South Africa Public Holidays 2026
In 2026, there are 13 public holidays across South Africa. Holidays run from New Year's Day in January through to Day of Goodwill at the end of the year. Of these, 3 land on a weekend, which is worth checking if you are counting on days off from work.
| Holiday | Date | Weekday | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | January 1, 2026 | Thursday | Public holiday |
| Human Rights Day | March 21, 2026 | SaturdayWeekend | Public holiday |
| Good Friday | April 3, 2026 | Friday | Public holiday |
| Family Day | April 6, 2026 | Monday | Public holiday |
| Freedom Day | April 27, 2026 | Monday | Public holiday |
| Workers' Day | May 1, 2026 | Friday | Public holiday |
| Youth Day | June 16, 2026 | Tuesday | Public holiday |
| National Women's Day | August 9, 2026 | SundayWeekend | Public holiday |
| Public Holiday | August 10, 2026 | Monday | Public holiday |
| Heritage Day | September 24, 2026 | Thursday | Public holiday |
| Day of Reconciliation | December 16, 2026 | Wednesday | Public holiday |
| Christmas Day | December 25, 2026 | Friday | Public holiday |
| Day of Goodwill | December 26, 2026 | SaturdayWeekend | Public holiday |
Expect the most closures around April (3 holidays), so schedule deliveries and appointments with that in mind. Below you will find the full 2026 list for South Africa, sorted by date, with the weekday marked for quick planning. We track national holidays only, leaving out regional variations, so the list stays consistent and easy to compare with other countries.
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does South Africa have in 2026?
South Africa has 13 national public holidays in 2026. The first is New Year's Day on January 1, 2026 and the last is Day of Goodwill on December 26, 2026.
What is the first public holiday of 2026 in South Africa?
The first public holiday of 2026 is New Year's Day, which falls on January 1, 2026, a Thursday.
When is New Year celebrated in South Africa in 2026?
In 2026, New Year's Day in South Africa is on January 1, 2026, a Thursday.
Are regional holidays included for South Africa?
No. This calendar lists national public holidays only. State, provincial and regional holidays that apply to just part of South Africa are not included, which keeps the list consistent across countries.
Other years for South Africa
Planning further ahead or looking back? Compare the South Africa public holiday calendar across years: