Holidays · South Africa
South Africa Public Holidays 2026
🇿🇦 Complete list of national and public holidays in South Africa for 2026 and 2027. Includes dates, weekdays, and notes on regional variations where relevant.
2026
| Date | Holiday | Day | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2026 | New Year's Day | Thursday | public |
| March 21, 2026 | Human Rights Day | Saturday | public |
| April 3, 2026 | Good Friday | Friday | public |
| April 6, 2026 | Family Day (Easter Monday) | Monday | public |
| April 27, 2026 | Freedom Day | Monday | public |
| May 1, 2026 | Workers' Day | Friday | public |
| June 16, 2026 | Youth Day | Tuesday | public |
| August 9, 2026 | National Women's Day | Sunday | public |
| September 24, 2026 | Heritage Day | Thursday | public |
| December 16, 2026 | Day of Reconciliation | Wednesday | public |
| December 25, 2026 | Christmas Day | Friday | public |
| December 26, 2026 | Day of Goodwill | Saturday | public |
2027
| Date | Holiday | Day | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| January 1, 2027 | New Year's Day | Friday | public |
| March 21, 2027 | Human Rights Day | Sunday | public |
| March 26, 2027 | Good Friday | Friday | public |
| March 29, 2027 | Family Day (Easter Monday) | Monday | public |
| April 27, 2027 | Freedom Day | Tuesday | public |
| May 1, 2027 | Workers' Day | Saturday | public |
| June 16, 2027 | Youth Day | Wednesday | public |
| August 9, 2027 | National Women's Day | Monday | public |
| September 24, 2027 | Heritage Day | Friday | public |
| December 16, 2027 | Day of Reconciliation | Thursday | public |
| December 25, 2027 | Christmas Day | Saturday | public |
| December 26, 2027 | Day of Goodwill | Sunday | public |
Frequently asked questions
How many public holidays does South Africa have?
12 in 2026.
What's the biggest holiday in South Africa?
Christmas Day and the new-year period.
Are banks closed on these days in South Africa?
Generally yes — banks observe the national/public holiday calendar. International business should plan around these dates to avoid payment-settlement delays.