The Ministry of Education (Mineduc) has finalized the official 2026 school calendar for Chile, establishing specific winter vacation periods for each region. While most students across the country will begin their two-week break on June 22, the ministry has adjusted the schedule for southern regions and northern territories to account for climate and connectivity challenges. These dates apply specifically to municipal and government-subsidized schools operating on a semestral system.
Winter Break Dates by Region
For the majority of the country, including the Región Metropolitana, the winter recess is scheduled from Monday, June 22, to Friday, July 3, 2026. Students in these areas will return to classes on Monday, July 6. This schedule also applies to the regions of Antofagasta, Atacama, Coquimbo, Valparaíso, O’Higgins, Maule, Ñuble, Biobío, La Araucanía, and Los Ríos.
Other regions follow a different timeline. Students in Arica y Parinacota and Tarapacá will be on break from Monday, July 13, to Friday, July 24. In the Los Lagos region, the recess runs from Monday, July 6, to Friday, July 17. Finally, citing extreme winter weather and connectivity needs, the Mineduc has granted three weeks of vacation to the regions of Aysén and Magallanes, starting Monday, June 29, and ending Friday, July 17.
Logistical Planning for Families
The release of these dates allows families to begin coordinating childcare and travel arrangements well in advance of the colder months. Because the official calendar dictates specific return-to-school dates, parents can now lock in their logistical plans. However, it is important to note that these dates do not automatically apply to all institutions. Privately funded schools maintain the autonomy to set their own academic calendars, and families enrolled in these establishments should verify dates directly with their respective schools.
What Happens Next
As the winter season approaches, families may find that demand for travel and regional services increases during these specific windows. It is likely that school administrations will send out formal notifications regarding the exact procedures for the final week of the first semester, particularly regarding the teacher evaluation day on June 19. If historical patterns hold, those planning to travel during the three-week recess in the south may face higher demand for transportation and lodging as the vacation window for those regions remains distinct from the rest of the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these vacation dates the same for all schools in Chile?
No. These dates apply to municipal and government-subsidized schools on a semestral system. Private, fee-paying schools may set their own calendars.
Why do Aysén and Magallanes have three weeks of vacation instead of two?
The Mineduc determined these regions require a longer break due to extreme winter weather conditions and specific connectivity challenges in the southern austral territory.
When do students in the Región Metropolitana return to school?
Students in the Región Metropolitana will return to their classrooms on Monday, July 6, 2026, following their two-week winter break.
How are you adjusting your family’s schedule to accommodate these specific regional dates?
