Winter Holidays 2026
Mid-Year School Break Guide
Holiday Starts
27 June 2026
Holiday Ends
20 July 2026
Total Days
24 days
The June/July winter holidays provide a three-week break in the middle of the school year. While there are no public holidays during this period, it's an excellent time for family travel with cooler temperatures and off-peak pricing.
School Calendar Context
Term 2 ends
26 June 2026
Next term starts
21 July 2026
Key Dates
Term 2 ends on 26 June 2026. The winter break runs until 20 July, with Term 3 beginning on 21 July. Youth Day (16 June) falls just before the holidays begin.
Expected Weather
Average conditions for June based on 5-year historical data.
Durban
22.8°C
Low 12.4°C
Gqeberha
20.1°C
Low 12.8°C
George
18.9°C
Low 10.2°C
Cape Town
18.1°C
Low 11.3°C
Johannesburg
16.6°C
Low 4°C
Bloemfontein
16.5°C
Low 3°C
Source: Open-Meteo.com (CC-BY 4.0). Averages from 2020–2024 daily data.
Travel Tips
- Winter rates are significantly lower than summer peak season
- Pack warm clothing - temperatures can drop below freezing inland
- Roads are generally quieter than December holidays
- Some mountain passes may be affected by snow
Things To Do
- Whale watching season begins on the Cape coast
- Snow experiences in the Drakensberg or Matroosberg
- Game viewing is excellent with thinner vegetation
- Namaqualand flower season starts in August nearby
- Indoor activities like museums and aquariums on cold days
Budget Tips
Current Fuel Prices (April 2026)
Source: Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE)
- Winter specials offer up to 50% off peak rates
- Midweek stays are even more affordable
- Warm inland destinations (Mpumalanga, Limpopo) are pleasant
- Consider house-swapping with friends in other provinces