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Public holidays roll around every year, and that’s exactly the point. Their predictability is your biggest advantage. With a little forward planning, 2026’s calendar is primed for longer breaks, fewer leave days burned and better-value travel.
Public holidays aren’t just a bonus, they're your super-size annual leave strategy - whether you’re flying solo, holidaying with family, or squeezing in a well-earned escape with your partner.
Use our snap guide to when to book, when to take leave, and how to make public holidays work harder for you.
The booking sweet spot (aka your cheat code)
Booking six to eight weeks ahead, typically unlocks better fares and more flexible accommodation - before demand (and prices) surge around peak public holiday dates. These windows are competitive, so the earlier you move, the more choices you’ll have.
Did you know?: You can book international flights up to a year in advance, so use this to your advantage for overseas travel planning.
The big public holidays
More travel is definitely a valid New Year's resolution! So if you're in for a spot of Tweede Nuwe Jaar mental mapping of your upcoming holiday escapes, you’re exactly where you should be. Plan around these dates.
April & May: Long weekends you can customise
- Easter long weekend 3 April, Good Friday to 6 April, Family Day (School term restarts 8 April)
- 27 April – Freedom Day (Monday)
- 1 May – Workers’ Day (Friday)
Time Out Tip: Take leave on 28–30 April and you score 10 consecutive days off for only 3 days leave, including the weekend.
June: Winter flexibility
- 16 June – Youth Day (Tuesday)
Time Out Tip: Take 15 June off for an easy long weekend.
August: A mindful reset
- 9 August – Women’s Day (observed Monday, 10 August)
Time Out Tip: Take Friday 7 August off for the ideal border-crossing break or pamper long-weekend away.
September: Spring’s long weekend
- 24 September – Heritage Day (Thursday)
Time Out Tip: Take 25 September off and turn it into another four-day breather.
December: Finishing strong
- 16 December – Day of Reconciliation (Wednesday)
- 25 December – Christmas Day (Friday)
- 26 December – Day of Goodwill (Saturday)
Time Out Tip: If you don't know by now, this is the time to stack leave between these dates for a longer year-end shutdown.
How to make public holidays work harder
1. For leisure travellers
Use public holidays as anchors, not the whole trip. Booking patterns show that if you fly a day or two before the rush or return just after it, you’ll be able to dodge the crowds (and potentially higher prices), while still benefiting from fewer leave days taken.
2. For business travellers
Book meetings on a Monday or Thursday around a public holiday. It’s an easy way to turn a standard work trip into a four-day break, often with little to no increase in travel costs - and fewer flights than flying in and out midweek.
3. For families and couples
Plan around school terms edges to make the most of the trip. Leaving just before the term ends, or returning just after it starts is one way to do it. Sure you might have to ask for grace from your children's teachers but it's worht it if you consider it means better availability, calmer airports and more choice when booking accommodation.
2026 / 27 school terms:
- Term 1: 14 January to 27 March | School holidays: 28 March to 7 April
- Term 2: 8 April to 26 June | School holidays: 27 June to 20 July
- Term 3: 21 July - 23 September | School holidays: 24 September (Heritage Day) to 5 October
- Term 4: 6 October to 11 December | School holidays: 12 December to 13 January 2027
Blending work and time off is here to stay!
According to Flight Centre Travel Group’s 2025 Global PR survey, 77% of South Africans have either combined business and leisure travel before or plan to do so. Call it “bleisure” if you must, but the behaviour isn’t going anywhere.
“We’re seeing more clients planning travel around public holidays, combining meetings with family time or a too-rare break,” says Herman Heunes, General Manager of Corporate Traveller South Africa. “It’s good for morale and good for the bottom line.”
Strategic planning around public holidays can save 15–20% on flights and accommodation, whether it’s a solo work trip or extra days added for a partner or family, adds Heunes.
ICYMI: Cape Town Digital Nomad Week 2026: Here's what you need to know
Planning international travel?
If you’re heading beyond South Africa’s borders, April, August and September are standout windows, according to Flight Centre booking data.
"Each offers enough flexibility for international flights, plus extra days on either side - meaning a work trip to Gaborone, London or Mauritius can easily stretch into something more rewarding," says Heunes.
READ: The 6 best international travel options for Capetonians in 2026
Your 2026 Leave Planning Formula
The key this year is to plan early, know your public holidays, and use them as your framework. Whether you’re chasing rest, value, or a bit of both, the calendar is doing you a favour. Just make sure to use it.
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