May is traditionally one of the most pleasant months in Kazakhstan. Warm spring weather, trips outdoors, and a series of public holidays make it possible to take an official break from work for nearly half the month.
The calendar includes several holidays and an additional day off for Eid al-Adha. This creates long weekends and makes it easier to plan trips or a short vacation in advance.
How many days off there are in May
The number of days off depends on your work schedule:
• with a five-day workweek: 14 days off and 17 working days
• with a six-day workweek: 9 days off and 22 working days
Due to public holidays, May becomes one of the shortest months in terms of working days.
Public holidays in May 2026
The following holidays are observed during the month:
• May 1 (Friday) — Unity Day of the People of Kazakhstan
• May 7 (Thursday) — Defender of the Fatherland Day
• May 9 (Saturday) — Victory Day
• May 27 (Wednesday) — first day of Eid al-Adha
Note: The date of Eid al-Adha depends on the lunar calendar and may change.
Unity Day of the People of Kazakhstan
The month begins with a long weekend.
• For those on a five-day workweek: days off on May 1, 2, and 3 (Friday, Saturday, Sunday).
• For those on a six-day workweek: May 1 — day off, May 2 — working day, May 3 — day off (Sunday).
Defender of the Fatherland Day and Victory Day
The longest stretch of time off in 2026 is connected to May 7 and May 9. In this case, holiday transfer rules apply.
Since May 9 (Victory Day) falls on a Saturday, under Kazakhstan law the day off is moved to the next working day — Monday, May 11.
Schedule for a five-day workweek:
• May 7 (Thursday) — day off
• May 8 (Friday) — the only working day in this period
• May 9, 10, 11 (Sat, Sun, Mon) — three consecutive days off due to the transfer
For a six-day workweek, the transfer does not apply:
• May 7 — day off
• May 8 — working day
• May 9 and 10 — days off
• May 11 — working day
Eid al-Adha
At the end of the month, there is another important date — the first day of Eid al-Adha. It is preliminarily set for May 27 (Wednesday).
Note: The official date will be confirmed closer to the holiday by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kazakhstan based on the lunar calendar.
Important dates without days off
Don’t forget to congratulate your family and colleagues on professional observances:
• May 10 (second Sunday of the month) — Mother’s Day
• May 17 — Communications Workers’ Day
• May 20 — Metrology Workers’ Day
• May 21 — Culture and Arts Workers’ Day
• May 31 (last Sunday of the month) — Chemical Industry Workers’ Day
• May 31 — Day of Remembrance of Victims of Political Repressions and Famine
See the full calendar of public holidays and days off for 2026 here.