What is the Longest School Break in the World?

If you’ve ever wished for a never-ending summer break, you’re definitely not alone. We all remember those long school holidays we dreamed of as kids. The ones that seemed like a luxury, and let's face it, probably felt too short when they were over. But, just how long can a school break get? Is there such a thing as the "longest school break in the world"?

Well, it turns out, there are some schools across the globe where the breaks last... much longer than what you’d expect. Ready to hear about some of the wildest school breaks in the world? Buckle up!

The Longest School Break: A Global Comparison

When you think about school breaks, most of us probably imagine a few weeks for summer vacation or a long winter break. But if you look beyond the typical American or European school calendars, you'll find that some places take a far more relaxed approach to time off.

Take, for instance, the Philippines. There, students often get a “summer break” that spans around two months, which is pretty standard in many countries. But the real fun starts in the far-flung corners of the world...

The Extended Summer Break in Ethiopia: A Month-Long Holiday?

In Ethiopia, students traditionally have a summer break that stretches across three months. Yes, three whole months! This break typically falls between late June and late September, which might sound like paradise to anyone who has ever spent their summer school break wishing it could last just a little longer. And let’s be honest, who wouldn’t love to have a few extra months to enjoy their time away from homework?

But wait... there's more! In Ethiopia, there’s also a longer-than-usual holiday in the form of a mid-year break, giving students extra time to unwind in the middle of their school year.

The Ever-Present "Winter Break" in Japan

Okay, so maybe three months sounds a bit excessive... but what about Japan? They don’t exactly have the longest breaks, but they make up for it by having multiple extended breaks throughout the year. Their winter break (which usually lasts around two weeks) is just one of the mini-vacations they get. However, the summer break is actually not too shabby either, typically lasting about 6 weeks.

While it's not the longest school break globally, Japan’s consistent time off between seasons ensures students get decent rest and recovery time, which is important for their mental health and academic performance. Speaking of balance, Japan is an excellent example of blending intense study periods with sufficient downtime.

India’s Extended Winter Break

You’d think that schools in hot climates would be short on breaks, but in India, they flip that assumption on its head! In certain regions, students get a long winter break (typically from late December to January), which often lasts for three weeks to a month. This break is especially valuable in the northern parts of the country, where winter temperatures can dip considerably. Parents and students take advantage of this holiday for family gatherings, festivals, and just relaxing at home.

But what about those summer breaks? They’re often a couple of months long, depending on the state or region. Definitely an enticing offer when you compare it to the mere weeks of vacation many students get in other countries.

The Odd Case of Saudi Arabia’s 2-Month Winter Holiday

In Saudi Arabia, something a bit unique happens. It’s not entirely common for school systems to give extended breaks in the middle of the school year. But in Saudi Arabia, schools have a two-month-long winter break, which is by far one of the longest I've come across. Imagine spending two months enjoying the cooler temperatures (since the rest of the year can be blistering hot), and traveling around or catching up on hobbies—sounds like a dream, right?

While this extended holiday isn’t a standard everywhere, it’s definitely a standout example of what happens when the school calendar takes into account local climate and cultural practices. It’s worth noting that this long break does come with a shorter summer vacation, but when it’s two months of cooler temperatures, who’s really complaining?

The "Endless" School Breaks in Scandinavian Countries

In Scandinavian countries like Sweden and Finland, the school calendar is thoughtfully designed to balance academic pressure with relaxation time. Finnish students, for instance, enjoy one of the shortest school days and longest breaks compared to many other countries. While their summer break lasts around two months, the real gem is Finland's “autumn break,” which can range from one to two weeks. This kind of time off offers students more than just rest—it allows them to explore their interests, hang out with friends, or just recharge for the academic year ahead.

How Does This Compare to the U.S.?

In the United States, the school year typically includes a summer break of 8-12 weeks, with some school districts offering additional holidays in the form of winter and spring breaks. But compared to countries with 2+ month breaks, the U.S. system might feel a little short.

That said, it’s all about balance. Having longer breaks can help students avoid burnout and maintain their mental well-being, especially in countries with high academic demands. And hey, who wouldn’t love a little more vacation time, right?

So, What’s the Longest Break?

After all these examples, we’ve come to an interesting conclusion: Ethiopia might take the crown with its three-month-long summer break—a solid contender for the longest school holiday in the world! But remember, the length of breaks isn’t the only factor to consider. Other factors, such as cultural events, weather, and the educational system's demands, play an equally important role in how long students actually get to rest and recharge.

In the end, it's not just about the length of the break, but how well you use it. Some countries might have longer breaks, but in many others, the shorter holidays are enough to reset and refocus. Whether you’re in a country with weeks or months off, the best part is that school breaks are about giving students the time they need to be healthy, relaxed, and ready to take on the next academic challenge.

If you’re lucky enough to have a long break ahead, enjoy it! After all, as we all know, time flies... and before we know it, we’ll be back to the grind.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.