Spring Holidays 2027
Heritage Day & the September School Break — Your Planning Guide
Holiday Starts
23 September 2027
Holiday Ends
4 October 2027
Total Days
12 days
The September school holidays — also called the spring break — give South African families a 12-day window to recharge before the final push of Term 4. Heritage Day falls on Friday 24 September 2027, creating a natural long weekend at the start of the break. It is one of the best times to explore the country: the heat of summer has not arrived yet, prices are lower than December, and school groups are on holiday without the peak-season crowds.
School Calendar Context
Term 3 ends
22 September 2027
Next term starts
5 October 2027
Public Holidays During This Period
Heritage Day
24 September 2027
Key Dates
Term 3 ends on Wednesday 22 September 2027. The spring break begins on Thursday 23 September, with Heritage Day (a public holiday) falling on Friday 24 September — creating a long weekend. Term 4 begins on Monday 5 October 2027, making the total break 12 days.
Expected Weather
Average conditions for September based on 5-year historical data.
Johannesburg
24.7°C
Low 9.9°C
Bloemfontein
24.2°C
Low 8.8°C
Durban
23.1°C
Low 15°C
Gqeberha
19.1°C
Low 13.1°C
Cape Town
17.5°C
Low 10.6°C
George
17.5°C
Low 9.4°C
Source: Open-Meteo.com (CC-BY 4.0). Averages from 2020–2024 daily data.
Travel Tips
- September is shoulder season — accommodation rates are significantly lower than December and July
- The Western Cape has warm spring weather with fewer crowds than the summer peak
- KZN and the Eastern Cape coast are perfect: water is warming up but beaches are not yet packed
- Bushveld game reserves see excellent wildlife visibility as vegetation is still sparse
- Heritage Day is a great opportunity for cultural events and braais — plan accordingly
Things To Do
- Spring wildflower season in Namaqualand and the West Coast (August–September)
- Whale watching along the Garden Route and Hermanus — whales are usually still present
- Hiking in the Drakensberg with mild temperatures and green valleys
- Heritage Day braai with family (24 September is National Braai Day)
- City festivals and cultural events celebrating South African heritage
Budget Tips
Current Fuel Prices (April 2026)
Source: Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)
- September prices are typically 20–40% lower than December school holiday rates
- Mid-week travel (Mon–Thu) is cheaper than the Heritage Day long weekend itself
- Self-catering options are plentiful at smaller coastal towns
- National parks have lower entrance fees and less congestion than peak summer