In the major cities most cinemas and restaurants are open on public holidays. Post offices, banks and other administrative offices are closed on Public Holidays. The Western Cape's diverse population also celebrates Hindu, Islamic and Jewish holidays such as Deepavali, Eid, and Channukah. South Africa's long summer months (December to March) coincide with the end of the academic year and the six-week long school summer vacation. This is the time when South Africans like to explore and holiday so expect accommodation and attractions to be at their fullest. Schools in the Cape close at the beginning of December and the next school year begins in late January. Schools and universities also enjoy a three-week winter break from the end of June until late July.
Public Holidays in South Africa:
| 1 January |
New Year's Day |
| 21 March |
Human Rights Day |
| 6 April (Friday before Easter Sunday) |
Good Friday |
| 9 April (Monday after Easter Sunday) |
Family Day |
| 27 April |
Freedom Day |
| 1 May |
Workers Day |
| 16 June |
Youth Day |
| 9 August |
National Women's Day |
| 24 September |
Heritage Day |
| 16 December |
Day of Reconciliation |
| 25 December |
Christmas Day |
| 26 December |
Day of Goodwill |
NOTE: If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday (next day) is a public holiday.
Celebrated Days/ Events
* Please note these days are celebrated or commemorated days, and not Public Holidays. They are normal working days.
| Valentine's Day |
14 February |
| April Fool's Day |
1 April |
| Mother's Day |
11 May |
| World Environment Day |
5 June |
| Father's Day |
15 June |
| Nelson Mandela's Birthday |
18 July |
| Arbor Week |
1 September - 7 September |
| Secretary's Day |
3 September |
| Boss's Day |
16 October |
| National Marine Day |
5 November |
| World Aids Day |
1 December |
School Terms
| First term |
15 January - 28 March |
| Second term |
7 April - 27 June |
| Third term |
21 July - 3 October |
| Fourth term |
13 October - 10 December |
