Public Holidays 2026
South Africa has 12 official public holidays in 2026 under the Public Holidays Act (Act 36 of 1994). All employees are entitled to these days off with full pay. When a holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as the public holiday.
2026 at a Glance
Holidays
Holidays
5 leave days
Browse 2026 by Month
January 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
2026 Planning Guides
Free things to do on public holidays
No budget required — these are free across South Africa and available year-round.
Public Libraries
Free membership at any municipal library. Most run free holiday programmes for children during school breaks — check your local branch for crafts, storytelling, and reading clubs.
Parks & Nature Reserves
Municipal parks, botanical gardens, and local nature reserves are free across all nine provinces. Bring a picnic and let kids run.
Beaches
Public beaches are free. Most municipal beaches have ablution facilities and lifeguards during peak season. Check local surf reports before heading out.
Hiking & Walking Trails
Thousands of free walking and hiking trails exist in municipal reserves, state forests, and green belts. Most are well-marked and family-friendly.
Museums & Galleries
Many national and provincial museums offer free entry, including the SA Museum (Cape Town), Museum Africa (Joburg), and Natal Museum (Pietermaritzburg). Check ahead for free days.
Sports & Recreation
Municipal sports fields, tennis courts, athletics tracks, and skate parks are generally free to use. Many municipalities also offer free swimming sessions on public holidays.
Smart Leave Planning
15 leave days → 39 days off in 2026
The Leave Optimizer finds the best dates to take off around 2026 public holidays
See My Leave Plan for 2026View school terms by province:
Data sourced from the South African Government (Public Holidays Act)
If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed