Baku School Holidays 2025–2026

For parents and students who struggle to keep track of term breaks and public holidays, this guide consolidates all information in one place. Whether you’re organising family trips, planning holiday camps, or scheduling study time, here’s your complete overview of the Baku school holidays, including public holidays, term dates, and international school calendars for 2025–2026.

Introduction

The school holidays 2025–2026 in Baku combine Azerbaijan’s rich cultural traditions with the city’s modern international education system. Between Nowruz, Victory Day, and National Salvation Day, schools across Baku follow a vibrant rhythm of study, rest, and celebration.

This article covers everything from official public holidays to academic calendars for both local and international schools, alongside ideas for how families can make the most of each break.

Overview of School Holidays in Baku in 2025–2026

Baku’s school year runs from September to June, divided into three terms: Autumn, Spring, and Summer. Most schools have breaks for New Year, Nowruz, and May holidays like Victory Day and Republic Day, while international schools may follow additional global calendar breaks.

Parents should plan around these public holidays and term breaks, which can vary slightly between schools.

List of Public Holidays in Baku (2025–2026)

Public holidays are officially announced by the Azerbaijani government each year. These are observed nationwide and usually apply to all public, private, and international schools.

Here are the public holidays in Baku covering the 2025 holidays:

Victory & Flag Days: 8 to 11 November 2025
Solidarity Day & New Year’s Eve: 31 December 2025

Here is the list for the 2026 key holidays:

New Year’s Day: 1-2 January 2026
Martyr’s Day: 20 January 2026
Novruz (Spring Holiday): 22 to 24 March 2026
Victory Day: 9 and 11 May 2026
Feast of the Sacrifice (Eid al-Adha): 27 May 2026
Republic Day: 28 May 2026
National Salvation Day: 15 June 2026
Armed Forces Day: 26 June 2026
Independence Day: 18 October 2026
Victory & Flag Days: 8 to 9 November 2026
Solidarity Day & New Year’s Eve: 31 December 2026

This list of public holidays in Baku for 2025 and 2026 to help you plan your celebrations, travels, and days off well in advance.

How Public Holidays Affect School Closures

Most public holidays in Baku apply to all schools, with Mondays often added when holidays fall on weekends, such as the extended closures on 10–11 November 2025 following Victory Day and Flag Day. Religious holidays like Ramadan Bayram and Gurban Bayram vary each year due to the lunar calendar.

While public and private schools generally follow similar schedules aligned with national holidays and the winter break, private and international schools may have slight variations, including observance of additional holidays such as Christmas. It is best to check each school’s calendar for exact dates.

Long Weekends & Leave Planning Tips

Some public holidays in Baku align with weekends or school breaks, making them perfect for short family trips or relaxing staycations. Here are a few key periods to plan around:

New Year and Solidarity Day: Dec 31, 2025 – Jan 3, 2026
Nowruz Holiday: Mar 20–28, 2026 – one of the longest breaks of the year
Eid al-Adha and Republic Day: May 25–29, 2026 – a great opportunity for an extended getaway

Booking early for these popular dates ensures better availability and rates for family activities, travel, or accommodation.

Term Breaks in Baku Schools (2025–2026)

Term breaks in Baku schools give students a much-needed pause to rest, recharge, and catch up on learning or extracurricular activities. While the structure of breaks is generally consistent across the city, exact dates vary slightly between public, private, and international schools.

Public Schools Term Dates

Public schools in Azerbaijan generally follow an academic calendar set by the Ministry of Education. The school year is divided into three main terms:

Autumn Term: Begins on 15 September 2025 and ends on 27 December 2025
Spring Term: Runs from early January to mid-March 2026
Summer Term: Starts in late March and concludes in mid-June 2026

These dates may vary slightly depending on the school, but most public institutions follow this structure, with short mid-term breaks in November and May that coincide with national public holidays.

Private & International Schools Term Dates

Private and international schools follow similar structures but with their own variations. Most operate three main terms and longer winter and spring breaks. Some schools also include summer school sessions for enrichment.

School Holidays in Public and Private Schools (2025–2026)

While all schools in Baku observe the same national holidays, their academic calendars can vary. Public schools generally follow the Ministry of Education’s official schedule, whereas private and international schools have more flexibility, often adding extra breaks or extending holidays during the winter and spring terms to align with international curricula.

