Public holidays in South Africa 2026

14 nationwide public holidays in 2026.

Nationwide holidays 2026

Long weekends and bridge days 2026

Based on nationwide holidays and the weekend in South Africa (Saturday and Sunday). Regional, local and group holidays are not included.

Long weekends

• Fri 3 Apr – Mon 6 Apr · 4 days off
  Good Friday, Family Day
  Typically in Johannesburg: high 26°C (79°F), low 13°C (55°F), rain on 39% of days
• Sat 25 Apr – Mon 27 Apr · 3 days off
  Freedom Day
  Typically in Johannesburg: high 24°C (75°F), low 10°C (50°F), rain on 16% of days
• Fri 1 May – Sun 3 May · 3 days off
  Workers' Day
  Typically in Johannesburg: high 24°C (75°F), low 9°C (48°F), rain on 9% of days
• Sat 8 Aug – Mon 10 Aug · 3 days off
  National Women's Day, National Women's Day (observed)
  Typically in Johannesburg: high 23°C (73°F), low 5°C (41°F), rain on 1% of days
• Fri 25 Dec – Sun 27 Dec · 3 days off
  Christmas Day, Day of Goodwill
  Typically in Johannesburg: high 29°C (84°F), low 16°C (61°F), rain on 57% of days

Bridge days

• Fri 2 Jan: take 1 day off, get 4 days in a row (Thu 1 Jan – Sun 4 Jan)
  New Year's Day
  Typically in Johannesburg: high 28°C (82°F), low 15°C (59°F), rain on 49% of days
• Mon 15 Jun: take 1 day off, get 4 days in a row (Sat 13 Jun – Tue 16 Jun)
  Youth Day
  Typically in Johannesburg: high 19°C (66°F), low 3°C (37°F), rain on 6% of days
• Fri 25 Sep: take 1 day off, get 4 days in a row (Thu 24 Sep – Sun 27 Sep)
  Heritage Day
  Typically in Johannesburg: high 28°C (82°F), low 10°C (50°F), rain on 10% of days

Leave planner 2026

Choose how many leave days you can take for one break. The planner finds the breaks that give the most days off in a row around nationwide holidays and weekends, and marks the leave days on the calendar below.

2026 calendar

Click working days on the calendar to choose your own leave days.

Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.