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Brenda.L

After completing her higher education, Brenda joined AnchorLess in 2023. She is an expert on relocation issues in Europe.

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Table of contents

How is the structure of the School year in Portugal?
What are the key school breaks in Portugal?
What are the National holidays in Portugal?
What is the school calendar for 2025–2026?
What is the school calendar for 2026–2027?
What to expect from each term in Portugal's School system?
Public vs. Private vs. International Schools in Portugal: How their calendars differ?
How long are school holidays in Portugal?
When does the summer holiday start in Portugal?
What holidays do Portuguese schools observe?
Planning ahead: tips for expat families in Portugal
Portugal's school year schedule for 2025/2026
Portugal's school year schedule for 2026/2027
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Portugal School Holidays

Portugal Residency with Children

Moving to Portugal with Kids

19/12/2024

School Holidays Portugal: From 2025 to 2027 Schedule

In this guide, you’ll get a clear, expat-friendly overview of Portugal school holidays and how the 2025/2026 and 2026/2027 school years are structured. Portugal follows a three-term calendar, with several key term holiday periods that shape family routines, most notably the Christmas holidays, the Easter holiday, and the long summer break (often the biggest planning point for childcare and travel).

You’ll also learn how this fits into basic education, and what to keep in mind if your child attends a public and private school (or an international school), since dates can be broadly consistent nationwide but still vary slightly by school.

If you’re moving to Portugal, this calendar quickly becomes practical. It helps you plan childcare, travel, and work routines, and it makes it easier to understand how basic education is organized across the year. It’s also useful to know that holiday schedules can differ between public and private schools (and international schools often set their own dates), so it’s always worth confirming with your child’s school.

Below, we break down each term and every main school break Portugal families should expect, including summer holidays, so you can plan your year with confidence.

How is the structure of the School year in Portugal?

The school year in Portugal is divided into three terms. This creates manageable study periods with clear pauses in between, which helps students stay engaged and gives families predictable windows for rest and travel.

For expats, this structure is also a practical guide to how basic education is organized (especially in public schools): the year begins in mid-September, learning builds steadily through winter and early spring, and then the year wraps up in June, earlier for exam years.

This structure helps students stay engaged and prevents burnout.

First Term (start of the academic year)

Start: Mid September
End: Mid December
Focus: Setting the foundation for the year. This term is heavily focused on introducing core subjects and routines.

Second Term (mid-year consolidation)

Start: Beginning of January.
End: Beginning of Spring.
Focus: Consolidating learning from the first term and preparing for assessments. This term includes Carnival celebrations, which are often part of the cultural curriculum.

Third Term (end of the academic year)

Start: Mid April.
End: Some point in June (as older as the kid is, as later in June it will be their final day)
Focus: Wrapping up the curriculum, assessments, and end-of-year activities. For older students, this term includes preparation for national exams.

What are the key school breaks in Portugal?

Portugal’s school calendar includes three major breaks, providing families with opportunities to rest and regroup.

Christmas Break:
Dates: Mid December to beginning of January.
Purpose: Allows students and families to celebrate the festive season.
Carnival Break:
Dates: Beginning of Lent.
Purpose: Coincides with national Carnival festivities, a major cultural event in Portugal.
Easter Break:
Dates: End of Lent = Easter.
Purpose: Provides rest and prepares students for the final stretch of the school year.

What are the National holidays in Portugal?

National holidays, which frequently coincide with important cultural or religious events, result in the closure of schools. All across the country, these dates remain fixed:

October 5: Republic Day
November 1: All Saints’ Day
December 1: Restoration of Independence Day
December 8: Immaculate Conception Day
December 25: Christmas Day
January 1: New Year’s Day
February 25: Carnival is observed on Tuesday, often accompanied by a school break.
April 3: Good Friday
April 25: Freedom Day
May 1: Labour Day
June 10: Portugal Day

Municipal holidays in Portugal

While the above dates are national, each municipality also observes local holidays, reflecting its unique traditions. For instance:

Lisbon: St. Anthony’s Day (June 13).
Porto: St. John’s Day (June 24).

Families must consult their local municipality's calendar to determine school closures for these holidays.

What is the school calendar for 2025–2026?

Term dates (2025–2026)

First Term: starts between September 11–15, 2025, and runs until mid-December 2025.

This is the “settling in” term: routines, core subjects, and the foundations for the year.

Second Term: starts January 5, 2026, and runs to late March 2026.

This is the consolidation phase, more assessments, steady progress, and Carnival usually falls inside this term.

Third Term: starts April 13, 2026, and ends in June (or late June for younger children).

This is the final stretch: end-of-year projects, final assessments, and exam preparation for older students.

When do schools in Portugal close for holidays? (2025–2026)

This is where most families focus, because these breaks define your year-to-year planning:

Christmas holidays: December 16, 2025 – January 5, 2026
Carnival break (school break Portugal): February 16–18, 2026
Easter holiday: March 30 – April 10, 2026
Summer break / summer holidays: begins in June 2026 (exact date depends on the year group)

What are the school holiday dates in Portugal for the end of the year? (2025/2026)

Portugal does not have one single “last day of school” for everyone. The finishing date depends on the grade, largely due to exams:

June 5, 2026: 9th, 11th, and 12th grades (exam years finish earlier)
June 12, 2026: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 10th grades
June 30, 2026: Pre-school and 1st cycle (1st–4th grades)

This is why you may hear families say the summer break “starts in early June,” it does for some students, but not all.

