| Date | Holiday | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 2025-01-01 | New Year's Day | National |
| 2025-03-21 | Human Rights Day | National |
| 2025-04-18 | Good Friday | National |
| 2025-04-21 | Family Day | National |
| 2025-04-27 | Freedom Day | National |
| 2025-04-28 | Freedom Day (observed) | Substitute |
| 2025-05-01 | Workers' Day | National |
| 2025-06-16 | Youth Day | National |
| 2025-08-09 | National Women's Day | National |
| 2025-09-24 | Heritage Day | National |
| 2025-12-16 | Day of Reconciliation | National |
| 2025-12-25 | Christmas Day | National |
| 2025-12-26 | Day of Goodwill | National |
How many public holidays does South Africa have in 2025?
South Africa has 13 public holidays in 2025: 12 national holidays, 1 substitute day. The dates run from 1 January 2025 to 26 December 2025, and no public holiday falls in February, July, October, November. Observances and regional holidays are listed separately and are not counted.
Wondering how that stacks up globally? See how South Africa's public holiday count compares.
Long weekends in South Africa 2025
South Africa's public holidays create 5 long weekends in 2025 - runs of three or more consecutive days off, each built around a holiday that touches a weekend.
- Fri 21 - Sun 23 March: Human Rights Day (3-day weekend, Friday 21 March to Sunday 23 March).
- Fri 18 - Mon 21 April: Good Friday (4-day weekend, Friday 18 April to Monday 21 April).
- Sat 26 - Mon 28 April: Freedom Day (3-day weekend, Saturday 26 April to Monday 28 April).
- Sat 14 - Mon 16 June: Youth Day (3-day weekend, Saturday 14 June to Monday 16 June).
- Thu 25 - Sun 28 December: Christmas Day (4-day weekend, Thursday 25 December to Sunday 28 December).
Observed and substitute holidays in South Africa 2025
A substitute holiday is a day off moved to a nearby working weekday when a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday. The legal date never changes - only the day most people actually get off.
- 28 April 2025 (Monday) - given as the day off for Freedom Day (observed), which falls on a weekend.
Regional variations are common; see public holidays across Africa for the wider picture.
Public holidays in South Africa: is your date a holiday in 2025?
Every date in the table above is a public holiday in South Africa in 2025. If the date you are checking appears there, it is a day off; if it does not, it is not a public holiday - however widely it may be marked.
For example, 1 January 2025 is New Year's Day, a public holiday in South Africa.
More to explore: browse public holidays by country.
About these holidays in South Africa (2025)
Our South Africa public holidays guide explains the background of each holiday and how the dates are set.
New Year's Day
New Year's Day falls on 1 January and opens the Gregorian calendar year. Most countries mark it with a public holiday, and celebrations usually begin the night before with countdowns, fireworks and gatherings. The date was fixed in its current position by Julius Caesar's calendar reform, and later preserved by the Gregorian reform of 1582. traditions vary widely, from first-footing in Scotland to writing resolutions for the months ahead.
Good Friday
Good Friday is the Friday before Easter and commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus. It is a public holiday in most countries with Christian traditions, and businesses, banks and schools often close. Observance is typically solemn, with church services, processions and in some places Passion plays. The date moves each year because Easter is calculated from the first full moon following the March equinox.
Youth Day
Youth Day recognises the contribution of young people to society and draws attention to issues affecting them. South Africa observes it on 16 June, commemorating the 1976 Soweto uprising, while other countries including Turkey, Morocco and Brazil mark it on their own dates. In several nations it is a public holiday. Events typically include youth conferences, cultural performances and sporting activities.
Christmas Day
Christmas Day on 25 December is the Christian feast of the Nativity of Jesus and one of the most widely observed public holidays in the world. It is a legal holiday in most nations with Christian majorities or heritage, and a cultural holiday in many others. Customs include family gatherings, gift giving, special meals and decorated trees. Countries following the Julian or Oriental Orthodox calendars often celebrate on 7 January instead.