New Year's Day
Nationwide public holiday in South Africa
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 1 January | Sunday | Nationwide |
| 2023 | 2 January | Monday | New Year's Day (observed) Observed day off for New Year's Day (Sun 1 Jan) |
| 2024 | 1 January | Monday | Nationwide |
| 2025 | 1 January | Wednesday | Nationwide |
| 2026 | 1 January | Thursday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 1 January | Friday | Nationwide |
| 2028 | 1 January | Saturday | Nationwide |
| 2029 | 1 January | Monday | Nationwide |
Observed days are days off given instead of, or as well as, the holiday's own date, for example when it falls on a weekend or the law moves it to a Monday.
Where it applies
Everywhere in South Africa.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Fri 1 Jan – Sun 3 Jan is a 3-day weekend with no leave needed.
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Johannesburg around 1 January: high 28°C (83°F), low 15°C (60°F), rain on 49% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Johannesburg. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Friday 1 January in Johannesburg: (MET Norway)
About New Year's Day
New Year's Day on 1 January marks the start of the year in the Gregorian calendar, which is used for civil purposes in most of the world. The custom of beginning the year on 1 January goes back to the Roman calendar, and it became widespread in Europe in the centuries after the Gregorian reform of 1582. Today it is a public holiday in a large number of countries.
Traditions
The day usually follows late-night celebrations on New Year's Eve, so it tends to be quiet and spent with family or friends. Many people make resolutions for the year ahead, exchange greetings, and share a festive meal. Some places hold concerts, parades or traditional swims, and in many cultures particular foods are eaten for good luck.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in South Africa
Sunday, 21 March 2027
New Year's Day in other countries
Algeria
Angola
Benin
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cabo Verde
Cameroon
Central African Republic
Chad
Comoros
Congo
More for South Africa
All public holidays in South Africa by year:
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.