What is the school calendar for 2026–2027?

The broad structure stays the same: three terms, with the same core breaks.

When Portugal school holidays happen (2026–2027)

First day of school: typically September 11–15, 2026
Christmas holidays: December 16, 2026 – January 3, 2027
Carnival break: February 8–10, 2027
Easter holiday: March 22 – April 2, 2027
Summer holidays: begin in June 2027, depending on year group

End-of-year dates (2026–2027)

June 4, 2027: 9th, 11th, and 12th grades
June 11, 2027: 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th, and 10th grades
June 30, 2027: Pre-school and 1st cycle (1st–4th grades)

What to expect from each term in Portugal's School system?

First Term

Highlights: A fresh start for students, establishing routines, and introducing new subjects.
Important Dates: Schools often organize parent-teacher meetings and initial evaluations.
Challenges for Families: Adjusting to schedules and preparing for early school activities.

Second Term

Highlights: A continuation of the curriculum, with significant progress made in core subjects.
Carnival: Celebrated with school events or small parades.
Important Dates: Typically, mid-year assessments are held here.

Third Term

Highlights: Finalizing the curriculum, project presentations, and preparing for exams.
National Exams: For older students (9th, 11th, and 12th grades), these exams are critical for progression and university applications.
End-of-Year Activities: Preschool and younger students may participate in closing celebrations.

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Public vs. Private vs. International Schools in Portugal: How their calendars differ?

Public schools calendar in Portugal

Public schools in Portugal operate strictly under the national school calendar defined by the Ministry of Education.

The Ministry of Education divides the school year into three terms, each with fixed start and end dates, to ensure consistency throughout the country.

The holidays (Christmas, Carnival, Easter) and term breaks apply universally to public schools.

Considerations for immigrants:

Public schools follow the same national calendar, so planning holidays and breaks is straightforward.
Local holidays: Public schools observe closures on municipal holidays, depending on the location. Families should verify these dates specific to their municipality.
The national calendar offers opportunities for non-native speakers to integrate language support during term time because the curriculum is entirely in Portuguese.

Private schools calendar in Portugal

Private schools in Portugal often align their calendars with the national school calendar, but they have some flexibility.

These institutions may slightly adjust the start and end of terms or introduce additional midterm breaks. Most still respect national holidays and the three-term structure.

Advantages for families:

Slightly extended breaks: Some private schools add days around national holidays or term breaks, offering more flexibility for families.
Custom schedules: Parents should verify individual school calendars, as adjustments can affect travel plans or family scheduling.

International schools calendar in Portugal

International schools have more autonomy over their academic calendars. While many adhere to the three-term structure, their start and end dates can differ significantly from the public school calendar.

Terms often start earlier in September and may conclude by late June, especially for British and American curricula. These schools observe national holidays but are less likely to align with municipal ones.

Main Features for Immigrants:

Flexibility: International schools offer varying schedules, which may better accommodate expat families' needs.
Popular Schools:
St. Julian's School (Lisbon) follows the British calendar, starting in early September.
The British School of Lisbon follows the same term dates as UK schools.
The Carlucci American International School of Lisbon (CAISL) aligns with the American school system and ends earlier in the summer.

For public and private schools, use the national calendar as your base, then confirm details directly with your school.

How long are school holidays in Portugal?

Portugal typically has fewer short breaks during the year than some countries, but a longer summer break. In practical terms, families usually plan around:

Christmas holidays: about 2 weeks
Easter holiday: about 2 weeks
Carnival: 2–3 days
Summer holidays: roughly 2–3 months, depending on year group

When do schools in Portugal close for holidays?

Schools in Portugal typically close for holidays during four main periods in the school year:

Christmas holidays: usually mid-December to early January (about two weeks).
Carnival break: usually 2–3 days in February (around Carnival Tuesday).
Easter holiday: usually late March/early April (about two weeks).
Summer break (summer holidays): starts in June and runs until mid-September (the longest break).

On top of that, schools also close on national public holidays (like April 25, May 1, June 10) and sometimes on municipal holidays that depend on the city (for example, Lisbon: June 13, Porto: June 24).

Private and international schools often follow the same general pattern, but they may adjust dates slightly, so the safest step is always to confirm the exact calendar with your school.

When does the summer holiday start in Portugal?

The summer holidays start in June, but the date depends on the student’s grade:

Exam years often finish first (early June)
Other years finish mid-June
Younger children (pre-school and early primary) often finish end of June

If you’re booking travel or arranging childcare, always plan based on your child’s year group, not only the general “summer break” label.

What holidays do Portuguese schools observe?

