Holiday calendar

Public holidays in South Africa

dates, names and what's closed

Reviewed & updated by יהב עטיה · About the team

It's worth planning around South Africa's holiday calendar: attractions, museums and banks close, public transport switches to a holiday timetable, and flight and hotel prices around long weekends jump. On the upside — festivals, parades and markets you won't see on an ordinary day.

Coming up

Upcoming public holidays in South Africa

Wednesday 16 DecemberDay of Reconciliation
Friday 25 DecemberChristmas Day
Saturday 26 DecemberDay of Goodwill
Friday 1 January 2027New Year's Day
Sunday 21 March 2027Human Rights Day
Monday 22 March 2027Public Holiday
Friday 26 March 2027Good Friday
Sunday 28 March 2027Easter Sunday
Monday 29 March 2027Family Day
Tuesday 27 April 2027Freedom Day
Saturday 1 May 2027Workers' Day
Sunday 9 May 2027Mother's Day
Wednesday 16 June 2027Youth Day
Sunday 20 June 2027Father's Day
Sunday 18 July 2027Nelson Mandela Day
Monday 9 August 2027National Women's Day
Friday 24 September 2027Heritage Day

All 2026 holidays in South Africa

Thursday 1 JanuaryNew Year's Day
Saturday 21 MarchHuman Rights Day
Friday 3 AprilGood Friday
Sunday 5 AprilEaster Sunday
Monday 6 AprilFamily Day
Monday 27 AprilFreedom Day
Friday 1 MayWorkers' Day
Sunday 10 MayMother's Day
Tuesday 16 JuneYouth Day
Sunday 21 JuneFather's Day
Saturday 18 JulyNelson Mandela Day
Sunday 9 AugustNational Women's Day
Monday 10 AugustPublic Holiday
Thursday 24 SeptemberHeritage Day
Wednesday 16 DecemberDay of Reconciliation
Friday 25 DecemberChristmas Day
Saturday 26 DecemberDay of Goodwill

If you're timing a trip to a holiday

Flights & hotels for South Africa

Long weekends around a holiday fill up early and prices climb. Check dates around Day of Reconciliation (Wednesday 16 December) now.

Check flight prices to South Africa, every airline at once.

Rates in South Africa shift daily. See what your night costs now.

Q&A

Answers to your questions

What's the next public holiday in South Africa?

Day of Reconciliation — Wednesday 16 December.

How many public holidays does South Africa have?

South Africa has 17 public holidays in 2026. Government offices and banks close, and some attractions and shops may be closed or on reduced hours.

What's closed on public holidays in South Africa?

Banks, government offices and post offices close. Many supermarkets and shops close or run reduced hours, especially in smaller towns. Public transport usually shifts to a weekend timetable, and museums and attractions vary — check ahead.

Is it worth visiting South Africa during a holiday?

It depends on the holiday. Ones with a public tradition — markets, parades, fireworks — are an experience in themselves. Ones where everything shuts and locals stay home are less convenient. The list above flags what to expect on each date.

Are shops open on Sundays in South Africa?

Some European countries restrict Sunday and holiday trading by law; others don't. In big cities and tourist areas something is always open, but don't count on a big shop run on a Sunday or holiday.

← Full South Africa guide Holidays worldwide

About this page

Written and checked by the Around the World team. We compare prices across the major providers, cross-check official sources, and update when something changes. We have no stake in any one provider — links are affiliate links, and the price is the same for you.

Sources: Dates: date-holidays

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