South Africa has 12 public holidays in 2027; 10 of them fall on a working day, which leaves 251 working days in the year. The first is New Year's Day on January 1 and the last is Day of Goodwill (observed) on December 27.
Three or more days off in a row, counting weekends:
January 1 – January 3 (3 days): New Year's Day
March 20 – March 22 (3 days): Human Rights Day
March 26 – March 29 (4 days): Good Friday + Family Day
August 7 – August 9 (3 days): National Women's Day
September 24 – September 26 (3 days): Heritage Day
December 25 – December 27 (3 days): Christmas Day + Day of Goodwill
Working days per month in 2027
Weekdays minus public holidays that fall on a working day.
Month
Working days
Holidays on working days
January
20
1
February
20
March
20
3
April
21
1
May
21
June
21
1
July
22
August
21
1
September
21
1
October
21
November
22
December
21
2
Total
251
10
Notes
Nationwide public holidays only; regional or local holidays are not included. When a holiday falls on a weekend and the law moves the day off, both dates are shown.
Common questions
How many public holidays does South Africa have in 2027?
12 nationwide public holidays, of which 10 fall on a working day (251 working days in total).
What is the first long weekend in South Africa in 2027?
January 1 – January 3 (3 days): New Year's Day
Which public holidays fall on a weekend in 2027?
Human Rights Day, Labour Day, Christmas Day, Day of Goodwill.