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.