Public Holidays in Lesotho 2026
10 listed public holiday dates in 2026
Lesotho's national holidays combine Christian dates with statehood and royal commemorations, including Moshoeshoe's Day and the King's Birthday.
Lesotho Public Holidays 2026
| Date | Day | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Jan 1 | Thursday | New Year's Day |
| Mar 11 | Wednesday | Moshoeshoe's Day |
| Apr 3 | Friday | Good Friday |
| Apr 6 | Monday | Easter Monday |
| May 1 | Friday | Workers' Day |
| May 25 | Monday | Africa Day |
| Jul 17 | Friday | King's Birthday |
| Oct 4 | Sunday | Independence Day |
| Dec 25 | Friday | Christmas Day |
| Dec 26 | Saturday | Boxing Day |
The listed 2027 dates follow the standard national calendar; substitute days can be announced separately.
Moshoeshoe's Day and Independence 2026
Moshoeshoe's Day on 11 March honors King Moshoeshoe I, founder of the Basotho nation. Independence Day is fixed on 4 October.
Holiday Rules in Lesotho
Most holidays are fixed Gregorian dates, while Good Friday and Easter Monday move with Easter. Weekend treatment should be checked against government notices where an observed weekday is required.
Lesotho Holiday Calendar: What to Know
- Independence Day is 4 October.
- Moshoeshoe's Day is 11 March.
- The King's Birthday is 17 July.
- Driving is on the left.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Lesotho Independence Day?
It is observed on 4 October.
What is Moshoeshoe's Day?
It honors King Moshoeshoe I and is observed on 11 March.
When is the King's Birthday?
It is observed on 17 July.
Does Lesotho use daylight saving time?
No. Lesotho remains on UTC+2 year-round.
Sources & methodology
View sources used for this page
Official Lesotho diplomatic mission calendar listing 2026 national holidays.
Independent calendar cross-check used for date, weekday and observed-day review. Government notices and statutory rules take precedence where they differ.
Source hierarchy: government, statutory or institutional material is the primary reference. Timeanddate is retained only as an independent cross-check; later official declarations take precedence.