As 2025 approaches its end, many people have already started looking ahead to plan their holidays for the coming year. If you enjoy organizing trips in advance, 2026 is shaping up to be an excellent year for you. The reason is simple—multiple long weekends spread throughout the year, making travel easier without taking too many leaves.
Several important festivals and public holidays in 2026 fall close to weekends, creating perfect opportunities for three- to four-day breaks. With smart planning, these long weekends can turn into memorable vacations without putting pressure on your leave balance.
January 2026: A Strong Start to the Year
The year begins on a positive note for holiday lovers. January 1, 2026, falls on a Thursday. By taking a single day off on Friday, January 2, you can enjoy a four-day break from January 1 to January 4.
Towards the end of the month, Vasant Panchami and Republic Day fall close together. If you plan leave on January 23 and 24, you can enjoy a continuous break from January 23 to January 26. This period is ideal for short trips, hill stations, or exploring heritage destinations.
March–April: Perfect Weather for Short Trips
Spring brings pleasant weather and festive vibes. March includes the festival of Holi, which can be combined with a weekend for a quick and refreshing getaway.
In early April, Good Friday on April 3 allows travelers to plan a comfortable three-day weekend with minimal leave. These breaks are ideal for family travel, cultural exploration, or simply relaxing outdoors.
May 2026: Early Summer Getaway
May starts on a good note with Buddha Purnima falling on Friday, May 1. This automatically creates a three-day long weekend. It’s a great time to escape the city heat by heading to coastal destinations, hill stations, or peaceful countryside locations.
June 2026: A Short Pause Before Monsoon
Towards the end of June, Muharram is expected to offer another weekend break. This period is perfect for a short vacation or a relaxing pause before the monsoon season fully sets in.
August–September: Festivals and Family Time
From late August onwards, the festive season begins. Raksha Bandhan on August 28 and Janmashtami on September 4 fall close to weekends. With careful planning, these holidays can turn into three-day breaks.
Ganesh Chaturthi on September 14 falls on a Monday, creating another opportunity for a long weekend without taking extra leave.
October 2026: One of the Best Months for Holidays
October stands out as one of the best months for extended breaks. Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 falls on a Friday, ensuring a long weekend.
Later in the month, Dussehra and Valmiki Jayanti offer additional opportunities for extended holidays. With proper planning, travelers can enjoy longer breaks without exhausting their leave quota.
November–December: Ending the Year on a Festive Note
The holiday mood continues towards the end of the year. Diwali and Govardhan Puja in November fall near weekends, offering flexibility for extended time off.
December ends on a high note with Christmas on December 25 falling on a Friday, creating a perfect three-day festive weekend and a memorable close to 2026
