are not appropriate during the holy month.
Eid-ul Fithr 2027 in the Maldives
Eid-ul Fithr is expected to fall on Tuesday, 9 March 2027, with public holidays typically spanning two to three days. Eid prayers are held at open grounds and major mosques shortly after sunrise.
Traditions include the televised Baibalaa tag-wrestling tournaments in Henveiru, island-wide Eid feasts, and the final bodu beru drum sessions before the month closes.
Booking Tips for Ramadan 2027
Ramadan 2027 falls in the Maldives’ peak dry season, which means demand stays high even with the fasting pace.
- Book flights 6 to 8 weeks ahead. February is peak season for Malé, and fares rise quickly. Compare flights to Malé (MLE) on Wego.
- Pick guesthouses with in-room suhoor service if you plan to fast on a local island, since most cafés close before Fajr.
- Reserve Eid ferries by mid-Shaʿbān. Inter-atoll ferries and speedboats sell out fast around Eid weekend.
- Check resort iftar packages. Many properties offer Ramadan bundles with free iftar and shortened check-in times. Browse Maldives hotels and resorts on Wego.
- Track flights live. Use the Wego flight tracker or Velana International Airport (MLE) tracker for real-time arrivals.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Ramadan 2027 start in the Maldives?
Ramadan 2027 in the Maldives is expected to begin on Monday, 8 February 2027 and end around Monday, 8 March 2027, with Eid-ul Fithr on Tuesday, 9 March 2027. Final confirmation depends on the Maldives Crescent Sighting Committee.
Can non-Muslim tourists visit the Maldives during Ramadan?
Yes. Resort islands operate normally and non-Muslim visitors can eat, drink, and swim freely at their resort. On inhabited local islands such as Malé, Hulhumalé, and Maafushi, visitors should respect fasting hours and dress modestly in public.
What are the working hours in the Maldives during Ramadan?
Government offices and banks typically operate on a shortened 9 AM to 1 PM schedule during Ramadan, as set each year by the President’s Office. Shops and cafés often reopen after iftar and run late into the night.
What should I eat for iftar in the Maldives?
Classic Maldivian iftar dishes include garudhiya fish broth with rice, mas huni with roshi, bambukeylu hiti breadfruit curry, samboosa, gulha, and sweet bodibai rice. Most guesthouses and resorts also serve mixed Maldivian and international iftar spreads.
How long are the fasting hours in the Maldives?
Fasting hours in Malé run roughly 13 hours and 10 minutes, with suhoor ending near 5:10 AM and iftar at about 6:25 PM. Because the Maldives sits near the equator, fasting lengths barely change across the month.
Sources
- Ministry of Islamic Affairs, Maldives
- The President’s Office, Maldives
- Maldives Public Holidays Calendar
- Malé Sunrise and Sunset Times
- Wego Ramadan 2027 Global Guide
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