South Africa
2026 South African long weekends
Holidays that create three-day or longer weekends in South Africa during 2026. Plan your time off around these extended breaks.
| Holiday | Holiday date | Weekend range | Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good Friday, Family Day | Apr 3, 2026, Apr 6, 2026 | Friday, April 3, 2026 – Monday, April 6, 2026 | 4 |
| Freedom Day | Apr 27, 2026 | Saturday, April 25, 2026 – Monday, April 27, 2026 | 3 |
| Workers' Day | May 1, 2026 | Friday, May 1, 2026 – Sunday, May 3, 2026 | 3 |
| National Women's Day | Aug 10, 2026 | Saturday, August 8, 2026 – Monday, August 10, 2026 | 3 |
| Christmas Day | Dec 25, 2026 | Friday, December 25, 2026 – Sunday, December 27, 2026 | 3 |
Source basis: Government of South Africa — public holidays. Last updated: June 2026.
Disclaimer: Long weekend dates are based on official government sources. Observed dates may vary by region or employer. Always verify important travel or leave dates with the relevant authority.
Frequently asked questions
- What counts as a long weekend?
- A long weekend is when a public holiday falls next to a Saturday or Sunday, creating three or more consecutive days off. Some long weekends span four or more days when holidays align with existing weekend days.
- Do these long weekends apply to all states or regions?
- Public holiday dates can vary by state, province or territory. The dates shown are based on national-level holidays. Check with your local government or employer for regional variations.
- Can I download these long weekend dates?
- Yes — click the CSV button above to download a spreadsheet-ready file with all long weekend dates for 2026.