Is Monday a federal holiday? Yes. Monday, February 16, 2026, is a federal holiday in the United States for Washington’s Birthday, widely known as Presidents Day.
The third Monday of February is one of the 11 official federal holidays recognized by the U.S. government. In 2026, that date falls on February 16. Federal offices will close, regular mail delivery will pause, and financial markets will not operate.
Here’s a complete look at what that means for Americans nationwide.
Which Holiday Falls on Monday, February 16, 2026?
Washington’s Birthday is the official federal designation for the holiday observed on the third Monday of February.
Although most Americans refer to it as Presidents Day, federal law continues to list it as Washington’s Birthday. The observance honors George Washington, the first President of the United States, whose actual birthday is February 22.
The Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the holiday to a Monday beginning in 1971. Lawmakers created the shift to provide consistent three-day weekends for workers.
In 2026, the third Monday lands on February 16. That makes the answer clear for anyone asking whether Monday is a federal holiday.
Federal Holiday Calendar for 2026
The United States recognizes 11 federal holidays each year. These dates apply to federal agencies and employees.
Below is the official 2026 schedule:
| Holiday | Date in 2026 | Day |
|---|---|---|
| New Year’s Day | January 1 | Thursday |
| Martin Luther King Jr. Day | January 19 | Monday |
| Washington’s Birthday | February 16 | Monday |
| Memorial Day | May 25 | Monday |
| Juneteenth National Independence Day | June 19 | Friday |
| Independence Day | July 4 (Observed July 3) | Saturday |
| Labor Day | September 7 | Monday |
| Columbus Day | October 12 | Monday |
| Veterans Day | November 11 | Wednesday |
| Thanksgiving Day | November 26 | Thursday |
| Christmas Day | December 25 | Friday |
Five federal holidays in 2026 fall on Monday. February 16 is one of them.
What Closes When Monday Is a Federal Holiday?
When Monday is a federal holiday, federal government operations pause for non-essential services.
Federal Agencies
The following offices close on February 16, 2026:
- Social Security Administration
- Internal Revenue Service
- Department of Motor Vehicles offices in many states
- Federal courts
- Passport processing centers
Emergency and essential services remain operational.
U.S. Postal Service
USPS does not deliver regular mail on Washington’s Birthday. Post offices close for retail services.
Priority Mail Express remains available in limited circumstances. Regular mail service resumes Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Banks and Credit Unions
Most major banks close in observance of federal holidays. This includes large national banks and many regional institutions.
Customers can still access:
- ATMs
- Online banking
- Mobile banking apps
Wire transfers and certain transactions may process the next business day.
Financial Markets
The New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq close on federal holidays.
Investors will not see stock market trading on Monday, February 16, 2026.
What Remains Open?
A federal holiday does not require private businesses to close.
Retailers, restaurants, grocery stores, and shopping centers generally stay open. Many businesses advertise Presidents Day sales during the long weekend.
Airports operate normally, though travel demand may increase.
Public transportation schedules vary by city. Some systems operate on holiday timetables.
Why Many Americans Call It Presidents Day
Federal law names the holiday Washington’s Birthday. However, over time, the name Presidents Day became common in advertising and popular culture.
Retail promotions during the February long weekend strengthened that branding.
Despite widespread usage, Congress has not officially changed the federal name. On federal documents and calendars, the holiday remains Washington’s Birthday.
States may use different terminology, but the date aligns nationwide.
How Federal Holiday Observance Works
Federal holidays follow standardized observance rules:
- If a holiday falls on Saturday, it is observed on Friday.
- If it falls on Sunday, it is observed on Monday.
In 2026, Washington’s Birthday naturally occurs on Monday. No alternate observance applies.
Federal employees typically receive paid leave unless classified as essential personnel.
Impact on Schools and Universities
Most public school districts close on Washington’s Birthday.
Colleges and universities often suspend classes as well. Academic calendars may label the day as Presidents Day, even though the federal designation differs.
Private schools determine their own schedules, but many follow the federal calendar.
State-Level Recognition
All 50 states recognize the third Monday of February as a public holiday.
Naming varies by state:
- Some use Presidents Day officially.
- Others maintain Washington’s Birthday.
- A few acknowledge both George Washington and Abraham Lincoln.
Even with naming differences, February 16, 2026, is treated as a public holiday across the country.
Business and Workplace Policies
Private employers are not legally required to close on federal holidays.
Some companies follow the federal holiday schedule and provide paid time off. Others remain open and treat the day as a standard workday.
Federal labor law does not mandate extra pay for working on a holiday unless employer policy specifies otherwise.
Employees should check internal HR policies for confirmation.
Travel and Retail Activity
Presidents Day weekend often boosts consumer activity.
Retail sectors commonly see promotions in:
- Furniture
- Home appliances
- Electronics
- Mattresses
- Automotive sales
Air travel may increase due to the long weekend. Travelers should anticipate higher traffic at airports and on highways.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is every Monday a federal holiday?
No. Only specific Mondays designated by federal law qualify.
In 2026, federal holidays that fall on Monday are:
- January 19
- February 16
- May 25
- September 7
- October 12
Other Mondays operate as normal business days.
Do courts close?
Federal courts close on Washington’s Birthday. Many state courts also close, but policies can vary by jurisdiction.
Will government benefits process?
Federal offices close, but many electronic benefit systems continue automated processing. In-person services resume the next business day.
Historical Background
Congress first established Washington’s Birthday as a federal holiday in 1879.
Initially, Americans observed it on February 22. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act shifted observance to the third Monday in February beginning in 1971.
The move created consistent three-day weekends for workers and standardized federal scheduling.
Since that change, Washington’s Birthday has remained fixed to a Monday.
Clear Answer for February 16, 2026
To clarify for readers asking, “Is Monday a federal holiday?” the answer for February 16, 2026, is yes.
Washington’s Birthday is an official U.S. federal holiday.
Expect closures at federal agencies, USPS locations, and financial markets. Retailers and many private businesses will remain open.
Understanding the distinction between federal closures and private operations helps avoid confusion.
The next federal holiday after February 16 will be Memorial Day on May 25, 2026.
Planning around the federal calendar ensures smooth scheduling for banking, travel, government services, and school activities.
Are you preparing for the long weekend or finalizing plans before the holiday? Stay updated on the federal calendar so you’re never caught off guard.