As the holy month of Ramadan draws to a close, Egyptians are eagerly anticipating the announcement of Eid al-Fitr 2025. The Egyptian Dar al-Ifta is set to conduct the traditional sighting of the crescent moon tomorrow, which will officially determine the date of the holiday. Meanwhile, astronomical calculations have already indicated that Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, will fall on Sunday, March 30, 2025.
Dr. Taha Rabah, the head of the National Authority for Astronomical Research, confirmed the astronomical date, noting that the crescent moon will be visible in the sky of Cairo for approximately 11 minutes after sunset on the evening of the sighting. In other governorates, the new moon will remain visible for durations ranging from 9 to 12 minutes. "The astronomical calculations are only relied upon after being presented to the Mufti, who announces the religious sighting based on jurisprudential and Sharia foundations," Rabah added.
This year, Ramadan will conclude after 29 days, with the last day falling on Saturday, March 29, 2025. The Dar al-Ifta will officially announce the results of the moon sighting on the evening of that day, determining whether Ramadan will last for 29 or 30 days. If the crescent is sighted, Eid al-Fitr will commence on March 30; otherwise, the holiday will be observed on March 31.
In preparation for the holiday, the Egyptian government has announced the official Eid al-Fitr holiday schedule. The holiday will begin on Saturday, March 29, and extend until Tuesday, April 2, 2025, with employees expected to return to work on Wednesday, April 3. If Eid is confirmed for March 30, the holiday will last four days; if it falls on March 31, the holiday will be extended until April 3.
As for the time of the Eid al-Fitr prayer in Cairo, it is scheduled for 6:13 AM on March 30, 2025. This prayer is a significant part of the Eid celebrations, marking the beginning of the holiday.
In addition to the festive preparations, many Egyptians are also keeping an eye on the weather forecast for the holiday period. Dr. Manar Ghanem from the General Authority for Meteorology provided insights into the expected weather conditions during Eid al-Fitr. She noted that Egypt has been experiencing significant weather fluctuations, making it crucial for citizens to rely on accurate forecasts.
On the first day of Eid, the weather is expected to be warm during the day and mild at night. The maximum temperatures are predicted to reach around 27 degrees Celsius in Greater Cairo and along the northern coasts, while southern regions could see highs of up to 35 degrees Celsius. Ghanem advised citizens to dress appropriately for the changing temperatures, suggesting light autumn clothing for the daytime and warmer layers for the cooler evenings.
The second day of Eid, April 1, is anticipated to bring increased wind activity that could stir up dust and sand in open areas. There may also be chances of rain in certain regions, particularly in the Red Sea mountains and South Sinai. As a precaution, Ghanem recommended that individuals with respiratory sensitivities wear masks due to the dust.
The weather forecast for the days surrounding Eid indicates that the temperatures in northern Egypt, including Cairo, will range from 26 to 29 degrees Celsius, while the southern parts of the country can expect temperatures between 30 and 35 degrees Celsius. Nighttime lows are projected to be between 14 and 18 degrees Celsius, with some areas experiencing morning fog.
As the holiday approaches, many citizens are looking forward to celebrating Eid al-Fitr with family and friends, enjoying the festive atmosphere and the traditional meals that accompany this special occasion. The anticipation is palpable, with many eager to see how the moon sighting will unfold and what the weather will bring.
In summary, the expected date for Eid al-Fitr 2025 is Sunday, March 30, pending the sighting of the crescent moon tomorrow. The holiday will be marked by a series of prayers and celebrations, with the government providing a holiday period from March 29 to April 2. Weather forecasts suggest warm days and cooler nights, with some potential for winds and rain, prompting citizens to prepare accordingly for a joyful and safe holiday.