International School Holidays in Baku (2025–2026)

International schools in Baku typically follow the academic calendar of their respective education systems, adapting it to include local public holidays. The following outlines the holiday schedules of some of the city’s most well-known international schools:

The International School of Azerbaijan (TISA)

Mid-term Holiday – 13 to 17 October 2025
Public Holiday – 10 to 11 November 2025
Winter Holiday – 15 December 2025 to 4 January 2026

National Day of Mourning – 20 January 2026
Holiday – 9 March 2026
Ramazan Bayram and Novruz Bayram – 19 to 24 March 2026
Victory Day Holiday – 9 May 2026
Gurban Bayram and Republic Day – 26 to 28 May 2026
Day of National Salvation – 15 June 2026
Summer Break – Starts 20 June 2026

European Azerbaijan School (EAS)

Autumn Break – 27 to 31 October 2025

Public Holiday – 10 to 11 November 2025
Winter Holiday – 22 December 2025 to 4 January 2026
National Day of Mourning – 20 January 2026
Holiday – 9 March 2026
Ramazan Bayram and Novruz Bayram – 18 to 27 March 2026
Victory Day Holiday – 9 May 2026
Gurban Bayram – 28 to 29 May 2026
Day of National Salvation – 15 June 2026
Summer Break – Starts 13 June 2026

QSI Baku International School

Fall Break – 13 to17 October 2025

Victory Day and Flag Day – 10 to 11 November 2025
Winter Holiday – 13 December to 4 January 2026
National Day of Mourning – 20 January 2026
Spring Break – 20 to 30 March 2026
Victory Day Holiday – 11 May 2026
Gurban Bayram – 27 to 29 May 2026
Day of National Salvation – 15 June 2026
Summer Break – Starts 19 June 2026

The British School in Baku (BSB)

Half-term Holiday – 10 to 14 November 2025
Winter Holiday – 20 December to 4 January 2026
School Holiday – 18 to 19 March 2026
Half-term Holiday – 4 to 8 May 2026
Summer Break – Starts 11 June 2026

These schools structure their calendars to accommodate both local and international holidays, allowing expatriate families to plan travel and academic commitments more easily.

School Holiday Activities in Baku

Baku provides plenty of opportunities for students to stay active, creative, and curious during school holidays. Here are a few great options to consider:

Educational Camps and Workshops

During school breaks, many parents seek programs that blend fun and learning. Baku offers camps and workshops that build skills, spark curiosity, and inspire creativity in children.

Forest School Azerbaijan: Perfect for nature-loving children aged 8–14, these outdoor adventure camps include hiking, survival skills, and team-building activities in a natural setting.
Engineering for Kids: Hands-on STEM and robotics workshops that encourage problem-solving, creativity, and innovation through fun, practical experiments.
Kilimchi Art Studio: Traditional art workshops where children learn carpet weaving, pottery, and kelagayi-making which is ideal for exploring Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage.

Family-Friendly Events and Local Attractions

School breaks are a great time for families to enjoy Baku’s mix of entertainment, culture, and outdoor fun, with attractions for children and teens that make every holiday memorable.

Kinderland & Hello Park: Immersive indoor playgrounds featuring interactive games, creative workshops, and themed adventure zones suitable for all ages.
Baku Eye & Highland Park: Ideal for sightseeing, these iconic spots offer sweeping views of the Caspian Sea and the city skyline which is perfect for family photos and relaxed afternoons.
Shahdag Mountain Resort: A must-visit during winter holidays, offering skiing, snowboarding, and snow play for families seeking adventure and fresh mountain air.

Volunteer and Internship Opportunities for Teens

Older students can use longer breaks for volunteering or internships. Many schools collaborate with youth programs or NGOs to support environmental, educational, or cultural projects.

Boost Academic Performance During the Holidays with TutorsPlus

For students preparing for IGCSE, IB, or A-Levels, TutorsPlus offers one-on-one and online tutoring. Certified teachers help strengthen exam technique and bridge learning gaps during holidays. Whether it’s Maths, English, or Science, individualised tutoring provides targeted support that can make a real difference in a student’s progress.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

Are there differences in holidays between primary and secondary schools in Baku?

Yes. While public holidays are the same, term breaks differ slightly. International and private schools often stagger their assessments and holidays, especially between primary and secondary levels.

Do public and private schools have different term dates?

Yes. Public schools follow a national schedule, whereas private and international schools adjust their calendars to fit global systems such as British, IB, or American programs.

What are some good student activities during school holidays in Baku?

Popular options include outdoor adventure camps, creative art workshops, museum visits, and STEM learning programs. Many families also take short trips to Shahdag, Gabala, or the Caspian coast for rest and recreation.

Conclusion

School holidays in 2025–2026 provide a well-balanced mix of public, private, and international school breaks, along with plenty of opportunities for learning and family fun. From cultural festivities like Nowruz to educational camps and outdoor adventures, there’s something for every student to enjoy. With this complete guide to Baku school holidays 2025–2026, families can plan ahead, make the most of each term break, and enjoy everything the city has to offer throughout the year.