When is Easter 2026?
Easter Sunday 2026 is Sunday 5 April 2026. The Easter bank holidays are Good Friday, 3 April and Easter Monday, 6 April.
Who gets the Easter bank holidays?
| Nation | Good Friday | Easter Monday | Easter weekend |
|---|---|---|---|
| England & Wales | Yes | Yes | 4 days |
| Scotland | Yes | No | 3 days |
| Northern Ireland | Yes | Yes | 4 days |
| Republic of Ireland | No | Yes | 3 days |
Easter dates 2025–2036
| Year | Good Friday | Easter Sunday | Easter Monday |
|---|---|---|---|
| Easter 2025 | 18 April | 20 April | 21 April |
| Easter 2026 | 3 April | 5 April | 6 April |
| Easter 2027 | 26 March | 28 March | 29 March |
| Easter 2028 | 14 April | 16 April | 17 April |
| Easter 2029 | 30 March | 1 April | 2 April |
| Easter 2030 | 19 April | 21 April | 22 April |
| Easter 2031 | 11 April | 13 April | 14 April |
| Easter 2032 | 26 March | 28 March | 29 March |
| Easter 2033 | 15 April | 17 April | 18 April |
| Easter 2034 | 7 April | 9 April | 10 April |
| Easter 2035 | 23 March | 25 March | 26 March |
| Easter 2036 | 11 April | 13 April | 14 April |
Why Easter moves every year
Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after 21 March. Because it follows the moon rather than a fixed date, it can fall anywhere from 22 March to 25 April. Good Friday is always two days before and Easter Monday the day after.
That's why the Easter bank holidays can land in March one year and late April the next – and why school Easter holidays don't always line up with them.
Good Friday · Easter Monday · Is Easter Sunday a bank holiday?
Frequently asked questions
What date is Good Friday and Easter Monday in 2026?
Good Friday is Friday 3 April 2026 and Easter Monday is Monday 6 April 2026. Easter Sunday is Sunday 5 April 2026.
Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in Scotland?
No. Easter Monday is a bank holiday in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, and a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, but not in Scotland. Good Friday is a bank holiday everywhere in the UK.
Why does the date of Easter change every year?
Easter Sunday is the first Sunday after the first full moon on or after 21 March (the ecclesiastical spring equinox). That means it can fall anywhere between 22 March and 25 April, taking Good Friday and Easter Monday with it.
Why is Easter so early in 2026?
In 2026 the first full moon after 21 March comes early, so Easter Sunday falls on 5 April – towards the earliest possible date of 22 March.
Are shops open on Easter Sunday?
In England and Wales large shops (over 280 square metres) must close on Easter Sunday. Smaller shops can open. There is no Easter Sunday trading restriction in Scotland.
Never miss a long weekend
Get a short email before each bank holiday, early enough to book time off or plan a trip. Free, no spam, unsubscribe in one click.