Singapore School & Public Holidays 2026 Guide
Why Australian Families Track Singapore School Holidays
Singapore is a top destination for Australian families, with direct flights from major cities like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane taking just 8-10 hours. Affordable carriers like Scoot and Singapore Airlines make it easy for school holiday getaways. Knowing Singapore’s 2026 school calendar helps align trips with kids’ breaks in both countries, avoiding peak work periods for parents and high crowds at attractions like Gardens by the Bay or Sentosa.
Australian school holidays vary by state (e.g., NSW, Victoria, Queensland), but common overlaps occur in June (winter) and December-January (summer). This guide provides projected 2026 dates based on Ministry of Education (MOE) patterns from recent years. Official calendars are released around October 2025—always verify on the MOE website (moe.gov.sg) or app, as dates can shift slightly for administrative reasons. Public holidays are announced by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
Projected Singapore School Term Dates 2026
Singapore’s school year runs from early January to early November, divided into four terms with breaks in between. Primary and secondary schools follow the same structure, though exam schedules (e.g., PSLE in September/October) may affect upper primary students. Expect about 190 teaching days.
Term 1: 5 January – 27 March 2026
Starts the week after New Year’s. Includes Chinese New Year public holidays (17-18 February), when schools close.
Term 1 Holidays: 30 March – 24 April 2026
Aligns with Good Friday and Easter. About 3-4 weeks, perfect for short trips.
Term 2: 27 April – 29 May 2026
Leads into Labour Day weekend.
June Holidays: 1 June – 26 June 2026
Overlaps strongly with Australian winter holidays (e.g., NSW/VIC: 27 June–11 July; QLD: 23 June–10 July). Ideal for family travel—cooler Aussie weather pairs with Singapore’s warmth.
Term 3: 29 June – 25 September 2026
Includes National Day (early August).
September Holidays: 28 September – 6 October 2026
Short break, 1-1.5 weeks.
Term 4: 7 October – 6 November 2026
PSLE period for primaries; secondaries have prelims.
November/December/Year-End Holidays: 9 November 2026 – 4 January 2027
Longest break (8 weeks), matching Australian summer holidays (e.g., NSW: 19 Dec–28 Jan; VIC: 21 Dec–6 Feb). Peak travel season—book early.
Note: Dates are projections matching 2024-2025 patterns (e.g., 2025 Term 1: 6 Jan–28 Mar). Confirm via MOE’s e-Services portal or school newsletters.
Singapore Public Holidays 2026
Public holidays are school closures nationwide. Fixed dates are confirmed; lunar-based ones (Islamic, Vesak, Deepavali) are tentative until PMO announcement (usually September-October prior). Schools and most businesses close.
| Date | Day | Holiday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 January | Thursday | New Year’s Day | Year-start public holiday |
| 17 February | Tuesday | Chinese New Year | |
| 18 February | Wednesday | Chinese New Year | Family reunion time |
| 20 March | Friday | Hari Raya Puasa | Tentative (Eid al-Fitr) |
| 3 April | Friday | Good Friday | Christian holiday |
| 1 May | Friday | Labour Day | May Day long weekend |
| 1 June | Monday | Vesak Day | 31 May Sunday observed |
| 18 June | Thursday | Hari Raya Haji | Tentative (Eid al-Adha) |
| 10 August | Monday | National Day | 9 Aug Sunday observed |
| 10 November | Tuesday | Deepavali | Tentative (Diwali) |
| 25 December | Friday | Christmas Day | Festive season |
Total: 11 public holidays. Extended weekends boost travel appeal. Verify at pmo.gov.sg/public-holidays. Australian families note: No visa needed for stays up to 90 days.
Overlaps with Australian School Holidays
Timing trips during mutual breaks minimises disruption:
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June Holidays: Singapore (1-26 Jun) aligns with all states’ winter (WA: 30 May–16 Jul; SA: 30 May–17 Jul). Fly for Sentosa beaches when Aussie kids are off.
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November/December: Singapore’s long break matches summer everywhere. Perth families get extra alignment (4 Dec–4 Feb).
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Shorter Breaks: March/April and September suit quick 4-7 day trips during Aussie term breaks or parent leave.
Non-overlaps (e.g., Singapore’s September) mean cheaper Singapore flights but busier local sites.
Family Travel Tips for 2026
Best Times to Visit
- Overlaps: June or Dec-Jan for family bonding without school stress.
- Shoulders: Late April or early October—fewer crowds, lower hotel rates (e.g., Marina Bay Sands family suites from AUD$400/night).
- Avoid: Chinese New Year (hotels surge 50%), National Day.
Flights and Costs
Directs from Australia: 4-7 hours to Changi Airport (world-class kids’ play areas). Budget: Sydney-SIN return ~AUD$600/family of 4 off-peak. Book 6 months ahead for holidays.
Top Family Activities
- Universal Studios Singapore: Thrills for all ages; holiday queues long—buy express passes.
- Night Safari/Zoo: Evening outings suit tropical heat.
- Science Centre + KidZania: Educational fun aligning with school themes.
- Hawker Centres: Affordable eats (AUD$5-10/meal); try chicken rice.
Practical Advice
- Health/Safety: Singapore is very safe; tap water drinkable. Yellow fever vax if from QLD/NT. COVID rules minimal—check SmartTravel.sg.
- Packing: Light clothes, rain gear (monsoons Nov-Mar). Download Grab app for taxis.
- Budget: AUD$200-300/day for family of 4 (flights excluded). Use EZ-Link cards for MRT.
Australian expat communities in Singapore (e.g., via InterNations) share tips.
Final Checklist
- Bookmark moe.gov.sg/school-term-dates and pmo.gov.sg.
- Cross-check with your state’s education site (e.g., education.nsw.gov.au).
- Subscribe to MOE newsletters for 2026 updates.
- Book flexible tickets—dates may adjust.
This planning ensures stress-free holidays. Safe travels!
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