New Year 2026 Calendar: Know the Number of Days in Each Month and the Origin of Month Lengths
The New Year 2026 has begun with a 31-day month; there will be exactly seven months this year which consist of 31 days, mirroring the length of January. On the other hand, four months this year have exactly 30 days. These are April, June, September, and November. Scroll below to know the 7-4-1 distribution, which led to the standardisation of the yearly calendar.
Mumbai, January 10: As 2026 begins, the Gregorian calendar once again follows its ancient rhythm of alternating month lengths, providing a total of 365 days across twelve months. In 2026, exactly seven months will consist of 31 days, mirroring the length of January. This predictable structure remains a cornerstone for global scheduling, financial planning, and academic cycles, as the year remains a "common year" without the addition of a leap day in February.
The 31-Day 'Long Months' Are
A total of seven months in 2026 boast the maximum length of 31 days. These months are consistent with the established Gregorian system and are distributed across the four quarters of the year. Holiday Calendar 2026: Month-Wise List of Public Holidays in India and Long Weekends.
Months with 31 days in 2026:
January: The year starts with 31 days.
March: Follows the short month of February.
May: The final long month of the first half of the year.
July & August: The only two consecutive months with 31 days.
October: Providing an extra day during the harvest season.
December: Closing the year with a 31-day countdown.
Comparison Table for 2026 With 31, 30 and 28 Days
| Category | Months | Total Days |
| Long Months | Jan, Mar, May, July, Aug, Oct, Dec | 31 Days |
| Standard Months | April, June, September, November | 30 Days |
| Short Month | February | 28 Days |
Comparing 30-Day and Short Months
In contrast to the seven long months, the remaining five months of 2026 are shorter, split between standard 30-day periods and the uniquely short February.
The 30-Day Quartet: Four months in 2026 have exactly 30 days. These are April, June, September, and November. This pattern is often remembered through the popular mnemonic rhyme: "Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November."
The February Exception: As 2026 is not a leap year (the next being 2028), February will have only 28 days.
Notably, February 2026 has gained attention on social media as a "Perfect February." Because it has exactly 28 days and begins on a Sunday, the month fits into a perfect four-week grid on many calendar layouts, with each weekday occurring exactly four times. Bank Holidays in January 2026: From Mannam Jayanthi to Makar Sankranti and Republic Day, Banks To Remain Closed for 16 Days Next Month; Check Full List Here.
The Origin of Month Lengths
The variation in month lengths is a legacy of the Roman calendar's evolution into the Julian and later Gregorian systems. Originally, months were designed to roughly align with the lunar cycle (approximately 29.5 days), but were later adjusted to fit the 365.25-day solar year.
The decision to have 31 days in certain months was historically influenced by political and religious reforms in ancient Rome, eventually leading to the standardised 7-4-1 distribution: seven months of 31 days, four months of 30 days, and one month of 28 or 29 days.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 10, 2026 09:07 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).