Summer School Holiday – South African school students are in for a well-deserved treat as the Department of Basic Education (DBE) officially confirms a 51-day summer school holiday beginning on 10 December 2025 and ending on 30 January 2026. This extended break marks one of the longest holiday periods in recent years, offering families ample time for travel, relaxation, and academic rejuvenation. The summer holidays are always highly anticipated by students, teachers, and parents alike. They serve as a vital period for physical and mental rest after a year of rigorous academic activity. The confirmation of this extended break has sparked excitement across the country, especially among those planning family trips and educational camps. More importantly, it also aligns with the government’s goal of providing sufficient rest to students and staff before a new academic year kicks off. This break comes after the conclusion of final examinations in late November 2025. The holiday period will include major public holidays like Christmas Day, Day of Goodwill, and New Year’s Day, offering more time for celebration and reflection. With the rising stress levels among students due to intense curriculum demands, this summer break is expected to offer a healthy pause. Whether it’s time spent traveling, engaging in outdoor activities, joining enrichment programs, or simply relaxing at home, this 51-day break has the potential to enhance overall well-being, strengthen family bonds, and improve student productivity in the long term. Here’s a full breakdown of the holiday period, school schedules, and everything you need to know.
Key Dates and Schedule for 51-Day Summer School Holiday
Students and parents should take note of the official dates confirmed by the Department of Basic Education. These dates affect all public schools nationwide.
- Holiday Start Date: 10 December 2025 (Wednesday)
- Holiday End Date: 30 January 2026 (Friday)
- Total Holiday Duration: 51 days
- Schools Reopen: 2 February 2026 (Monday)
- Final Exams End: 28 November 2025
Summer Holiday Timeline
| Event | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| Last School Day | 9 December 2025 | Tuesday |
| Holiday Starts | 10 December 2025 | Wednesday |
| Christmas Day | 25 December 2025 | Thursday |
| Day of Goodwill | 26 December 2025 | Friday |
| New Year’s Day | 1 January 2026 | Thursday |
| Holiday Ends | 30 January 2026 | Friday |
| School Resumes | 2 February 2026 | Monday |
Benefits of a Long Summer Break for Students
A prolonged holiday offers more than just rest—it significantly contributes to a student’s overall development and well-being.
- Time for physical rest and recovery
- Opportunity to reconnect with family and friends
- Reduction in academic-related stress
- Chance to pursue hobbies and creative interests
- Time for travel and cultural exposure
- Participation in summer camps and enrichment programs
- Boost in mental health through relaxation
Mental and Emotional Benefits
Longer holidays are known to have a positive impact on a student’s mental and emotional well-being.
- Encourages self-reflection and personal growth
- Reduces burnout and enhances mood
- Promotes healthier sleep patterns
- Improves cognitive focus before a new academic year
Family Planning and Travel Opportunities
With over seven weeks of free time, families have ample opportunity to plan long-distance travel or local adventures.
- Plan holidays without rushing
- Participate in family reunions
- Explore domestic tourism locations
- Take part in community events and festivals
- Enroll children in summer workshops
Popular Holiday Destinations in South Africa
| Destination | Best For | Estimated Travel Cost (Family of 4) |
|---|---|---|
| Cape Town | Beaches, Culture | R18,000 – R25,000 |
| Durban | Warm Climate, Ocean Fun | R15,000 – R22,000 |
| Drakensberg | Hiking, Nature | R12,000 – R20,000 |
| Garden Route | Road Trip, Scenery | R13,000 – R19,000 |
| Kruger National Park | Safari, Wildlife | R17,000 – R26,000 |
| Sun City | Family Entertainment | R14,000 – R21,000 |
| Johannesburg | Museums, Urban Getaways | R10,000 – R16,000 |
Summer Camps, Extracurriculars, and Study Options
This holiday is also an excellent time for students to engage in developmental programs.
- Attend academic enrichment workshops
- Join art, music, or dance camps
- Enroll in coding or tech bootcamps
- Learn new sports or skills
- Participate in volunteer work
Academic and Non-Academic Opportunities
Students can balance learning and fun with well-rounded activities.
- Local library reading programs
- Online tutoring or bridge courses
- STEM and science fairs
- Outdoor exploration groups
- Music and language classes
Importance of Balance
Parents are encouraged to maintain a balance between rest and productivity.
- Avoid academic burnout
- Promote creative expression
- Encourage physical activity
- Prevent screen-time overuse
- Foster independent thinking
Local Programs and Camps
Many local communities offer summer programs suitable for different age groups.
- Municipal summer camps (ages 8–15)
- Sports development clinics
- Church youth retreats
- Municipal art competitions
- Private institution-led tutoring camps
Impact on Parents and Guardians
This extended break affects not just students but also the families who support them.
- Need for extended childcare or supervision
- Additional budgeting for holiday expenses
- Opportunity to take joint family leave
- Improved work-life balance through coordinated holidays
Parental Planning Tips for Summer Holidays
| Task | Suggested Timeline | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Book holidays | 3–4 months in advance | Avoid peak prices |
| Enroll in camps/programs | 2–3 months in advance | Popular programs fill fast |
| Arrange alternate supervision | 1–2 months in advance | Consider relatives/neighbors |
| Set a holiday budget | Beginning of year | Factor in all travel + daily costs |
| Plan indoor and outdoor activities | Weekly basis | Keep kids engaged |
| Limit screen time | Daily rules | Encourage balance |
| Include learning activities | Weekly routine | Prevent learning loss |
Departmental Contact Details for Holiday Schedule Queries
For any clarifications or updates related to school holidays, parents and educators can contact the Department of Basic Education or relevant provincial education departments.
Department of Basic Education (DBE)
- Head Office Address: 222 Struben Street, Pretoria, 0002
- General Enquiries: +27 12 357 3000
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: www.education.gov.za
Provincial Departments of Education
| Province | Contact Number | |
|---|---|---|
| Gauteng | 011 355 0000 | [email protected] |
| Western Cape | 021 467 2000 | [email protected] |
| KwaZulu-Natal | 033 846 5000 | [email protected] |
| Eastern Cape | 040 608 4003 | [email protected] |
| Free State | 051 404 8000 | [email protected] |
| Limpopo | 015 290 7600 | [email protected] |
| Mpumalanga | 013 766 5555 | [email protected] |
| North West | 018 388 3200 | [email protected] |
| Northern Cape | 053 839 6500 | [email protected] |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. When do South African students start their summer holidays in 2025?
The summer holidays will begin on 10 December 2025.
2. How long is the 2025-2026 summer school holiday?
It will be 51 days long, ending on 30 January 2026.
3. When do schools reopen in 2026?
Schools will reopen on Monday, 2 February 2026.
4. Are these dates applicable to both primary and secondary schools?
Yes, these dates apply to all public primary and secondary schools across provinces.
5. Can I contact DBE for more information?
Yes, you can contact the Department of Basic Education at +27 12 357 3000 or [email protected].
With this extended summer break, South African families and students can look forward to a much-needed time of relaxation, exploration, and enrichment. While it’s essential to rest, using this time wisely for growth, bonding, and planning for the future can make this holiday both memorable and productive.