How Many Days Until Easter 2026? (UK Countdown & Key Dates)
If you’re searching how many days until Easter 2026, you’re likely planning time off, checking school holidays, organising travel, or preparing for the Easter bank holiday weekend. Easter dates change every year, so getting the correct, confirmed date matters.
How many days until Easter 2026?
Easter Sunday in 2026 falls on 5 April 2026.
The exact number of days remaining depends on today’s date, which is why a live countdown is the most accurate way to track it.
Easter is especially important in the UK because it determines the timing of Good Friday and Easter Monday, two major bank holidays that shape work schedules, retail opening hours, and public transport services.
When Is Easter 2026 in the UK?
- Easter Sunday: Sunday, 5 April 2026
- Good Friday: Friday, 3 April 2026
- Easter Monday: Monday, 6 April 2026
These dates apply across the UK, although Easter Monday is not a statutory bank holiday in Scotland, even though many employers still observe it.
Why Easter 2026 Matters for Bank Holidays
Easter creates one of the longest continuous breaks of the spring for much of the UK. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Good Friday and Easter Monday combine with the weekend to form a four-day Easter break.
In Scotland, Good Friday is a bank holiday, but Easter Monday depends on employer policy, meaning the guaranteed break is usually shorter.
Because Easter impacts:
- bank closures
- shop opening times
- public transport schedules
- school holidays
many people track Easter dates months in advance.
How the Easter 2026 Date Is Calculated
Easter does not have a fixed calendar date. It is calculated based on:
- the first full moon
- following the spring equinox
As a result, Easter can fall anywhere between late March and late April. In 2026, this places Easter in early April, which is relatively early compared to some years.
Easter 2026 at a Glance
- Easter Sunday: 5 April 2026
- Long Easter weekend (most UK regions): 3–6 April 2026
- Time of year: Early spring
- Planning impact: High (travel, retail, services)
This makes Easter 2026 a key planning point in the UK holiday calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions: Easter 2026
How many days until Easter 2026?
Easter 2026 falls on Sunday, 5 April 2026. The number of days remaining depends on today’s date, which is why a live countdown gives the most accurate answer.
What date is Easter Sunday in 2026?
Easter Sunday is on 5 April 2026.
Is Easter 2026 early or late?
Easter 2026 is considered relatively early, as Easter can fall as late as April 25. In 2026, it falls in the first week of April.
When is Good Friday and Easter Monday in 2026?
- Good Friday: 3 April 2026
- Easter Monday: 6 April 2026
Both are bank holidays in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Is Easter Monday a bank holiday in Scotland in 2026?
No. Easter Monday is not a statutory bank holiday in Scotland, although many employers and schools may still observe it.
Does Easter 2026 give a four-day weekend in the UK?
Yes, in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, Easter 2026 creates a four-day weekend from Friday 3 April to Monday 6 April. In Scotland, the break may be shorter.
Why does the Easter date change every year?
Easter is based on a lunar calendar system, tied to the spring equinox and the full moon, which causes the date to change each year.
Are banks and shops closed over Easter 2026?
Most banks and government offices close on Good Friday and Easter Monday. Shop opening hours vary, with many retailers operating reduced Easter hours.
Final Thought
If you’re counting down to Easter 2026, the key date to remember is Sunday, 5 April 2026. Whether you’re planning holidays, checking bank holiday weekends, or organising family time, Easter remains one of the most important fixed points in the UK calendar despite its changing date.
