Philippines Long Weekends 2026: Your Guide to the Second Half of the Year
For many Filipinos, a holiday is more than just a day off—it's an opportunity to travel, reconnect with family, or simply take a well-deserved break from work. The good news is that the second half of 2026 offers several long weekends that make it easier to plan getaways without using too many vacation leaves.
Following the release of the official 2026 holiday calendar under Proclamation No. 1006, workers and travelers can already start mapping out their schedules for the latter part of the year.
August Brings Two Consecutive Long Weekends
The first long weekend arrives on August 21–23, when Ninoy Aquino Day falls on a Friday. This creates a three-day break from Friday through Sunday.
Just one week later, Filipinos can enjoy another three-day weekend on August 29–31, thanks to National Heroes Day, which is observed on the last Monday of August.
These back-to-back opportunities make August one of the best months for domestic travel, quick beach escapes, or family reunions. Many tourism operators expect increased activity during these periods as travelers take advantage of the convenient holiday schedule.
A Long Weekend for Remembrance
The next major break comes on October 31 to November 2.
Since All Saints' Day falls on a Sunday and All Souls' Day on a Monday, Filipinos will enjoy another three-day weekend. Traditionally, this period sees millions of people travel to their hometowns to visit cemeteries and honor departed loved ones.
As one of the busiest travel periods of the year, early bookings for transportation and accommodations are often recommended.
Bonifacio Day Creates Another Three-Day Break
At the end of November, Bonifacio Day falls on a Monday, giving workers another three-day weekend from November 28 to 30.
The holiday commemorates the birth of revolutionary leader Andres Bonifacio, one of the key figures in the Philippine struggle for independence.
For those who missed the earlier long weekends, this is another ideal opportunity for a short vacation before the busy Christmas season begins.
December Offers the Longest Holiday Opportunities
The holiday season delivers the most attractive breaks of the year.
From December 24 to 27, Filipinos can enjoy a four-day weekend thanks to Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and the following weekend.
Even better, the period from December 30, 2026, to January 3, 2027 creates a potential five-day holiday stretch. Rizal Day falls on a Wednesday, followed by New Year's Eve on Thursday and New Year's Day on Friday, leading directly into the weekend.
For many employees, this will be the ideal time to take an extended vacation without consuming a large number of leave credits.
How to Maximize Your Leave Credits
One of the most strategic opportunities in the second half of the year revolves around the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 8, which falls on a Tuesday.
By filing leave for Monday, December 7, workers can turn a regular weekend into a four-day break from December 5 to 8 while using only a single vacation day.
Travel experts often recommend planning these leave days months in advance, especially when airlines and hotels begin offering early-bird promotions.
Second Half of 2026 Long Weekends at a Glance
| Dates |
Duration |
| August 21–23, 2026 |
3 days |
| August 29–31, 2026 |
3 days |
| October 31–November 2, 2026 |
3 days |
| November 28–30, 2026 |
3 days |
| December 24–27, 2026 |
4 days |
| December 30, 2026–January 3, 2027 |
5 days |
Plan Early, Travel Smarter
With six long weekends packed into the second half of 2026, Filipinos have plenty of opportunities to rest, explore new destinations, and spend time with loved ones. Whether you're planning a quick local getaway or a longer year-end vacation, securing leave approvals and bookings early could help you avoid peak-season prices and crowded schedules.
For workers looking to make the most of their time off, 2026 may be one of the most travel-friendly calendars in recent years.
To accommodate the 128th Independence Day celebrations, the MMDA will implement a six-hour road closure across several major thoroughfares in Manila on June 12, from 5:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and is advising motorists to plan their routes in advance to avoid significant traffic congestion.