South Africa Public Holidays 2026
South Africa observes 13 public holidays in 2026. The table below lists every nationwide holiday with its date and weekday. Regional holidays and non-official observances are marked separately.
2026 at a glance
January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December
All holidays in 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day | Public |
| Mar 21 | Saturday | Human Rights Day | Public |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday | Public |
| Apr 5 | Sunday | Easter Sunday | Observance |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Family Day | Public |
| Apr 27 | Monday | Freedom Day | Public |
| May 1 | Friday | Workers' Day | Public |
| May 10 | Sunday | Mother's Day | Observance |
| Jun 16 | Tuesday | Youth Day | Public |
| Jun 21 | Sunday | Father's Day | Observance |
| Jul 18 | Saturday | Nelson Mandela Day | Observance |
| Aug 9 | Sunday | National Women's Day | Public |
| Aug 10 | Monday | Public Holiday | Public |
| Sep 24 | Thursday | Heritage Day | Public |
| Dec 16 | Wednesday | Day of Reconciliation | Public |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day | Public |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | Day of Goodwill | Public |
Data source: the open-source date-holidays dataset. Verify critical dates with official government sources. · Last updated: July 19, 2026
About public holidays in South Africa
Public holidays in South Africa are days when most schools, banks, government offices and many businesses are closed nationwide. Dates for religious and lunar-calendar holidays can shift from year to year, and governments occasionally move observed dates when a holiday falls on a weekend. Always confirm critical dates with an official source before booking travel or scheduling business.
Frequently asked questions
- How many public holidays does South Africa have in 2026?
- South Africa has 13 nationwide public holidays in 2026, plus additional observances and regional holidays.
- What is the next public holiday in South Africa?
- The next public holiday in South Africa is National Women's Day on August 9, 2026.
- Are shops and banks closed on public holidays in South Africa?
- On nationwide public holidays most banks, government offices and schools in South Africa close. Shop opening hours vary by region and by holiday — major holidays usually mean reduced hours or full closure.
Other years
Holidays in other countries
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