Iftar Time for Des Moines Today

Tuesday, March 10th, 2026 · 21st Ramadan 1447H

Iftar Time Today

19:14

Iftar in Des Moines, Iowa, CST/CDT, using NOAA algorithms

Sehri Ends

06:04

When fasting begins today

MWL Method

Uses the Muslim World League standard (18° astronomical twilight), widely accepted globally.

Ramadan Essentials

Check current options to enhance your Ramadan experience

How Are These Times Calculated?

Iftar time in Des Moines is based on the astronomical sunset at 41.6°N, 93.6°W. This timing already accounts for atmospheric refraction, marking the moment the sun appears to dip below the horizon.

Sunset Calculation: Times are generated using precise astronomical calculations based on Des Moines's latitude, longitude, elevation, and timezone.
Optional Buffers: Communities can apply +3, +5, or +15 minute safety margins if desired, though these are for personal or local preference rather than necessity.

Local Confirmation: While our Iftar times are accurate, we recommend checking with your local mosque for any community-specific adjustments or moon sighting variations.

Today's Fast In Des Moines

11h 38m
Today's fasting duration

Today's fast in Des Moines lasts 11h 37m, which is approximately 100 minutes longer than at the start of Ramadan. Fasting hours are increasing gradually as daylight lengthens in the spring season.

How Your Location Affects Fasting

241m
Elevation
+5m
Daily fasting change
41.6°
Latitude

At 41.6°N and 241m elevation in the Chicago timezone, Des Moines is in the temperate zone, where seasonal daylight changes are noticeable. During Ramadan in spring, fasting hours increase by about 5 minutes each day. Your elevation adds roughly 0.8 minutes to sunset timing.

By mid-Ramadan (day 15), you'll have gained an extra 75 minutes of fasting compared to the first day. Compared to Waterloo at 42.5°N, this results in about 4 minutes of difference. These gradual daily changes are a defining feature of fasting in Des Moines.

Why Iftar Times Differ Between Cities

Des Moines's sunset is approximately 10 minutes earlier than Omaha, primarily due to longitude differences between the cities.

±10mins
earlier

Des Moines's sunset is approximately 12 minutes later than Davenport, primarily due to longitude differences between the cities.

±12mins
later

Des Moines's sunset is approximately 12 minutes earlier than Lincoln, primarily due to longitude differences between the cities.

±12mins
earlier

Daily Sunset Progression In Des Moines

In Des Moines, sunset shifts slightly. Specifically, today's sunset occurs 1m later than yesterday.

Tomorrow's fast will be approximately 5 minutes longer than today in Des Moines, following the seasonal daylight pattern at 41.6° latitude. This daily progression is characteristic of Des Moines's temperate latitude position, where seasonal astronomical shifts directly affect fasting duration throughout Ramadan.

How Iftar Times Work

Atmospheric Refraction

Earth's atmosphere bends light, causing the sun to appear slightly higher on the horizon than its actual position. This atmospheric refraction effect is already accounted for in our calculations, giving you the precise moment when the sun appears to cross below the horizon.

Des Moines's Elevation

At 241m above sea level, Des Moines's elevation affects when sunset occurs. Higher elevations see the sunset slightly later than lower areas. This elevation adjustment is included in all our calculations.

Astronomical Calculations

Iftar times are calculated using precise astronomical algorithms from NOAA, based on Des Moines's exact location (41.57°N, 93.61°W), timezone (America/Chicago), and the current season to determine accurate sunset times throughout Ramadan.

Nearby Towns and Cities

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Iftar time in Des Moines today?

Iftar in Des Moines today is the astronomical sunset time shown at the top of this page. Check the precise time, which is calculated for Des Moines's exact location (41.57°N, 93.61°W) at 241m elevation. The calculation uses the ISNA 15° method, which is standard across North America.

When does Sehri end in Des Moines?

Sehri end time in Des Moines marks when the fast begins in the morning. During Ramadan, this time shifts daily as sunrise moves earlier or later. The time shown on this page is calculated for Des Moines's exact coordinates using the ISNA 15° method, though you can compare other calculation standards on this page.

How long is the fast in Des Moines during Ramadan 2026?

At 41.6°N, Des Moines experiences moderate seasonal variation in daylight, affecting fasting duration throughout Ramadan. Fasting hours in Des Moines vary daily throughout Ramadan as sunset and Fajr shift with the season. The times shown on this page are calculated for Des Moines's exact location so you can plan your fast accordingly.

Why does Iftar in Des Moines differ from Waterloo?

Compared to Waterloo, Des Moines has sunset 5 minutes earlier than Waterloo due to its more westerly position, and being further south means it has shorter fasting days during Ramadan. The primary cause is the longitude difference between the cities — roughly 4 minutes of time difference per degree of longitude. Des Moines is at latitude 41.57°, while Waterloo is at latitude 42.49°. Even small differences in latitude and elevation create measurable shifts in when sunset occurs.

Which calculation method should I use for Iftar in Des Moines?

The ISNA 15° method is most commonly used by mosques in Des Moines. However, the best method for you depends on your local mosque or Islamic authority. We provide multiple standards on this page: ISNA 15°, ISNA 15°, Umm al-Qura 18.5°, and Diyanet 20°. Check with your mosque to confirm which they recommend, then use that method from the options available above.