Public Holidays in South Africa 2026

12 holidays · Complete calendar with dates and types

January

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February

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March

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April

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May

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June

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July

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August

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September

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October

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November

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December

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All Holidays in South Africa — 2026

New Year's Day January 1, 2026 · Thursday · public
Human Rights Day March 21, 2026 · Saturday · public
Good Friday April 3, 2026 · Friday · public
Family Day April 6, 2026 · Monday · public
Freedom Day April 27, 2026 · Monday · public
Workers Day May 1, 2026 · Friday · public
Youth Day June 16, 2026 · Tuesday · public
National Women's Day August 9, 2026 · Sunday · public
Heritage Day September 24, 2026 · Thursday · public
Day of Reconciliation December 16, 2026 · Wednesday · public
Christmas Day December 25, 2026 · Friday · public
Day of Goodwill December 26, 2026 · Saturday · public
Public Observance Bank Holiday

Time in South Africa

Johannesburg Cape Town Durban Pretoria Soweto Gqeberha Soshanguve Pietermaritzburg
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Frequently Asked Questions

How many public holidays does South Africa have in 2026?

South Africa has 12 public holidays in 2026, plus 0 additional observances and bank holidays.

What is the next holiday in South Africa?

The holidays listed above are for the full year 2026. Check the calendar to find upcoming holidays based on today's date.

Are holiday dates for 2026 accurate?

Most dates are confirmed. Some holidays based on the lunar calendar (such as Eid, Chinese New Year, and Diwali) use approximate dates and may shift by a day or two when officially announced.

What is the difference between public holidays, bank holidays, and observances?

Public holidays are official days off recognized nationwide. Bank holidays are typically days when banks and some businesses close. Observances are culturally significant days that may not be official days off.