Holiday Calendar

South Africa Public Holidays 2026

Q: What is the next public holiday in South Africa?

The next public holiday in South Africa is Youth Day on June 16, 2026.

Q: Is New Year's Day a national holiday in South Africa?

Yes, New Year's Day is listed as an official public holiday in South Africa in 2026.

Official national and public holidays for South Africa in 2026.

South Africa is one of the world's most compellingly diverse travel destinations — a country where desert landscapes, subtropical forests, dramatic coastlines, world-class wine estates, and some of Africa's finest wildlife safari country coexist within a single nation. You'll find a place where cosmopolitan cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg pulse with creativity, cuisine, and culture, while vast wilderness areas…

← Full South Africa guide

Total Holidays

Next Holiday

Youth Day

Days Until Next

Year

2026

Upcoming Holiday

Youth Day

Tuesday, June 16, 2026

In 26 days

Date	Local Name	English Name	Type
Jan 1, 2026 Thursday	New Year's Day	New Year's Day	Public
Mar 21, 2026 Saturday	Human Rights Day	Human Rights Day	Public
Apr 3, 2026 Friday	Good Friday	Good Friday	Public
Apr 6, 2026 Monday	Family Day	Family Day	Public
Apr 27, 2026 Monday	Freedom Day	Freedom Day	Public
May 1, 2026 Friday	Workers' Day	Workers' Day	Public
Jun 16, 2026 Tuesday	Youth Day	Youth Day	Public
Aug 10, 2026 Monday	National Women's Day	National Women's Day	Public
Sep 24, 2026 Thursday	Heritage Day	Heritage Day	Public
Dec 16, 2026 Wednesday	Day of Reconciliation	Day of Reconciliation	Public
Dec 25, 2026 Friday	Christmas Day	Christmas Day	Public
Dec 26, 2026 Saturday	St. Stephen's Day	Day of Goodwill	Public

← Back to South Africa 🌤 Weather Forecast

Frequently Asked Questions

How many public holidays does South Africa have in 2026?

South Africa has 12 public holidays in 2026.

What is the next public holiday in South Africa?

The next public holiday in South Africa is Youth Day on June 16, 2026.

Are banks closed on public holidays in South Africa?

Yes, banks and government offices are typically closed on national public holidays in South Africa. ATMs remain accessible.

Do shops open on public holidays in South Africa?

This varies. In major cities, shops may remain open on some holidays, while smaller towns and rural areas often close on national public holidays in South Africa.

Is New Year's Day a national holiday in South Africa?

Yes, New Year's Day is listed as an official public holiday in South Africa in 2026.

Are public holidays paid days off in South Africa?

In South Africa, national public holidays are generally considered paid days off for employees. Specific rules may vary by employment contract and sector.

Are there long weekends in South Africa in 2026?

Long weekends occur when a public holiday falls on a Friday or Monday. Check the holiday calendar above to identify these dates in South Africa for 2026.

Do public holidays in South Africa affect travel and transport?

Yes. On major public holidays in South Africa, public transport may run on reduced schedules and many businesses may be closed or operate reduced hours.