School holidays in South Africa in 2026 and 2027
Parents in South Africa will need to know when the local school holidays are. Luckily, all schools have the same holiday dates, and they all close on national public holidays, which makes school holiday planning a bit easier in all regions.
Here’s what you need to know:
- An overview of school holidays in South Africa
- When are South Africa’s school holidays in 2026?Other important dates in 2026
- Other important dates in 2026
- When are South Africa’s school holidays in 2027?Other important dates in 2027
- Other important dates in 2027
- When are South Africa’s public holidays?
- Tips for expat parents in South AfricaChildcare during South African school holidaysFun summer camps in South Africa
- Childcare during South African school holidays
- Fun summer camps in South Africa
An overview of school holidays in South Africa
The South African school year runs from January to December. There are four school holidays:
- Two-week break in Autumn
- Three-week holidays in Winter
- One-week break in Spring
- Five/six-week holiday in Summer
Schools also close on public holidays. There are also additional days off every school year. Altogether, there are over 200 days in the South African academic year.
Privately-run international schools in South Africa may have slightly different holiday dates from state schools, so it is advisable to check the annual calendar with your child’s school if they are privately educated.
International schools in South Africa
When are South Africa’s school holidays in 2026?
Check with your school in case of variations.
Holiday
Dates
First day of school
14 January 2026
Term 1 break
28 March, 7 April 2026
Special School holiday
15 June 2026
Term 2 break
27 June, 20 July 2026
Term 3 break
24 September, 5 October 2026
Term 4 break
12 December 2026, 12 January 2027
Schools may also close for reasons such as teacher training or pupil book days. These will vary between institutions; however, it’s important to check with your child’s school so that you know in advance when these will be.
Other important dates in 2026
The additional holiday dates for the 2026 school year are:
Holiday
Dates
Weekdays
Human Rights Day
21 March 2026
Sat
Easter holiday
3-6 April 2026
Fri–Mon
Freedom Day observance
27 April 2026
Mon
Workers’ Day
1 May 2026
Fri
Youth Day
16 June 2026
Tue
Heritage Day
24 September 2026
Thu
The annual public holidays are extra school holidays in South Africa. If a vacation falls on a Sunday, schools usually close on Monday. Sometimes, schools will also close if a public holiday falls on a Tuesday to make a long weekend.
When are South Africa’s school holidays in 2027?
Check with your school in case of variations.
Holiday
Dates
First day of school
13 January 2027
Term 1 break
20 March, 5 April 2027
Special School holidays
26 April 2027
Term 2 break
26 June, 19 July 2027
Term 3 break
2-10 October 2027
Term 4 break
Starts 8 December 2027
Other important dates in 2027
The additional holiday dates for the 2027 school year are:
Holiday
Dates
Weekdays
Easter holiday
26-29 March 2027
Fri–Mon
Freedom Day
27 April 2027
Tues
Workers’ Day
1 May 2026
Sat
Youth Day
16 June 2026
Wed
National Women’s Day observance
9 August 2026
Mon
When are South Africa’s public holidays?
Some important public holidays and celebrations fall during school terms, such as Workers’ Day and Youth Day. You can learn more about these holidays (and dates) by reading our article on public holidays in South Africa.
Public holidays in South Africa
Tips for expat parents in South Africa
Childcare during South African school holidays
Your children’s school holidays may clash with your work schedule. Fortunately, you can access a range of childcare options in South Africa, including:
- Daycare centers
- Kindergartens
- Au pairs/nannies
- Childminders
- Babysitters
To find out what options are available in your area, ask your child’s school or check with the local municipality what they have on offer.
Fun summer camps in South Africa
There are a number of vacation camps in South Africa, including language schools, sports camps, and adventure camps that are popular with expat children. You can search for local holiday programs online, for example, on sites such as Rainbow Kids or Active Activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When are the school holidays in South Africa in 2026?
Do all South African schools follow the same holiday schedule?
What childcare options exist during school holidays?
Do schools close on public holidays in South Africa?
From Harare, Zimbabwe
| 
Living in Cape Town, South Africa Journalist and communications specialist based in Cape Town. After relocating from Harare, I've spent seven years covering expat life, African immigration policy, and building community in the Rainbow Nation. I write about work permits, integration, and finding your place in South Africa.
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