Botswana holiday calendar
Public holidays in Botswana 2026
Calendar compilation last reviewed
Plan the year with every Botswana public holiday, regional date and major cultural observance in our calendar. Each entry links to a detailed guide covering its history, status, traditions and sources.
- Public holidays
- 15
- Regional dates
- 0
- Observances
- 0
- Substitute dates
- 0
How public holidays work in Botswana
The calendar separates public holidays from regional dates and cultural observances. Public holidays are the broadest category in our Botswana calendar. Regional holidays may apply only in a particular state, province, territory or community, while an observance does not automatically mean that workplaces, schools or public services close.
No separate substitute dates are currently listed for 2026. Weekend and time-off rules can still vary by employer, region and holiday, so consult the linked guide and primary source before making arrangements. April, May, July are the busiest months, with 3 listed dates.
Botswana holiday dates in 2026
The table lists 15 calendar entries. Follow a holiday name for its full background, observance details and traditions.
| Date | Holiday | Type | Observed day |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year’s DayBotswana’s first statutory public holiday of the civil year, observed every January 1. | Public holiday | — | |
| January 2 Public HolidayBotswana’s separate statutory January 2 public holiday, following New Year’s Day each year. | Public holiday | — | |
| Good FridayA national public and paid holiday marking the Christian commemoration of Jesus’s crucifixion. | Public holiday | — | |
| Saturday Following Good FridayBotswana’s statutory public holiday on the Saturday between Good Friday and Easter Sunday. | Public holiday | — | |
| Easter MondayBotswana’s paid public holiday on the Monday after the Western Christian Easter Sunday. | Public holiday | — | |
| Labour DayBotswana’s May 1 public and paid holiday recognising workers and organised labour. | Public holiday | — | |
| Ascension DayA movable Botswana public holiday marking the Christian Ascension, observed forty days after Easter Sunday. | Public holiday | — | |
| Special Public HolidayA one-off Botswana public holiday declared for Friday, May 15, 2026, immediately after Ascension Day. | Public holiday | — | |
| Sir Seretse Khama DayBotswana’s July 1 public holiday commemorating the birthday and public legacy of its founding president. | Public holiday | — | |
| President’s DayBotswana’s public and paid holiday on the third Monday in July, beginning a two-day presidential holiday sequence. | Public holiday | — | |
| Day Following President’s DayBotswana’s separate paid public holiday on the Tuesday immediately following President’s Day each July. | Public holiday | — | |
| Botswana DayBotswana’s September 30 national day commemorating independence and the founding of the republic in 1966. | Public holiday | — | |
| October 1 Public HolidayBotswana’s separate October 1 statutory public holiday immediately following the September 30 national day. | Public holiday | — | |
| Christmas DayBotswana’s December 25 public and paid holiday for the Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus. | Public holiday | — | |
| Boxing DayBotswana’s separate December 26 statutory public holiday extending the Christmas family and travel period. | Public holiday | — |
Sources for Botswana holidays
Calendar dates and classifications are checked against the primary calendar sources below. Historical and cultural claims have additional citations on each individual holiday guide.
- gov.bwPrimary calendar source
- scribd.comPrimary calendar source