Long weekends and vacation planning in Latvia 2026
With strategic vacation planning in Latvia in 2026, six days of annual leave can turn into 24 consecutive days off. The best opportunity is in June, when Līgo and Jāņi (23 and 24 June) fall on a Tuesday and Wednesday — taking three leave days (Friday before, Monday–Tuesday after) creates a 9-day stretch. Another excellent opening: 4 May falls on a Monday and 1 May on a Friday, with the weekend in between creating an automatic 4-day break.
Under Article 149 of Latvia's Labour Law, every employee is entitled to an annual paid leave of at least four calendar weeks — 28 calendar days (not counting public holidays). If a public holiday falls during your leave period, it is not counted as a leave day — your vacation is effectively extended by one day.
Frequently asked questions
How much annual leave does Latvia provide? ▾
Under Article 149 of Latvia's Labour Law, every employee is entitled to an annual paid leave of at least four calendar weeks — 28 calendar days. Public holidays that fall during a leave period are not counted as leave days. Certain categories of workers (e.g. teachers, academic staff) have extended leave of up to 8 calendar weeks.
What's the best long-weekend opportunity in 2026? ▾
The best opportunity is the Līgo–Jāņi week in June. Because Līgo Day falls on a Tuesday (23 June) and Jāņi on a Wednesday (24 June), taking 3 days of leave — Friday (19 June), Monday (22 June) and Thursday–Friday (25–26 June) — produces 9 consecutive days off. This is the best ratio in Latvia in 2026: a 3-day investment yielding 9 days off.
Does a public holiday extend your annual leave? ▾
Yes! Under Article 149(3) of the Labour Law, a public holiday that falls during your leave period is not counted as a leave day. This means your leave is effectively extended by one day for each public holiday that falls within it. That is why timing your vacation around public holidays is so rewarding — you get more free time without spending extra leave days.
Does Latvia have "substitute days off"? ▾
Partially. Under Article 1.1 of the Law on Holidays, if 4 May (Restoration of Independence Day) or 18 November (Proclamation Day) falls on a weekend, the following Monday is designated as a day off. For other public holidays this rule does not apply. In 2026 the substitution is not triggered, as 4 May falls on a Monday and 18 November on a Wednesday.
What is the smartest way to plan your leave in 2026? ▾
The most efficient 2026 strategy: use 6 days of annual leave to get 24 days off. Focus on four periods: (1) Easter long weekend in April (4 free days — Good Friday + Easter weekend + Easter Monday); (2) the Līgo–Jāņi mega week in June (3 days = 9 off); (3) Proclamation Day week in November (4 days = 9 off); (4) Christmas period (2 days = 9 off). Combined — 9 days invested can yield 31 days off if you also ride New Year.
Do smaller companies usually offer "bridge days"? ▾
In Latvia, a 'bridge day' — a day between a public holiday and a weekend — is not automatic. It is not mandated by law. However, many employers offer employees the chance to use one: either as a day of leave, or as a make-up day (e.g. working a Saturday to earn the bridge day). The Cabinet of Ministers may occasionally issue a decree for the public sector establishing a 'rescheduled workday' — watch the news for such cases.