Easter is a special time for family, reflection, and celebration. Knowing the dates well in advance helps you plan the perfect long weekend. Because the date of Easter changes every year, it can be tricky to keep track of when the bank holiday actually happens.
In 2026, Easter Monday falls on the 6th of April. This spring date gives you plenty of time to organise a relaxing bank holiday getaway, arrange family gatherings, or prepare to support loved ones abroad. Planning ahead means you can secure the best travel deals and ensure your holiday goes smoothly.
Whether you are booking flights to visit relatives or planning to send a special Easter gift back home, having the exact dates circled on your calendar makes everything easier. Let us look at everything you need to know about the Easter bank holiday in 2026, how the dates are chosen, and how you can prepare for a wonderful weekend.
Key Easter dates for 2026
The Easter weekend spans four days in the UK, providing a welcome break for many workers and students. To help you plan your time off, here are the key dates for the Easter period in 2026:
- Good Friday: 3 April 2026
- Easter Sunday: 5 April 2026
- Easter Monday: 6 April 2026
For those living in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, both Good Friday and Easter Monday are public bank holidays. In Scotland, Good Friday is a bank holiday, but Easter Monday is generally not, although some local councils and businesses do observe it.
How is the date of Easter decided?
You might wonder why Easter falls on a different date each year. Unlike Christmas, which is always on the 25th of December, Easter is a movable feast. Its date is tied to the lunar cycle and the changing of the seasons.
The rule for determining the date of Easter was established centuries ago. Easter Sunday is always the first Sunday after the first full moon that occurs on or after the vernal equinox (the first day of spring). Because the lunar calendar does not align perfectly with the standard Gregorian calendar, the date can shift anywhere between late March and late April.
In 2026, the first full moon after the spring equinox happens in early April, placing Easter Sunday on the 5th of April, and Easter Monday on the 6th of April.
Making the most of your Easter bank holiday
The four-day Easter weekend is one of the most popular times for travel and family events in the UK. Because the dates are known well in advance, you can use this time strategically.
Many people use the Easter weekend to maximise their annual leave. By booking just four days off work leading up to Good Friday, or the four days after Easter Monday, you can enjoy a continuous ten-day holiday. This makes it an ideal time for an international trip or a long staycation.
If you are planning to travel, booking your transport and accommodation early is highly recommended. Trains and flights fill up quickly, and early booking often guarantees better prices and more convenient travel times.
Celebrating Easter Monday around the world
Easter Monday is celebrated in many different ways across the globe. Understanding these traditions is important, especially if you have friends or family living overseas.
In Italy, Easter Monday is known as La Pasquetta (Little Easter). It is traditionally a day for spending time outdoors, enjoying a picnic in the countryside with family and friends. In Poland and other parts of Eastern Europe, people celebrate Śmigus-dyngus, also known as Wet Monday, where people playfully splash water on one another to symbolise the arrival of spring.
No matter where your loved ones are, the Easter period is a time of connection. Even if you cannot be there in person, you can still participate in the celebrations from afar.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in the UK?
Yes, Easter Monday is a public bank holiday in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. In Scotland, it is not a national bank holiday, though some businesses and schools may still close depending on local council rules.
Can I send money internationally on Easter Monday?
Yes, you can send money internationally at any time using a digital transfer service. Because banks may be closed on the public holiday, digital apps allow you to initiate transfers 24/7. Your funds will be delivered securely using convenient delivery options, such as mobile money, cash pickup, or direct bank deposit.
Why does the Easter date change every year?
Easter is tied to the lunar calendar rather than the solar calendar. It is calculated to fall on the first Sunday after the first full moon following the spring equinox. This means the exact date changes every year.
Start planning your 2026 Easter weekend today
With Easter Monday falling on the 6th of April 2026, you have plenty of time to get your plans in order. From booking your family holiday to ensuring your loved ones abroad have what they need to celebrate, early preparation makes all the difference.
When it comes to supporting your family overseas, trust is the most important factor. Download the Remitly app today to see how simple, safe, and transparent international money transfers can be.