Portuguese schools generally observe three “layers” of holidays:

Main school holidays (term breaks)

These are the core breaks in the national school calendar:

Christmas holidays (mid-December to early January)
Carnival break (2–3 days around Carnival, usually in February)
Easter holiday (around two weeks, March/April)
Summer holidays (June to mid-September, with start dates varying by year group)

National public holidays (schools typically close)

These are countrywide days off. Some are fixed dates; others move each year:

New Year’s Day (Jan 1)
Good Friday (movable)
Easter Sunday (movable; falls during Easter period)
Freedom Day (Apr 25)
Labour Day (May 1)
Corpus Christi (movable)
Portugal Day (Jun 10)
Assumption of Mary (Aug 15)
Republic Day (Oct 5)
All Saints’ Day (Nov 1)
Restoration of Independence (Dec 1)
Immaculate Conception (Dec 8)
Christmas Day (Dec 25)

Municipal (local) holidays

Many municipalities have a local holiday, and schools in that area may close. Two well-known examples:

Lisbon: St. Anthony’s Day (Jun 13)
Porto: St. John’s Day (Jun 24)

Public schools reliably follow the national calendar plus public/municipal holidays. Private and international schools often observe the same public holidays, but can set slightly different term dates, so it’s best to confirm with the school’s published calendar.

Regarding municipal holidays always consider the city the school is located. For example, the town's feast day in Faro or Almancil, in the Algarve, is different from Loulé's feast day (where most international schools are located in the region).

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What to know about calendars in each type of school?

Public schools follow a standardized calendar, making it easier for families to plan around national and local holidays.
Private schools align largely with the public calendar but may introduce minor variations.
International schools offer greater flexibility but might require closer attention to specific term dates and holiday schedules.

For families navigating school choices, understanding how each system structures its calendar is vital for planning vacations, coordinating work schedules, and ensuring seamless integration into the Portuguese lifestyle.

Planning ahead: tips for expat families in Portugal

Term Alignment: Knowing the term dates allows families to schedule vacations and plan childcare during breaks.
National and Local Holidays: Plan ahead to avoid surprises with municipal holidays.
End-of-Year Activities: For families with students in exam years, prioritize exam dates when planning trips.
Break Utilization: Use school breaks for travel or cultural immersion to enrich your child’s experience in Portugal.

Portugal's school year schedule for 2025/2026

Period	Dates (2025–2026)	Notes
School year starts	11–15 Sep 2025	Start day can vary by school/local authority.
1st Term	11–15 Sep → 15 Dec 2025	Teaching period (Term 1 ends before Christmas break).
Christmas holidays	16 Dec 2025 → 5 Jan 2026	Main winter break (Christmas + New Year).
2nd Term	6 Jan → 29 Mar 2026	Teaching period (Term 2).
Carnival break	16–18 Feb 2026	Short break (often 2–3 school days).
Easter holiday	30 Mar → 10 Apr 2026	Main spring break (about 2 weeks).
3rd Term	13 Apr → Jun 2026	Teaching period (Term 3 end varies by year group).
Last day of school (Years/Grades 9, 11, 12)	5 Jun 2026	Exam years typically finish earlier.
Last day of school (Years/Grades 5, 6, 7, 8, 10)	12 Jun 2026	Standard end date for these years.
Last day of school (Pre-school + Years/Grades 1–4)	30 Jun 2026	Younger years stay longer.
Summer holidays (summer break)	From June 2026 → mid-Sep 2026	Starts earlier for exam years; school usually resumes mid-September.

Portugal's school year schedule for 2026/2027

Period	Dates (2026–2027)	Notes
School year starts	11–15 Sep 2026	Start day can vary by school/local authority.
1st Term	Mid-Sep → mid-Dec 2026	Teaching period (exact term-end date may vary slightly by school/calendar).
Christmas holidays	16 Dec 2026 → 3 Jan 2027	Main winter break (Christmas + New Year).
2nd Term	Early Jan → late Mar 2027	Teaching period (often starts the first working days after Jan 1).
Carnival break	8–10 Feb 2027	Short break (often 2–3 school days).
Easter holiday	22 Mar → 2 Apr 2027	Main spring break (about 2 weeks).
3rd Term	Early Apr → Jun 2027	Teaching period (Term 3 end varies by year group).
Last day of school (Years/Grades 9, 11, 12)	4 Jun 2027	Exam years typically finish earlier.
Last day of school (Years/Grades 5, 6, 7, 8, 10)	11 Jun 2027	Standard end date for these years.
Last day of school (Pre-school + Years/Grades 1–4)	30 Jun 2027	Younger years stay longer.
Summer holidays (summer break)	From June 2027 → mid-Sep 2027	Starts earlier for exam years; school usually resumes mid-September.

How can AnchorLess help you?

Our team is always available to guide you on your search for an adequate school for your children!

We are happy to share partners or services that will assist you in making the right choice for your family's education.

As for services, we have several options that can help you navigate the bureaucracy of transfering kids. We have our NIF service (including NIF for children), translation and notarization, and our document review, if you feel the need of a lawyer's assistance when signing contracts.

Final thoughts

Once you understand the three terms, the major Portugal school holidays, and the difference between public and private calendars, the Portuguese school year becomes very straightforward.

Keep an eye on your school’s announcements (especially if your child attends a private or international school), and double-check municipal holidays in your area.

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