Easter Break 2026
Planning Your Autumn Long Weekend
Holiday Starts
28 March 2026
Holiday Ends
7 April 2026
Total Days
11 days
Easter 2026 falls in early April, providing a welcome autumn break after the first school term. The Easter long weekend (Good Friday to Family Day) combined with the school holidays creates an ideal opportunity for family getaways.
School Calendar Context
Term 1 ends
27 March 2026
Next term starts
8 April 2026
Public Holidays During This Period
Key Dates
Good Friday falls on 3 April 2026, with Family Day (Easter Monday) on 6 April. Term 1 ends on 27 March, giving families an extended break before Term 2 begins on 8 April.
Expected Weather
Average conditions for March based on 5-year historical data.
Durban
27.4°C
Low 20°C
Bloemfontein
26.7°C
Low 13.9°C
Johannesburg
24.1°C
Low 13°C
Cape Town
23.9°C
Low 16°C
Gqeberha
23.7°C
Low 18.5°C
George
22.6°C
Low 15.6°C
Source: Open-Meteo.com (CC-BY 4.0). Averages from 2020–2024 daily data.
Travel Tips
- Autumn weather is ideal - warm days, cooler nights, less rain
- The N3 to Durban is busy but less hectic than December
- Consider midweek travel to avoid weekend traffic
- Easter Sunday is not a public holiday - some attractions may be open
Things To Do
- Easter egg hunts at family-friendly resorts
- Church services and Easter celebrations
- Autumn colours in the Lowveld and Mpumalanga
- Beach holidays with milder temperatures
- Hiking in the Berg before winter cold sets in
Budget Tips
Current Fuel Prices (April 2026)
Source: Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)
- Book at least 4-6 weeks in advance for best rates
- Consider nearby destinations to save on petrol
- Many lodges offer Easter specials for families
- Self-catering saves on restaurant costs during the long weekend