Independence Day
Nationwide public holiday in United States
Dates
| Year | Date | Weekday | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 3 July | Friday | Independence Day (observed) Observed day off for Independence Day (Sat 4 Jul) |
| 2026 | 4 July | Saturday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 4 July | Sunday | Nationwide |
| 2027 | 5 July | Monday | Independence Day (observed) Observed day off for Independence Day (Sun 4 Jul) |
Observed days are days off given instead of, or as well as, the holiday's own date, for example when it falls on a weekend or the law moves it to a Monday.
Where it applies
Everywhere in United States.
Is it a day off?
Yes. It is an official public holiday, so most employees have the day off. Government offices, schools and many businesses are usually closed; shops, restaurants and public transport may keep reduced hours. Check local announcements for opening times.
Make it longer
Sat 3 Jul – Mon 5 Jul is a 3-day weekend with no leave needed.
Plan more breaks with the leave planner.
Typical weather in Washington, D.C. around 4 July: high 31°C (88°F), low 21°C (70°F), rain on 60% of days.
Averages for 2015–2024, 3 days either side of the date, for the area around Washington, D.C.. Past averages, not a forecast.
Forecast for Sunday 4 July in Washington, D.C.: (MET Norway)
Where to go for Independence Day
Independence Day on July 4 falls in the middle of summer. When it lands on a weekend the federal holiday is observed on the nearest weekday, so it often creates a long weekend for a summer getaway.
Budget-friendly
Duluth · Minnesota
A port city on Lake Superior with the Aerial Lift Bridge, a lakeside walkway through Canal Park and the scenic North Shore drive toward Split Rock Lighthouse. The big lake keeps summer days relatively cool.
Typically around 4 July: high 24°C (75°F), low 14°C (57°F), rain on 39% of days.
Forecast for 4 July:
natureattractionsoutdoorsfamily
Mid-range
Philadelphia · Pennsylvania
Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was adopted, and the Liberty Bell sit in a compact historic district. Reading Terminal Market and the city's cheesesteak shops cover the food side of the trip.
Typically around 4 July: high 30°C (85°F), low 20°C (67°F), rain on 63% of days.
Forecast for 4 July:
historyattractionsfoodculturecity
Bend · Oregon
A high-desert town in central Oregon known for floating and paddling on the Deschutes River, hiking in the Cascades, the rock climbing area at Smith Rock nearby and a large number of local breweries.
Typically around 4 July: high 27°C (81°F), low 10°C (51°F), rain on 6% of days.
Forecast for 4 July:
outdoorsnaturemountainsfood
Splurge
Boston · Massachusetts
The Freedom Trail links sites from the Revolutionary era on a self-guided walk through downtown and the North End. Add harbor views, seafood such as clam chowder and lobster rolls, and art and science museums.
Typically around 4 July: high 27°C (81°F), low 17°C (63°F), rain on 44% of days.
Forecast for 4 July:
historyattractionsfoodcityculture
Bar Harbor · Maine
The gateway to Acadia National Park, with granite coastline, carriage roads for walking and cycling, and the drive up Cadillac Mountain. Summer is the season for lobster and blueberry dishes on the Maine coast.
Typically around 4 July: high 22°C (71°F), low 14°C (57°F), rain on 47% of days.
Forecast for 4 July:
natureoutdoorsfoodmountains
Trip ideas chosen by Public Holidays World, not sponsored. “Typically” lines are past averages, not forecasts; when the date is within about 9 days, a forecast is shown too.
About Independence Day
Independence Day, on 4 July, marks the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress in 1776, in which the thirteen American colonies declared themselves independent of Great Britain. It is the national day of the United States and one of its oldest holidays.
Traditions
The day is widely celebrated with fireworks displays, parades, concerts and patriotic decorations in red, white and blue. Families and friends often gather for picnics and barbecues, and many towns hold local festivities and public readings of the Declaration.
Editorial summary by Public Holidays World. Dates on this page come from the data source; customs vary by region and family.
Coming up next in United States
Monday, 6 September 2027
Independence Day in other countries
Antigua and Barbuda
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Costa Rica
Cuba
Dominica
El Salvador
Grenada
Guatemala
Honduras
Jamaica
More for United States
Holiday dates are for general information and can change. Official government announcements take precedence.