Weekend Monthly Starts in 2026: List of Months Starting on Saturday or Sunday
In 2026, four months - February, March, August, and November - kick off on a weekend. Notably, March 1 falls on a Sunday, mirroring February's start due to the 28-day common year cycle. This alignment allows for strategic travel planning, such as a four-day mega-weekend for Holi. Scroll below to know more.
New Delhi, February 20: As the 2026 calendar unfolds, a distinct rhythmic pattern has emerged for planners and professionals: exactly four months this year begin on a weekend. These "weekend kickoffs" - months where the 1st date or day of the month falls on a Saturday or Sunday - are significant for the travel industry and corporate scheduling, often creating natural "slow starts" to the new month. This phenomenon is particularly notable in March, where the first of the month aligns perfectly with a Sunday.
The 'Weekend Starters' of 2026
The 2026 Gregorian calendar identifies four specific months that provide an immediate transition into a break. One month begins on a Saturday, while the other three commence on a Sunday. Bank Holiday 2026 List: RBI Releases Month-Wise Bank Holidays Calendar for New Year; Check Dates.
Weekend Kickoffs in 2026
| Month | Starting Date | Day of the Week |
| February | February 1 | Sunday |
| March | March 1 | Sunday |
| August | August 1 | Saturday |
| November | November 1 | Sunday |
Note: While preliminary 2026 planners highlight November 1 as a Sunday, the most unique feature of the 2026 calendar is the back-to-back Sunday starts for February and March.
The February-March 'Mirror' Effect
Perhaps the most intriguing astronomical quirk of 2026 is that March 1 falls on a Sunday, exactly matching the start day of February. Because 2026 is a common year (not a leap year), February contains exactly 28 days - exactly four full weeks. This creates a "mirror effect" where every date in February falls on the same day of the week as the corresponding date in March. For instance, if February 14 is a Saturday, March 14 will also be a Saturday. For businesses, this simplifies short-term recurring scheduling, though it often leads to a "double-start" psychological feel for the spring season. Eid Al Fitr 2026 in UAE: Expected Dates, Public Holiday Break and How to Maximise Your Long Weekend.
Impact on Travel and Long Weekends
The Sunday start for March 1 has significant implications for holiday planning in India. Since March 1 is a Sunday, it immediately precedes the festive window for Holi, which falls on Wednesday, March 4. By taking a two day of leave on Monday, March 2 and Tuesday, March 3, travellers can secure a four-day "mega-weekend" right at the month's inception. Industry experts report that such alignments typically see a 20 per cent spike in hotel bookings and short-haul domestic flights compared to months that begin mid-week.
Strategic Planning for the Year Ahead
With August 1 also falling on a Saturday, the year continues its trend of weekend-centric milestones. August is traditionally a heavy holiday month in India; with the 1st being a Saturday, it sets a precedent for a month where several major observances, including Independence Day and Raksha Bandhan, fall near or on weekends. For the corporate sector, these weekend starts often mean that "Month-One" meetings and targets are pushed to the 2nd or 3rd of the month, providing employees with a brief reprieve before the workload intensifies.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 20, 2026 10:51 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).