School Holidays 2026 South Africa — All Provinces, Term Dates & Calendar
Plan your year with the complete 2026 South African school calendar. View all four term dates, holiday periods, and school days for every province. Use the countdown to see how many days until the next school holiday.
2026 School Year at a Glance
School Calendar 2026 — All Four Terms
The South African school year is divided into four terms, set by the Department of Basic Education (DBE). These dates apply to all nine provinces, with minor variations noted where applicable.
School Holiday Dates 2026
There are five holiday periods in the 2026 school year, totalling approximately 128 holiday days (including weekends). The longest break is the summer holiday at roughly 35 days.
How Many School Days in 2026?
The 2026 academic year has approximately 193 school days across all four terms. Term 1 is the longest with 51 days, while Term 4 is the shortest at 43 days. This equates to roughly 38.6 school weeks.
| Term | School Days | Weeks | % of Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Term 1 | 51 | 10.2 | 26% |
| Term 2 | 49 | 9.8 | 25% |
| Term 3 | 50 | 10.0 | 26% |
| Term 4 | 43 | 8.6 | 22% |
| Total | 193 | 38.6 | 100% |
School Holidays by Province
All nine South African provinces generally follow the national DBE school calendar. However, two provinces occasionally make minor adjustments:
Western Cape
The Western Cape Education Department (WCED) occasionally adjusts dates by 1-2 days. For 2026, the WCED calendar is expected to closely follow the national DBE calendar with minor variations possible for Term 1 opening.
Gauteng
Gauteng Department of Education (GDE) generally follows the national calendar. Occasionally adjusts by 1 day. Independent schools in Gauteng may have different term dates.
Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, Mpumalanga, North West, Northern Cape
These provinces follow the national DBE school calendar exactly as published. No known variations for 2026.
Grade 12 Exam Timetable 2026
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) exams, commonly known as matric exams, typically run from late October to early December. For 2026, the expected exam period is:
The exact NSC exam timetable is released by the DBE around mid-2026. Grade 12 learners finish regular classes before the rest of the school. Trial (preliminary) exams typically take place in August-September 2026 during Term 3.
Key matric dates to watch for:
- Trial exams: August-September 2026 (set by individual provinces)
- NSC exams begin: Typically late October 2026
- NSC exams end: Typically late November/early December 2026
- Results released: January 2027
Tips for Planning Around School Holidays
The December/January summer holiday and Easter (March/April) breaks are peak travel seasons. Prices at coastal destinations can double. Book 2-3 months in advance.
The June/July winter break (24 days) offers good value at many destinations. Game lodges are often cheaper and winter is ideal for safari viewing (less vegetation).
The September/October spring holiday (17 days) is often overlooked. Wildflower season in the Northern Cape and whale watching in Hermanus make this an excellent travel window.
Public holidays like Human Rights Day (21 March), Freedom Day (27 April), and Heritage Day (24 September) can create long weekends ideal for short trips without missing school.
The autumn (17 days) and spring (17 days) breaks may require childcare arrangements for working parents. Many holiday programmes and camps are available during these periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do schools close for Easter 2026?
Schools close for the autumn (Easter) holiday on Friday 27 March 2026 at the end of Term 1. The autumn holiday runs from 28 March to 13 April 2026, giving learners 17 days off. Schools reopen for Term 2 on Tuesday 14 April 2026.
When do schools open in January 2026?
Schools open for Term 1 on Wednesday 14 January 2026. This marks the start of the 2026 academic year. Teachers typically return a day or two earlier for preparation. The first term runs until 27 March 2026.
How long is the winter holiday 2026?
The winter holiday in 2026 is 24 days long, running from Saturday 27 June to Monday 20 July 2026. This is the longest mid-year break and falls during South Africa's coldest month. Schools reopen for Term 3 on Tuesday 21 July 2026.
When do matric exams start 2026?
The National Senior Certificate (NSC) matric exams are expected to begin in late October 2026 and run through to early December 2026. The exact timetable is typically released by the Department of Basic Education (DBE) mid-year. Grade 12 learners effectively finish regular classes in late October.
Do all provinces have the same school holidays?
Most provinces follow the national Department of Basic Education (DBE) school calendar. However, the Western Cape (WCED) and Gauteng (GDE) occasionally adjust dates by 1-2 days. Independent and private schools may also set their own term dates. Always check your provincial education department for confirmed dates.
How many school days are there in 2026?
There are approximately 193 school days in the 2026 academic year, spread across four terms: Term 1 (51 days), Term 2 (49 days), Term 3 (50 days), and Term 4 (43 days). This excludes weekends, public holidays, and school holidays.
When is the last day of school 2026?
The last day of school for 2026 is Wednesday 9 December 2026 for most grades. However, Grade 12 learners finish earlier, typically in late October or early November, as they begin their NSC matric examinations.
When do schools close for December 2026?
Schools close for the December summer holiday on Wednesday 9 December 2026. The summer holiday then runs from approximately 10 December 2026 through to January 2027, giving learners about 35 days off over the festive season.
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