How to stretch your annual leave in 2026

With a bit of planning, a handful of well-placed leave days can translate into long breaks spread across the year.

Here’s how to make the most of it.

April and May deliver the biggest win

The standout period in 2026 comes at the end of April and the start of May. Freedom Day falls on Monday, 27 April, followed by Workers’ Day on Friday, 1 May.

By taking leave on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between the two holidays, workers can turn three leave days into a nine-day break from Saturday, 25 April to Sunday, 3 May. This is the single most effective leave block on the 2026 calendar.

Earlier in April, Easter delivers another built-in break. Good Friday on 3 April and Family Day on Monday, 6 April, create a four-day weekend without using any leave at all.

Mid-year opportunities add up

Youth Day on Tuesday, 16 June, creates a simple opportunity for a long weekend Taking Monday, 15 June, as leave results in a four-day break for the cost of one leave day.

Women’s Day is observed on Monday, 10 August, giving workers a three-day weekend without dipping into their leave balance.

Heritage Day falls on Thursday, 24 September. Booking Friday, 25 September, as leave delivers a four-day break, making it another high-value option for those trying to conserve leave days.

Ending the year on a high note

December is less generous in terms of public holidays, but Christmas Day falls on a Friday, ensuring a built-in three-day weekend. Employees who can spare a few leave days between Christmas and New Year can still turn this into a longer shutdown, depending on workplace policies and leave balances.

Planning pays off

The key is early planning. Leave around April, June and September is often in high demand, and booking well in advance can make the difference between an average year off and a truly efficient one.