Public holidays in the United Kingdom and South Africa
5 days off in both, 4 only in the United Kingdom and 9 only in South Africa.
The next bank holiday in the United Kingdom is Christmas Day on Friday 25 December 2026.
The next public holiday in South Africa is Local Government Elections on Wednesday 4 November 2026.
Calendar
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South Africa
United KingdomUpcoming public holidays and clock changes
2 places for the next 7 days, from Sun 25 Oct. Starred countries are in bold.
Today
Clocks go back 1 hour· 2:00 am becomes 1:00 am
United Kingdom
Public holidays in the United Kingdom and South Africa
| Date | Holiday | UK | South Africa |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wednesday 4 November 2026 | Local Government Elections | – | Yes |
| Wednesday 16 December 2026 | Day of Reconciliation | – | Yes |
| Friday 25 December 2026 | Christmas Day | Yes | Yes |
| Saturday 26 December 2026 | Boxing Day and Day of Goodwill | Yes | Yes |
| Monday 28 December 2026 | Boxing Day (observed) | Yes | – |
| Friday 1 January 2027 | New Year's Day | Yes | Yes |
| Sunday 21 March 2027 | Human Rights Day | – | Yes |
| Monday 22 March 2027 | Human Rights Day (observed) | – | Yes |
| Friday 26 March 2027 | Good Friday | Yes | Yes |
| Monday 29 March 2027 | Easter Monday and Family Day | Nationwide except Scotland | Yes |
| Tuesday 27 April 2027 | Freedom Day | – | Yes |
| Saturday 1 May 2027 | Workers' Day | – | Yes |
| Monday 3 May 2027 | May Day | Yes | – |
| Monday 31 May 2027 | Spring Bank Holiday | Yes | – |
| Wednesday 16 June 2027 | Youth Day | – | Yes |
| Monday 9 August 2027 | National Women's Day | – | Yes |
| Monday 30 August 2027 | Late Summer Bank Holiday | Nationwide except Scotland | – |
| Friday 24 September 2027 | Heritage Day | – | Yes |
Clock changes in the United Kingdom · South Africa
Clocks in the United Kingdom go forward 1 hour on Sunday 28 March 2027 at 1:00 am local time.
South Africa doesn't change its clocks for daylight saving time.
Every country on the full calendar
Questions
Which public holidays do the United Kingdom and South Africa share?
In the next 12 months: Christmas Day (Friday 25 December 2026), Boxing Day (Saturday 26 December 2026), New Year's Day (Friday 1 January 2027), Good Friday (Friday 26 March 2027) and Easter Monday (Monday 29 March 2027).
When do the clocks change in the United Kingdom?
Clocks in the United Kingdom go forward 1 hour on Sunday 28 March 2027 at 1:00 am local time.
When do the clocks change in South Africa?
South Africa doesn't change its clocks for daylight saving time.
Updated Sunday 25 October 2026