7 long weekends left in 2025: From July to December – Here's when to plan your holiday

7 long weekends left in 2025: From July to December – Here's when to plan your holiday (Image: Canva)

With half of 2025 already behind us, the countdown to year-end adventures has officially begun. Just five months remain on the calendar—plenty of time to squeeze in some much-needed travel. The best part? There are still seven long weekends waiting to be claimed between July and December.

Whether you're dreaming of a quick mountain retreat, a festive family celebration, or a long-pending international escape, a bit of smart planning—and a well-timed leave—can turn public holidays into unforgettable mini-breaks. Think breezy beach towns, vibrant cityscapes, serene backwaters, or even visa-free international getaways.

List of Long Weekends in 2025

Here’s your month-wise guide to the remaining long weekends of 2025, complete with domestic and international travel ideas to help you make the most of every free day.

1. August Long Weekend (3 Days)

Dates:

Friday, August 15 – Independence Day

Saturday, August 16 – Janmashtami

Sunday, August 17

Where to go in India:

• Ladakh, Jammu & Kashmir – Breathtaking views, shimmering lakes, and iconic mountain passes.
• Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh – A scenic Himalayan escape with Buddhist monasteries and untouched landscapes.
• Pachmarhi, Madhya Pradesh – The Satpura Queen is lush and cool in August, perfect for nature lovers.

Where to go internationally:

• Sri Lanka – Relax on Bentota Beach or explore ancient Sigiriya.
• Maldives – Ideal for couples or solo travellers looking for luxury and turquoise lagoons.
• Indonesia (Bali) – A budget-friendly tropical escape with beaches, rice terraces, and vibrant nightlife.

2. September Long Weekend (3 Days)

Dates:

Friday, September 5 – Id-e-Milad, Onam

Saturday, September 6

Sunday, September 7

Where to go in India:

• Wayanad, Kerala – Waterfalls, wildlife, and Onam festivities in full bloom.
• Spiti Valley, Himachal Pradesh – Crisp skies and dramatic landscapes, post-monsoon bliss.
• Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh – Go early for the Ziro Festival of Music and peaceful paddy vistas.

Where to go internationally:

• Nepal – Visit Kathmandu, Pokhara, or go trekking in the Annapurna region.
• Bhutan – Explore the Land of the Thunder Dragon’s dzongs and scenic valleys.
• Singapore – A city break with culture, food, and futuristic attractions.

3. October Long Weekend – Part 1 (4 Days)

Dates:

Thursday, October 2 – Gandhi Jayanti, Dussehra

Friday, October 3 – Take the day off

Saturday, October 4

Sunday, October 5

Where to go in India:

• Ranthambore, Rajasthan – Spot tigers and explore royal ruins in the jungle.
• Hampi, Karnataka – A UNESCO World Heritage site steeped in history and mystery.
• Mahabalipuram, Tamil Nadu – Perfect for a heritage and beach combo.

Where to go internationally:

• Thailand – Explore Bangkok, relax in Phuket, or party in Pattaya.
• Cambodia – Visit Angkor Wat and the cultural capital, Siem Reap.
• Turkey – Istanbul’s bazaars, Cappadocia’s hot air balloons, and coastal towns await.

4. Diwali Weekend (3 Days)

Dates:

Saturday, October 18

Sunday, October 19

Monday, October 20 – Diwali

Where to go in India:

• Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh – Experience Diwali with spiritual intensity on the Ganges ghats.
• Udaipur, Rajasthan – Royal vibes, lit-up palaces, and lakeside charm.
• Kolkata, West Bengal – Catch the tail end of Durga Puja with lights and festivities.

Where to go internationally:

• Dubai – Dazzling cityscape, fireworks, and Diwali shopping sales.
• Mauritius – Celebrate with the Indian diaspora and enjoy island adventures.
• Malaysia – Visit Kuala Lumpur or Penang for Diwali festivities and food.

5. Bhai Dooj Weekend (4 Days)

Dates:

Thursday, October 23 – Bhai Dooj

Friday, October 24 – Take the day off

Saturday, October 25

Sunday, October 26

Where to go in India:

• Coorg, Karnataka – Lush greenery, coffee plantations, and waterfalls.
• Auli, Uttarakhand – Gearing up for snow season, perfect for peaceful mountain views.
• Alleppey, Kerala – Cruise the backwaters and unwind post-festivities.

Where to go internationally:

• Vietnam – Explore Hanoi, cruise Ha Long Bay, or bike through Hoi An.
• Laos – Hidden gem with waterfalls, caves, and serene towns like Luang Prabang.
• Uzbekistan – A cultural treasure with Silk Road cities like Samarkand and Bukhara.

6. Bonus: Stretch October into a 9-Day Holiday

Take leave on October 21 and 22 to enjoy a rare 9-day break from October 18 to October 26.

Where to go in India:

• Andaman & Nicobar Islands – Dive, snorkel, and relax in India’s tropical paradise.
• Sikkim – From Gurudongmar Lake to the monasteries of Gangtok, it’s a Himalayan jewel.
• Kutch, Gujarat – Start early and experience desert landscapes and vibrant local culture.

Where to go internationally:

• Japan – Autumn foliage, shrines in Kyoto, neon lights in Tokyo.
• South Korea – Seoul's food scene and historic palaces plus Jeju Island's natural beauty.
• Spain – Combine Barcelona’s art and beaches with Madrid’s culture and food.

7. December Long Weekend (4 Days)

Dates:

Thursday, December 25 – Christmas

Friday, December 26 – Take the day off

Saturday, December 27

Sunday, December 28

Where to go in India:

• Goa – A classic Christmas destination with beach parties and candle-lit churches.
• Shillong, Meghalaya – Enjoy the Christmas spirit in the Scotland of the East.
• Pondicherry – French-style celebrations, sea breeze, and colonial charm.

Where to go internationally:

• Austria – A snowy, festive Christmas in Vienna or Salzburg.
• Switzerland – Alpine villages, Christmas markets, and snowy slopes.
• New Zealand – Celebrate a summer Christmas with scenic drives and adventure.

As 2025 begins its countdown, these long weekends offer the perfect opportunity to pause, recharge, and explore. Whether you're looking to relax by a beach, trek through the mountains, soak in culture, or escape to another country, now’s the time to block your calendar and book those tickets.