Holidays and public holidays in South Africa

The best times to go

The seasons are reversed making South Africa a wonderful summer destination during the European winter period. However, December and January are the summer vacation months in South Africa resulting in higher prices and and reservations must be made well in advance for both vehicles and campsites.

South Africa is one of the few countries that Europeans can visit without the hassle of jetlag and the climate is sunny almost all year round. Spring and autumn are ideal periods to go to get the best value for money.

Holidays and public holidays in South Africa

Although most rental centres are open on public in South Africa, some administration offices may be closed.

Public holidays in South Africa

    2020 2021
New Year's Day Jour de l'an January 1st Friday, January 1st 
Human rights day  Journée des droits de l'homme  March 21th  Sunday, March 21th
National Day  Fête nationale  April 27th  Tuesday, April 27th 
Labour Day  Fête du travail  Mai 1st  Saturday, Mai 1st
Youth Day  Journée de la jeunesse  June 16th  Wednesday, June 16th 
National Woman Day  Journée nationale de la femme  August 9th  Monday, August 9th 
Heritage Day  Journée du patrimoine  September 24th  Friday, September 24th 
Reconciliation Day  Journée de la reconciliation  December 16th  Thursday, September 16th 
Christmas Day  Jour de Noël  December 25th 

Saturday, December 25th 

Boxing Day  Lendemain de Noël  December 26th  

Sunday, December 26th 

School holidays in South Africa

From 8/12 to 12/01

From 19/03 to 4/04

From 25/06 to 17/07

From 1/10 to 9/10

From 8/12 to 01/12/17

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