Punjab Winter Vacations 2025-26: Latest Update on School Reopening and Weather Forecast

Punjab Winter Vacation 2026: The Punjab School Education Department has further extended the winter vacations for all government, aided, recognised and private schools across the state in view of persistent cold weather and dense fog. Earlier, on 31 December 2025, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains had announced an extension of the winter break till 7 January 2026. Now, the holidays have been extended once again till 13 January 2026.

Schools are now scheduled to reopen on 14 January 2026, subject to weather conditions. The decision has been taken in line with the directions of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Maan, prioritising the health and safety of students and school staff amid the ongoing cold wave.

Punjab School Holidays 2026: Updated Winter Vacation Schedule

• Winter Vacation Start Date: 21 December 2025

• Winter Vacation End Date (Revised/Extended): 13 January 2026

• School Reopening Date: 14 January 2026

School heads have been directed to follow the revised schedule and remain alert for any further instructions from the Education Department, as the situation will continue to be monitored in view of severe cold and fog conditions.

Also Check Punjab School Holidays List in January 2026

Weather outlook for the coming days (January 8–12, 2026):

Punjab is expected to witness dense to very dense fog on January 8, followed by dense fog at isolated places from January 9 to 12, 2026. If adverse weather continues, authorities may consider reviewing the reopening decision.

Winter vacation is one of the most awaited breaks for students, teachers, and parents in Punjab. With the official schedule already revised and the weather being closely monitored, families are advised to stay tuned for any official update on further extension or reopening.

Earlier Punjab Winter Vacations 2025-2026 Were Extended Till 7 January

On December 31, 2025, Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains shared an official update on X (formerly Twitter) confirming that all schools in the state will remain closed until January 7, 2026 due to persistent cold weather and dense fog, prioritizing the safety of students and staff. Schools were scheduled to reopen on January 8, 2026.

ਮਾਨਯੋਗ ਮੁੱਖ ਮੰਤਰੀ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਸ.ਭਗਵੰਤ ਸਿੰਘ ਮਾਨ ਜੀ ਦੇ ਦਿਸ਼ਾ ਨਿਰਦੇਸ਼ਾਂ ਅਨੁਸਾਰ, ਸੂਬੇ ਵਿੱਚ ਲਗਾਤਾਰ ਵੱਧ ਰਹੀ ਠੰਡ ਅਤੇ ਧੁੰਦ ਨੂੰ ਦੇਖਦਿਆਂ, ਬੱਚਿਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਸਟਾਫ ਦੀ ਸਿਹਤ ਅਤੇ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਨੂੰ ਧਿਆਨ ਵਿੱਚ ਰੱਖਦਿਆਂ ਸੂਬੇ ਦੇ ਸਾਰੇ ਸਰਕਾਰੀ, ਏਡਿਡ, ਮਾਨਤਾ ਪ੍ਰਾਪਤ ਅਤੇ ਪ੍ਰਾਈਵੇਟ ਸਕੂਲਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ 7 ਜਨਵਰੀ ਤੱਕ ਛੁੱਟੀਆਂ ਕੀਤੀਆਂ ਜਾਂਦੀਆਂ…

— Harjot Singh Bains (@harjotbains) December 31, 2025

Updated Winter School Timings in Punjab (2025-26)

Before announcing the vacation, the Punjab government had already revised the school timings due to dropping temperatures and shorter days.

The new timings are applicable from November 1, 2025, to February 28, 2026:

🔹 Primary Schools: 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM

🔹 Middle, High & Senior Secondary Schools: 9:00 AM to 3:20 PM

These revised timings are being followed across all government schools in the state to ensure student safety and comfort during the winter months.

Last Year’s Winter Vacation Schedule in Punjab (2024-25)

To give context to this year’s break, here’s a quick look at last year’s winter vacation dates:

• Winter Vacation 2024: 24 December 2024 to 31 December 2024

• No extension was announced, and schools reopened on January 1, 2025.

• From January 1 to January 14, 2024, schools operated with revised timings:

  • 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Comparatively, this year’s break (2025-26) is longer, offering students nearly three weeks of holidays.

Why the Winter Schedule Matters for Students and Parents

The longer winter break this year gives students the perfect chance to:

• Spend quality time with family
• Enjoy seasonal festivities
• Revise lessons for the upcoming term
• Rejuvenate after months of academic workload

Parents and guardians are advised to plan travel, childcare, and learning activities in line with the updated schedule.

Punjab Winter Vacation Highlights at a Glance

With the Punjab winter vacation dates 2025-26 now officially announced, students can look forward to a refreshing break starting December 21, 2025. Schools will reopen on January 7, 2026, and the updated winter timings will continue until February end. Stay tuned for any further updates from the Punjab School Education Department.

Also Check Punjab School Holidays List in December 2025