
Public holidays
South Africa · 2026
13 public holidays observed in South Africa during 2026. 5 school breaks shape travel demand. 8 long weekend opportunities.
Next holiday
Youth Day
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
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All 2026 holidays
13 totalJanuary 2026
- Jan1New Year's Day
Thursday
March 2026
- Mar21
Human Rights Day
Saturday · Weekend
April 2026
- Apr3Good Friday
Friday
- Apr6Family Day
Monday
- Apr27Freedom Day
Monday
May 2026
- May1Workers' Day
Friday
June 2026
- Jun16
Youth Day
Tuesday
August 2026
- Aug9
National Women's Day
Sunday · Weekend
- Aug10
National Women's Day (Observed)
Monday
September 2026
- Sep24
Heritage Day
Thursday
December 2026
- Dec16
Day of Reconciliation
Wednesday
- Dec25Christmas Day
Friday
- Dec26
Day of Goodwill
Saturday · Weekend
January 2026
February 2026
March 2026
April 2026
May 2026
June 2026
July 2026
August 2026
September 2026
October 2026
November 2026
December 2026
Long weekend opportunities
Smart windows to maximize your time off.
New Year's Day
Jan 1 – 4
Take 1 day off → 4-day weekend
Good Friday
Apr 3 – 6
Falls naturally on a weekend.
Freedom Day
Apr 25 – 27
Falls naturally on a weekend.
Workers' Day
May 1 – 3
Falls naturally on a weekend.
Youth Day
Jun 13 – 16
Take 1 day off → 4-day weekend
National Women's Day
Aug 8 – 10
Falls naturally on a weekend.
Heritage Day
Sep 24 – 27
Take 1 day off → 4-day weekend
Christmas Day
Dec 25 – 27
Falls naturally on a weekend.
Plan your next long weekend
Choose a domestic or international Beevago pick for each upcoming break.
School holidays 2026
When schools are closed — peak travel demand from families.
Term 4 Holiday (Summer Break)
Dec 13 – Jan 13 · 32 days
Term 1 Holiday
Mar 28 – Apr 7 · 11 days
Term 2 Holiday (Winter Break)
Jun 27 – Jul 20 · 24 days
Term 3 Holiday (Spring Break)
Sep 24 – Oct 5 · 12 days
Term 4 Holiday (Summer Break)
Dec 12 – Jan 12 · 32 days
Inspiration
Travel to South Africa
Guides and itineraries for popular destinations across South Africa.
Important public holiday information · South Africa
General information
- •When any public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a public holiday as per the Public Holidays Act (Act No 36 of 1994).
