School holidays play an important role in family planning, travel arrangements, and learner well-being. In South Africa, the school calendar is structured around four terms, with scheduled breaks that allow learners and educators time to rest and recharge. Looking ahead to 2026 and 2027, parents and guardians can benefit from understanding how these holidays are typically arranged.
How the South African School Calendar Is Structured
South Africa’s public school system generally follows a four-term academic year. Each term runs for several weeks, followed by a short break, with a longer holiday period at the end of the year. While exact dates are officially confirmed closer to each year, the structure remains largely consistent across provinces.
Term One Holidays and the Start of the Year
The school year usually begins in mid-January. Term one runs through late March, ending with an autumn break that often coincides with Easter where applicable. This break provides an early pause after the busy start of the academic year and is similar in timing for both 2026 and 2027.
Mid-Year Winter Break
Term two typically ends toward the end of June, leading into the winter school holidays. This mid-year break lasts around two to three weeks and is one of the most popular times for family travel. For both 2026 and 2027, the winter holiday period is expected to fall between late June and mid-July.
Spring Break During Term Three
After schools reopen for term three, learners usually attend classes until late September or early October. A shorter spring holiday follows, offering a brief rest before the final academic push of the year. This break remains fairly consistent across years.
Year-End Summer Holidays
The longest school holiday occurs at the end of term four. Schools typically close in early December and reopen again in January of the following year. The December holidays in 2026 and 2027 are expected to span several weeks, covering the festive season and extending into the new year.
Differences Between Public and Independent Schools
While public schools follow a nationally coordinated calendar, independent and private schools may adjust their term dates slightly. Parents are encouraged to confirm specific dates with individual schools.
Planning Ahead for Families
Knowing the general structure of school holidays in 2026 and 2027 allows families to plan travel, childcare, and enrichment activities with greater confidence. Early planning can also help avoid peak travel costs and last-minute arrangements.