Trends ยท Seasonal planner
Ramadan 2027 starts around 8 February. Your design calendar starts now.
The month moves about 11 days earlier every year, and print suppliers don't. A working-backwards timeline for Ramadan and Eid 2027.
Ramadan follows the lunar Hijri calendar, which is 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year. So the month arrives 10 to 11 days earlier each year. Astronomical calculations put the start of Ramadan 2027 on or around Monday, 8 February 2027. The official start depends on the sighting of the crescent moon, and it can differ by a day between countries.
For brands in the Gulf, that date sets off a chain of deadlines working backwards.
- November 2026 Agree the campaign idea and list what needs designing, from packaging sleeves and gift boxes to iftar menus, signage and social content.
- Early December 2026 Brief your designers. Seasonal packaging and printed items need time for design, revisions and sampling.
- Late December 2026 Approve designs and send print files. Book print slots early, since many brands print seasonal items in the same window.
- January 2027 Receive and test samples. Schedule the social content.
- Around 8 February 2027 Ramadan begins, subject to moon sighting.
- Around 9 or 10 March 2027 Eid al-Fitr, according to early forecasts. Design the Eid version before Ramadan starts.
Designing for the month
- Plan around the evenings. Iftar and the hours after it shape when people go out, order and scroll, so time posts and promotions around them.
- Use familiar symbols with care. Crescents and lanterns are well loved. Tied to your own colours, they feel considered.
- Keep the core identity. Seasonal designs work best as a variation of your brand. Customers should still recognise you instantly.
- Design the Eid chapter too. A Ramadan campaign usually needs an Eid follow-up, and it's faster to design both together.
What brands usually prepare
- Seasonal packaging sleeves, stickers or gift boxes.
- Iftar and suhoor menus for F&B businesses.
- Social posts, stories and highlight covers for the month and for Eid.
- In-store signage and window displays.
- Greeting designs for customers and partners.
Questions people ask
When does Ramadan 2027 start?
Astronomical calculations put the start on or around Monday, 8 February 2027. The official date depends on the sighting of the crescent moon in each country.
Why does Ramadan start on a different date each year?
Ramadan follows the lunar Hijri calendar, which is 10 to 11 days shorter than the Gregorian year, so the month moves earlier each year.
When is Eid al-Fitr 2027?
Early forecasts point to 9 or 10 March 2027, depending on moon sighting.
See Social Media Content Design
Sources
Written by Brandtastic Design Studio.