March 2026 Calendar: Are There Any US Federal Holidays This Month?

Last Updated: Feb 24, 2026, 12:47 EDT

While the March 2026 calendar is packed with cultural celebrations like St. Patrick’s Day and Holi, many Americans are asking about federal time off. Discover why March remains a unique no-holiday month for federal employees and see key dates.

U.S. Federal holidays March 2026 list.
U.S. Federal holidays March 2026 list.

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As the winter chill begins to fade across the United States, millions of Americans are turning to the March 2026 calendar to plan their spring transitions. Whether you are looking for US federal holidays in March or tracking the arrival of the spring equinox, this month serves as a pivotal bridge in the yearly schedule. 

Interestingly, according to official data from the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), March 2026 continues the long-standing tradition of having no federally recognized holidays. Despite the lack of a bank holiday or a day off for federal employees, the month is dense with significant cultural milestones, including the start of Daylight Saving Time and major religious observances like Ramadan and Holi.

Is there a Federal Holiday in the March 2026 Calendar?

For those hoping for a long weekend in the middle of the month, the official list of US federal holidays for March remains empty. Under 5 U.S.C. 6103, the United States recognizes 11 annual federal holidays; however, none of these occur in March. 

The gap between Washington’s Birthday (President’s Day) in February and Memorial Day in May represents the longest stretch in the federal calendar without a scheduled day off for government offices and most banking institutions.

While the post office and federal courts will remain open throughout the month, March is far from quiet. It is widely recognized as Women's History Month, a time dedicated to honoring the contributions of women to American history.

Check Out - US Federal Holidays 2026: When is the Next Long Weekend? (Full List)

Key Dates and Observances for March 2026

While you won't find a federal holiday, the March 2026 calendar is filled with spring forward moments and cultural festivals that often impact local schedules and travel.

Date

Day

Event/Observance

Type

March 1

Sunday

Women's History Month Begins

Monthly Observance

March 1

Sunday

Ramadan Begins (Tentative)

Religious

March 8

Sunday

Daylight Saving Time Starts

Seasonal Change

March 8

Sunday

International Women's Day

Global Observance

March 14

Saturday

Holi (Festival of Colors)

Religious/Cultural

March 17

Tuesday

St. Patrick's Day

Cultural

March 20

Friday

First Day of Spring (Equinox)

Astronomical

Why Daylight Saving Time is the Biggest Date in March

The most critical date for most Americans on the March 2026 calendar isn't a holiday, but a clock change. On Sunday, March 8, 2026, Daylight Saving Time officially begins. At 2:00 AM, clocks spring forward one hour. 

While this results in losing an hour of sleep, it marks the beginning of longer evening daylight, which historically boosts retail activity and outdoor recreation across the country.

St. Patrick's Day and Spring Break Planning

Even without US federal holidays in March, the month is a peak period for the travel industry. St. Patrick's Day (March 17) falls on a Tuesday in 2026, prompting many cities like Chicago and New York to host their iconic parades the weekend prior. 

Additionally, most major universities and K-12 school districts schedule their Spring Break during the mid-to-late weeks of March, making it one of the busiest months for domestic US tourism.

Explore the Previous U.S. Federal Holidays List Here!

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The March 2026 calendar doesn't have any federal "paid days off," but it is still a lively month of renewal and cultural importance. Staying up to date on these important dates will help you plan your spring without any problems. For example, you should know when to set your clocks forward for Daylight Saving Time and when to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.

Harshita Singh
Harshita Singh

Senior Content Writer

Harshita Singh specializes in US affairs and general knowledge, simplifying intricate geopolitical and historical subjects into clear, digestible insights for learners. Holding a BA (Hons) in English from the University of Delhi and with over three years of experience in educational writing, she produces authoritative, thoroughly researched content that empowers readers to engage confidently with global current affairs. For inquiries, you can reach out to her at harshita.singh@jagrannewmedia.com.

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