World Public HolidaysHome › Countries › South Africa
Public holidays in South Africa, 2026
Holiday dates14vs 2025: +1
On weekdays11not on the weekend
On the weekend3weekend: Sat・Sun
Breaks of 3+ days5
World rank93 / 246median 14 days
All public holidays in 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1, 2026 | Thu | New Year's Day |
| Mar 21, 2026 | Sat (weekend) | Human Rights Day |
| Apr 3, 2026 | Fri | Good Friday |
| Apr 6, 2026 | Mon | Family Day |
| Apr 27, 2026 | Mon | Freedom Day |
| May 1, 2026 | Fri | Workers' Day |
| Jun 16, 2026 | Tue | Youth Day |
| Aug 9, 2026 | Sun (weekend) | National Women's Day |
| Aug 10, 2026 | Mon | National Women's Day (observed) |
| Sep 24, 2026 | Thu | Heritage Day |
| Nov 4, 2026 | Wed | Local Government Elections |
| Dec 16, 2026 | Wed | Day of Reconciliation |
| Dec 25, 2026 | Fri | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26, 2026 | Sat (weekend) | Day of Goodwill |
By month and weekday
Breaks of 3 or more days in 2026
| Period | Length | Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| Apr 3, 2026 – Apr 6, 2026 | 4 days | Good Friday・Family Day |
| Apr 25, 2026 – Apr 27, 2026 | 3 days | Freedom Day |
| May 1, 2026 – May 3, 2026 | 3 days | Workers' Day |
| Aug 8, 2026 – Aug 10, 2026 | 3 days | National Women's Day・National Women's Day (observed) |
| Dec 25, 2026 – Dec 27, 2026 | 3 days | Christmas Day・Day of Goodwill |
Holiday count by year
Changes from 2025
- + Local Government Elections
- + National Women's Day (observed)
- − Freedom Day (observed)
Includes name differences (moved or observed holidays).
World ranking of holiday counts, 2026 →
National public holidays only; regional holidays and observances may differ. Some religious holidays depend on moon sighting and can shift by a day — check official announcements.