HolidayOrNotToday

2026 calendar

2026 public holidays in South Africa

13 statutory holidays in 2026. Dates, weekdays and whether banks and the national postal service are closed.

202520262027

Holiday list

  1. Thu

    Jan 1

    New Year's Day

    Statutory · Nationwide

    Banks CLOSEDMail CLOSED

  2. Sat

    Mar 21

    Human Rights Day

    Statutory · Nationwide

    Banks CLOSEDMail CLOSED

  3. Fri

    Apr 3

    Good Friday

    Statutory · Nationwide

    Banks CLOSEDMail CLOSED

  4. Mon

    Apr 6

    Family Day

    Statutory · Nationwide

    Banks CLOSEDMail CLOSED

  5. Mon

    Apr 27

    Freedom Day

    Statutory · Nationwide

    Banks CLOSEDMail CLOSED

  6. Fri

    May 1

    Workers' Day

    Statutory · Nationwide

    Banks CLOSEDMail CLOSED

  7. Tue

    Jun 16

    Youth Day

    Statutory · Nationwide

    Banks CLOSEDMail CLOSED

  8. Mon

    Aug 10

    National Women's Day

    Statutory · Nationwide

    Banks CLOSEDMail CLOSED

  9. Thu

    Sep 24

    Heritage Day

    Statutory · Nationwide

    Banks CLOSEDMail CLOSED

  10. Wed

    Nov 4

    Election Day

    Statutory · Nationwide

    Banks CLOSEDMail CLOSED

  11. Wed

    Dec 16

    Day of ReconciliationNext

    Statutory · Nationwide

    Banks CLOSEDMail CLOSED

  12. Fri

    Dec 25

    Christmas Day

    Statutory · Nationwide

    Banks CLOSEDMail CLOSED

  13. Sat

    Dec 26

    Day of Goodwill

    Statutory · Nationwide

    Banks CLOSEDMail CLOSED

Dates from Nager.Date. Civic days are widely observed but not required by law. Branch, school board and store hours vary.

Frequently asked questions

How many public holidays are there in South Africa in 2026?

South Africa has 13 statutory holidays in 2026: New Year's Day (Jan 1), Human Rights Day (Mar 21), Good Friday (Apr 3), Family Day (Apr 6), Freedom Day (Apr 27), Workers' Day (May 1), Youth Day (Jun 16), National Women's Day (Aug 10), Heritage Day (Sep 24), Election Day (Nov 4), Day of Reconciliation (Dec 16), Christmas Day (Dec 25).

Which 2026 holidays fall on a weekend in South Africa?

Human Rights Day (Saturday, Mar 21); Day of Goodwill (Saturday, Dec 26). Some employers and governments move the day off to the nearest weekday.

Are banks open on public holidays in South Africa?

Banks are closed on most statutory holidays in South Africa. The table above shows the bank and the national postal service status for each 2026 date.