Holidays in South Africa in 2026

This page contains the list of all important Holidays and Observances in South Africa in 2026. Public holidays are special days that everyone gets off work, while observances are traditional celebrations and events that are popular in a particular country without a day-off work status. Some dates may be modified as official changes are announced, so please check this page in advance before visiting South Africa.

Holiday name Holiday location / Date Holiday type
New Year's Day South Africa
January 1 2026, Thursday
National
Isra and Mi'raj South Africa
January 16 2026, Friday
Muslim
Laylatul Qadr (Night of Power) South Africa
March 15 2026, Sunday
Muslim
March Equinox South Africa
March 20 2026, Friday
Seasonal
Eid ul Fitr South Africa
March 20 2026, Friday
Muslim
Human Rights Day South Africa
March 21 2026, Saturday
National
Good Friday South Africa
April 3 2026, Friday
National
Holy Saturday South Africa
April 4 2026, Saturday
Observance
Easter Sunday South Africa
April 5 2026, Sunday
Observance
Family Day South Africa
April 6 2026, Monday
National
Freedom Day South Africa
April 27 2026, Monday
National
Workers' Day South Africa
May 1 2026, Friday
National
Mother's Day South Africa
May 10 2026, Sunday
Observance
Ascension Day South Africa
May 14 2026, Thursday
Observance
Pentecost South Africa
May 24 2026, Sunday
Observance
Eid ul Adha South Africa
May 27 2026, Wednesday
Muslim
Youth Day South Africa
June 16 2026, Tuesday
National
Muharram/Islamic New Year South Africa
June 17 2026, Wednesday
Muslim
Father's Day South Africa
June 21 2026, Sunday
Observance
June Solstice South Africa
June 21 2026, Sunday
Seasonal
Nelson Mandela Day South Africa
July 18 2026, Saturday
Observance
National Women's Day South Africa
August 9 2026, Sunday
National
National Women's Day South Africa
August 10 2026, Monday
National
Milad un Nabi (Mawlid) South Africa
August 26 2026, Wednesday
Muslim
September Equinox South Africa
September 23 2026, Wednesday
Seasonal
Heritage Day South Africa
September 24 2026, Thursday
National
All Saints' Day South Africa
November 1 2026, Sunday
Observance
Day of Reconciliation South Africa
December 16 2026, Wednesday
National
December Solstice South Africa
December 21 2026, Monday
Seasonal
Christmas Eve South Africa
December 24 2026, Thursday
Observance
Christmas Day South Africa
December 25 2026, Friday
National
Day of Goodwill South Africa
December 26 2026, Saturday
National
New Year's Eve South Africa
December 31 2026, Thursday
Observance