When is May half-term in the UK?

In 2026, May half-term runs from 22 May 2026 (earliest, in Scotland) to 29 May 2026 (latest, in England). Dates vary by nation.

Which dates are most expensive during the May half-term?

The peak window is 25 May – 29 May 2026, when at least 80% of UK schools are off at the same time. Avoid these dates if you're booking without children.

When is May half-term 2026 in the UK?

When is May half-term?

22 May to 29 May 2026

Earliest start: Scotland. Latest end: England. Different UK nations break up on different dates.

Dates by UK nation

Nation	Upcoming dates
England	25 May – 29 May 2026 · 31 May – 4 Jun 2027
Scotland	22 May – 25 May 2026 · 27 May – 1 Jun 2027
Wales	25 May – 29 May 2026 · 31 May – 4 Jun 2027
Northern Ireland	Not available

May half-term is anchored to the late May bank holiday Monday and is broadly aligned across the four UK nations, though exact start and end days vary. Combined with the bank holiday, it produces the biggest single-week demand spike of the spring.

The week immediately after May half-term, early June, is consistently one of the cheapest weeks of the year for Mediterranean travel. Weather is reliable, but UK demand has evaporated.

Also searched for as: whitsun, spring bank holiday week or late may break.

Dates are based on term dates published by 218 UK local authorities and devolved education bodies. Individual schools, particularly academies in England, may set their own dates within the local authority window. Always confirm specific dates before booking.