The June 2025 school holidays are quickly approaching, and it’s essential for parents and guardians to plan ahead. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of the June 2025 School Holidays for South Africa, as well as the upcoming September/October and December holidays. We’ll cover the exact dates, school days, and public holidays that students will experience during these breaks.
South Africa’s school year is broken down into four terms, with each term having designated holiday breaks. Here’s everything you need to know about the June 2025, September/October 2025, and December 2025 school holidays for your kids.
June 2025 School Holidays: Duration and Key Dates
Start and End Dates of June Holidays
The June 2025 school holidays will begin on Monday, June 30, 2025, after the conclusion of Term 2, and last for three weeks until Monday, July 21, 2025. This break provides families with ample time for a winter vacation or relaxation.
- Start Date: Monday, June 30, 2025
- End Date: Monday, July 21, 2025
- Total Duration: 3 weeks (approximately 21 days)
During this time, students across South Africa will be home for a much-needed break, giving parents the opportunity to plan family activities or travel.
Public Holidays in June 2025
The Youth Day public holiday falls during this period, on Monday, June 16, 2025, further extending the family time.
September/October 2025 School Holidays: What to Expect
The September/October 2025 school holidays are a significant break as students in South Africa transition from the third term to the final term of the year.
Start and End Dates of September/October Holidays
These holidays will begin on Friday, October 3, 2025, following the end of Term 3, and last for two weeks, ending on Monday, October 13, 2025.
- Start Date: Friday, October 3, 2025
- End Date: Monday, October 13, 2025
- Total Duration: 2 weeks
Public Holidays in September/October 2025
The Heritage Day public holiday will fall on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, but during the holiday break itself, students will enjoy time off without any additional public holidays.
- Heritage Day: Wednesday, September 24, 2025
- Public Holidays during the break: None during the break itself, but many schools may observe long weekends.
December 2025 School Holidays: End of Year Break
The final holiday break of the year is typically the longest, giving students the chance to rest and prepare for the new year. The December holidays span from the end of Term 4 until the beginning of the new school year.
Start and End Dates of December Holidays
The December school holidays will begin after the conclusion of Term 4 on Friday, December 12, 2025, and last until the beginning of the new school year in January 2026.
- Start Date: Friday, December 12, 2025
- End Date: January 2026 (Exact date will vary by school)
- Total Duration: Approximately 6 weeks
This break gives students time to unwind, travel, or participate in holiday activities before returning to school for the 2026 academic year.
Public Holidays in December 2025
During the December holiday period, several public holidays will occur, including:
- Day of Reconciliation: Tuesday, December 16, 2025
- Christmas Day: Thursday, December 25, 2025
- Day of Goodwill: Friday, December 26, 2025
These public holidays coincide with school closures, adding to the festive atmosphere.
Full Breakdown of the 2025 School Year
To get a sense of how the June, September/October, and December holidays fit into the full 2025 school year, let’s examine the full school term schedule:
- Term 1: January 15 – March 28, 2025 (11 weeks, 53 school days)
- Term 2: April 8 – June 27, 2025 (12 weeks, 59 school days)
- Term 3: July 22 – October 3, 2025 (11 weeks, 54 school days)
- Term 4: October 13 – December 12, 2025 (9 weeks, 43 school days)
The summer holidays following the December term offer the longest break of the year, allowing students to relax before starting a new academic year.
How Many School Days Are There in June, September/October, and December?
Here’s a summary of the school days during these holiday periods:
- June 2025: After the end of Term 2 on June 27, there are 3 weeks off, with no school days during the holiday break.
- September/October 2025: Following the end of Term 3 on October 3, students will be on break from October 3 to October 13, with no school days during the break.
- December 2025: The break following Term 4 starts from December 12, lasting until the next academic year in January 2026.
Tips for Parents During These School Holidays
The extended breaks in June, September/October, and December provide families with ample time to plan activities, vacations, and educational experiences. Here are some tips to help parents make the most of the holidays:
- Plan Ahead: Check with schools for any special holiday arrangements or extra-curricular activities. Some schools may offer camps or holiday programs.
- Keep Children Engaged: While the holidays are a time for rest, it’s essential to keep children mentally active. Consider visiting museums, libraries, or engaging in fun educational activities at home.
- Travel Plans: Use the longer breaks to plan family holidays or visits to relatives. Remember that public holidays, like Heritage Day and Christmas Day, may coincide with school breaks, giving you extra time together as a family.
The June 2025, September/October 2025, and December 2025 school holidays in South Africa provide students with substantial time away from school. Parents can look forward to the winter break in June, the spring break in September/October, and the long summer holidays in December. Be sure to mark the official dates and check for any updates from schools to ensure you are well-prepared for the upcoming school breaks.
For more information on the school calendar, visit the Department of Basic Education’s official website: Department of Basic Education School Calendar.
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