Public holidays
🇿🇦South Africa 2026
Public holidays
12
in 2026
Next holiday
Youth Day
in 1d
Long weekends
6
Mon & Fri holidays
On a weekend
2
fall Sat/Sun
Holidays by month
Where they cluster across the year
Year at a glance
Every holiday on the calendar line
JanMarMayJulSepNov
Upcoming this year
Already passed
Today
All holidays
Human Rights Day
Saturday
86d ago Public
National Women's Day
Monday
in 56d Public
Day of Reconciliation
Wednesday
in 184d Public
Day of Goodwill
Saturday · St. Stephen's Day
in 194d Public
Source: Nager.Date public holiday API
About public holidays in South Africa
In 2026, South Africa has 12 official public holidays. The month with the most holidays is April, with 3. 4 months have no public holiday at all.
There are 6 potential long weekends this year, from holidays landing on a Monday or Friday. Meanwhile, 2 holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday.
The longest stretch without a public holiday runs from Heritage Day (September 24) to Day of Reconciliation (December 16): 83 days.
The first holiday of the year is New Year's Day (January 1) and the last is Day of Goodwill (December 26).
Long weekends in 2026
Holidays landing on a Monday or Friday
Good Friday
April 3 · Friday
Family Day
April 6 · Monday
Freedom Day
April 27 · Monday
Workers' Day
May 1 · Friday
National Women's Day
August 10 · Monday
Christmas Day
December 25 · Friday
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does South Africa have in 2026?+
South Africa has 12 official public holidays in 2026, with April being the busiest month (3).
What is the first public holiday of 2026 in South Africa?+
The first public holiday of 2026 is New Year's Day, on January 1.
How many long weekends are there in South Africa in 2026?+
6 holidays land on a Monday or Friday, which can create long weekends.
Which 2026 holidays fall on a weekend in South Africa?+
2 holidays fall on a Saturday or Sunday: Human Rights Day (March 21), Day of Goodwill (December 26).