Your Comprehensive Guide to 13 Long Weekends in 2025: Discover opportunities for long holidays and ideas for what to do with them
The year 2025 is a treasure trove for travelers, offering several long weekends perfect for mini getaways. With just a little planning and a few strategic leave days, you can maximize your holidays to explore vibrant destinations, immerse yourself in cultural festivals, or simply relax. Here’s your comprehensive guide to the long weekends in 2025, complete with dates, tips for leave planning, and travel suggestions.
January: Kite Festivals and Desert Wonders
Dates:
- Saturday, January 11
- Sunday, January 12
- Monday, January 13 (Take a leave day)
- Tuesday, January 14 (Pongal, Makar Sankranti)
How it works: By taking leave on Monday, January 13, you get a four-day weekend to start the year with a memorable adventure.
Travel Ideas:
Domestic: Celebrate the Kite Festival in Jaipur, shop at Johri Bazaar, or experience the Rann Utsav in Gujarat.
International: Witness the vibrant Chinese New Year in Hong Kong or go on a wildlife safari in South Africa’s Kruger National Park.
March: Colors, Mountains, and Cherry Blossoms
First Long Weekend:
- Thursday, March 13 (Holika Dahan)
- Friday, March 14 (Holi)
- Saturday, March 15
- Sunday, March 16
Second Long Weekend:
- Saturday, March 29
- Sunday, March 30
- Monday, March 31 (Eid-Ul-Fitr)
How it works: No additional leave required for either weekend – these holidays align perfectly for stress-free travel planning.
Travel Ideas:
Domestic: Celebrate Holi in Vrindavan’s Bankey Bihari Temple or head to Dalhousie for serene mountain views.
International: Catch the cherry blossoms in Japan or sip craft beers on Vietnam’s Bui Vien Street.
April: Blooming Gardens and Easter Escapes
First Long Weekend:
- Thursday, April 10 (Mahavir Jayanti)
- Friday, April 11 (Take a leave day)
- Saturday, April 12
- Sunday, April 13 (Vaisakhi)
Second Long Weekend:
- Friday, April 18 (Good Friday)
- Saturday, April 19
- Sunday, April 20 (Easter)
How it works: Use April 11 as a leave day to enjoy the first long weekend or stick to the second weekend with no leave required.
Travel Ideas:
Domestic: Explore the Tulip Festival in Srinagar, surf in Kovalam, or trek through the hills of Mussoorie.
International: Take a hot air balloon ride in Cappadocia or explore the historic streets of Galle, Sri Lanka.
May: Spring Adventures
Dates:
- Saturday, May 10
- Sunday, May 11
- Monday, May 12 (Buddha Purnima)
How it works: A natural three-day weekend to recharge and explore.
Travel Ideas:
Domestic: Stargaze under clear skies in Spiti Valley or experience the thrill of white-water rafting in Rishikesh.
International: Unwind at Bali’s Potato Head Beach Club or retreat to Bhutan’s serene Paro Valley.
August: Independence and Bioluminescent Wonders
Dates:
- Friday, August 15 (Independence Day)
- Saturday, August 16
- Sunday, August 17
How it works: This three-day weekend is a great time to explore both cultural and natural attractions.
Travel Ideas:
Domestic: Take a boat ride on Lake Pichola in Udaipur or witness the magical bioluminescent forests of Goa’s Chorla Ghats.
International: Cruise along Italy’s Amalfi Coast or enjoy Ibiza’s legendary nightlife.
September: Monsoon Magic and Tranquil Retreats
Dates:
- Friday, September 5 (Onam, Id-e-Milad)
- Saturday, September 6
- Sunday, September 7
How it works: A natural three-day weekend ideal for rejuvenation.
Travel Ideas:
Domestic: Visit Puri for spiritual and beachside bliss, hike through the coffee estates of Chikmagalur, or relax in Kodaikanal.
International: Indulge in shopping in Abu Dhabi or explore Oman’s natural swimming pools.
October: Festivities and Wildlife Adventures
First Long Weekend:
- Wednesday, October 1 (Maha Navami)
- Thursday, October 2 (Dussehra, Gandhi Jayanti)
- Friday, October 3 (Take a leave day)
- Saturday, October 4
- Sunday, October 5
Second Long Weekend:
- Saturday, October 18
- Sunday, October 19
- Monday, October 20 (Diwali)
Third Long Weekend:
- Thursday, October 23 (Bhai Dooj)
- Friday, October 24 (Take a leave day)
- Saturday, October 25
- Sunday, October 26
How it works: Combining holidays with leave days creates three long weekends this month.
Travel Ideas:
Domestic: Go on wildlife safaris in Kaziranga or explore Munnar’s Tea Museum.
International: Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival in China or enjoy a crisp autumn in New York.
December: Year-End Festivities and Winter Escapes
Dates:
- Thursday, December 25 (Christmas)
- Friday, December 26 (Take a leave day)
- Saturday, December 27
- Sunday, December 28
How it works: A four-day weekend to end the year with festive cheer and relaxation.
Travel Ideas:
Domestic: Bask in the sun in Goa or experience the winter magic of Shillong’s cherry blossoms.
International: Shop in Switzerland’s Christmas markets or unwind on the Maldives’ pristine beaches.
Make 2025 Unforgettable
With so many long weekends, 2025 is a golden opportunity for travel enthusiasts. Start planning now to make the most of these holidays and create lasting memories.
