Lesotho Public Holidays
Lesotho observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Lesotho observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Some holidays are observed nationwide, while others may apply only to specific regions or communities.
Explore the holiday calendar for Lesotho by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Lesotho.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Mar 11 | Wednesday | Moshoeshoe Day |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Workers' Day |
| May 14 | Thursday | Ascension Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Africa Day/ Heroes' Day |
| Jul 17 | Friday | King Letsie III's Birthday |
| Oct 4 | Sunday | Independence Day |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | Boxing Day |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Lesotho
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Lesotho. Holidays are observed on fixed dates or on variable dates depending on religious observances. You can find definitions for public holidays on our Public Holidays Explained page.
For a comprehensive list of all observed holidays in Lesotho for a specific year, please visit our Lesotho Public Holidays 2026 page.
Major public holidays in 2026
Lesotho observes a number of national holidays throughout the year, commemorating significant historical, cultural, and religious events. In 2026, these include:
Other holidays observed in Lesotho during 2026 include Easter Monday, Workers' Day, Ascension Day, Africa Day/Heroes' Day, King Letsie III's Birthday, Independence Day, and Boxing Day. For a complete listing, please refer to the Lesotho Public Holidays 2026 page.
- New Year's Day — 1 January 2026. Marks the start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Moshoeshoe Day — 11 March 2026. Honors the founder of the Basotho nation.
- Good Friday — 3 April 2026. A solemn observance commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
Planning around holidays
Lesotho's public holidays are spread throughout the year, with a concentration in the spring and early summer months. Some holidays, like Good Friday and Easter Monday, fall on variable dates each year, while others are fixed. Planning travel or business activities around these dates can help you make the most of your time in Lesotho.
- Spring: March, April, and May often feature several public holidays, including national commemorations and Christian observances.
- Summer: December holidays are fixed, providing consistent observance each year.
- Variable Dates: Be aware that Easter-related holidays change annually, so always check the specific dates for your chosen year.
- National Observances: Key national days like Moshoeshoe Day and Independence Day are fixed and important for understanding local culture.
Plan Your Year Around LS Holidays
View Lesotho holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.