Long weekends in South Africa, 2026.

South Africa, 2026: 10 long weekends. 5 cost no leave at all, and 7 days of leave add the other 5, for 38 days off in total.

Long weekends that need no leave

• 3 April to 6 April: 4 days off, no leave needed (Good Friday, Family Day)
• 25 April to 27 April: 3 days off, no leave needed (Freedom Day)
• 1 May to 3 May: 3 days off, no leave needed (Workers' Day)
• 8 August to 10 August: 3 days off, no leave needed (National Women's Day)
• 25 December to 27 December: 3 days off, no leave needed (Christmas Day, Day of Goodwill)

Bridge days worth taking

• 1 January to 4 January: 4 days off, take Fri 2 Jan as leave (New Year's Day)
• 13 June to 16 June: 4 days off, take Mon 15 Jun as leave (Youth Day)
• 24 September to 27 September: 4 days off, take Fri 25 Sept as leave (Heritage Day)
• 31 October to 4 November: 5 days off, take Mon 2 Nov and Tue 3 Nov as leave (Election Day)
• 12 December to 16 December: 5 days off, take Mon 14 Dec and Tue 15 Dec as leave (Day of Reconciliation)

Public holidays in South Africa, 2026

Quick answers

How many long weekends are there in South Africa in 2026?

South Africa has 5 long weekends in 2026 that need no leave, and 5 more that open up with one or two days of leave.

What is the best bridge day in South Africa in 2026?

New Year's Day: taking 1 day of leave gives 4 days off, from 1 January to 4 January 2026.

How many public holidays does South Africa have in 2026?

South Africa has 13 nationwide public holidays in 2026. 11 of them fall on a weekday.

Plan my year: South Africa · Other countries