Sierra Leone Public Holidays
Sierra Leone observes a mix of public, national, and regional holidays throughout the year.
Overview
Sierra Leone 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 Sierra Leone by year below.
2026 holidays
A quick look at upcoming holidays in Sierra Leone.
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year |
| Feb 18 | Wednesday | Armed Forces Day |
| Feb 18 | Wednesday | Ramadan Start |
| Mar 8 | Sunday | International Women's Day |
| Mar 9 | Monday | Day off for International Women's Day |
| Mar 20 | Friday | Eid al-Fitr |
| Mar 20 | Friday | March Equinox |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| Apr 27 | Monday | Independence Day |
| May 1 | Friday | International Worker's Day |
| May 27 | Wednesday | Tabaski |
| Jun 21 | Sunday | June Solstice |
| Aug 26 | Wednesday | The Prophet's Birthday |
| Sep 23 | Wednesday | September Equinox |
Holiday calendar by year
Years are listed in ascending order.
About public holidays in Sierra Leone
This guide provides an overview of public holidays in Sierra Leone. Our site organizes holidays by country, allowing you to easily find information on national observances and their dates. For a comprehensive list of holidays and their definitions, please visit our main public holidays page.
You can find a detailed, year-by-year breakdown of Sierra Leone's public holidays on our dedicated Sierra Leone holidays page.
Major public holidays in 2026
In 2026, Sierra Leone observes a variety of public holidays, including significant religious and national celebrations. Below are some of the major observances.
Other holidays in 2026 include Ramadan Start, International Women's Day, Day off for International Women's Day, March Equinox, Easter Monday, International Worker's Day, Tabaski, June Solstice, The Prophet's Birthday, September Equinox, December Solstice, and Boxing Day. For a complete list, please refer to the 2026 Sierra Leone holidays page.
- New Year — 1 January 2026. The start of the Gregorian calendar year.
- Armed Forces Day — 18 February 2026. A day to honor the armed forces.
- Eid al-Fitr — 20 March 2026. A major Islamic festival marking the end of Ramadan.
- Good Friday — 3 April 2026. A solemn day commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
- Independence Day — 27 April 2026. Celebrates Sierra Leone's independence from the United Kingdom.
- Christmas Day — 25 December 2026. A Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ.
Planning around holidays
Public holidays in Sierra Leone are spread throughout the year, with a notable cluster in the spring due to religious observances and national celebrations. Understanding these patterns can help with planning travel or business activities.
- Spring: The period from March to April often features several significant holidays, including religious festivals and national observances.
- Mid-year: June and August typically have fewer public holidays, with observances often tied to astronomical events or religious dates.
- Late Year: December includes major Christian holidays, providing a festive end to the year.
- Variable Dates: Some holidays, particularly Islamic ones like Eid al-Fitr and Tabaski, change dates annually based on the lunar calendar.
- Equinoxes and Solstices: Astronomical events like equinoxes and solstices are recognized as public holidays, occurring on fixed dates each year.
Plan Your Year Around SL Holidays
View Sierra Leone holidays in calendar mode
Explore public holidays in a visual calendar layout and plan ahead more easily.