Summer break is one of the best times of the year for many children, and teachers too. It’s a chance to rest and recharge before you head back into another academic year. But while almost all US schools have extended summer breaks, it varies slightly from state to state. So, how long is summer break, and why do schools have it? Read on to find out!
How long is summer break on average?
In the United States, most schools have a summer break of 10 to 12 weeks, or about 2.5 to 3 months. The start and end dates of summer break vary widely across the country, however, with different schools taking a break anywhere from the end of May to the beginning of September.
Globally, US school holidays fall on the long side. Other countries with average summer breaks around the same length include Italy, Greece, and Russia. Most schools in Europe and East Asia have a very short summer break of about six weeks. These countries tend to balance things with long breaks (two or three weeks) in the fall, winter, and spring.
When does summer break start?
In the United States, K-12 summer break can start anywhere from late May to late June. Most schools set their calendars to start summer break after Memorial Day, which is the last Monday in May. According to data collected by MDR Education for the 2025-26 school year, more than half of US public schools (57%) begin summer break before June 1.
About a third of schools (31%) start their break during the first two weeks of June, while the rest (12%) end their year in the last two weeks of the month.
Which states’ summer breaks start earlier and later?
In most states, districts and schools have the ability to set their own start and end dates, as long as students receive the approved number of school days each year (usually 175 to 180 days). But most schools in each state tend to follow the same pattern of earlier or later recess.
In 2025-26, districts where the majority of schools begin summer break before June 1 include:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- In Arizona
- Arkansas
- In Colorado
- In Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- In Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- in Kentucky
- in Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- In New Mexico
- North Dakota
- In Ohio
- In Oklahoma
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
These states start their summer break later on average, with most schools closing after June 15:
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
- Washington
- Washington, DC
When does summer break end?
Because the length of summer break varies, the percentage of average end dates is not necessarily the same as the average start dates. In the United States, just under half of schools (49%) end their vacations and start the new school year before August 16. Just over one-third (34%) end summer vacation during the last two weeks of August.
Traditionally, most US schools used to start classes after Labor Day (the first Monday in September). Some schools still adhere to that tradition, with 17% of schools ending summer break and starting the new school year on or after September 1.
Which states’ summer vacations ended the latest and most recently?
Although schools that start summer break early tend to finish early, this is not always the case. The length of breaks can vary, meaning some schools start breaks late and end them early, or vice versa.
In 2025-26, most schools in these states end summer break early and start the new school year before August 16:
- Alabama
- In Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- In Colorado
- In Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- In Indiana
- Kansas
- in Kentucky
- in Louisiana
- Mississippi
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- In New Mexico
- In Oklahoma
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
In these states, most schools end summer break and start the school year late, after September 1:
- Delaware
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- In Oregon
- Washington
- In Wisconsin
For a complete breakdown of school start and end dates by country, visit MDR Education.
Why do schools have long summer breaks?
It is a common belief that summer breaks historically allowed children to be home during the summer to work on family farms. Well, as it turns out, that’s not really the case. In fact, in farming communities, schools were often taught in winter and summer. Spring and fall planting were the busiest times on the farm, when students were needed at home. In the summer, the lull from hard farm work gave the children a chance to go to school for a few months.
Ultimately, the United States owes its tradition of long summer breaks to urban schools. In the early 19th century, most urban schools were open year-round, and children attended when they could. In many cities, the summer months were not pleasant in the days before the development of air conditioning and sanitation. Families who were able to escape the cities will spend summer days in the country or on the beach, taking their children out of school.
In the late 19th century, school reformers enforced a limited school calendar. They called for a long summer break to give students time to rest. (Teachers had to spend those months in training or continuing education.) This also meant that schools were closed during the hot months before air-conditioners were available.
Today, summer vacation has become a popular tradition in the United States. Families use it for long vacations or to send children to summer camp. In some places, old school buildings still lack air conditioning, so the long summer break is in effect again.
Do year-round schools have summer vacations?
Contrary to popular belief, year-round schools have summer vacations. They are short, about six weeks. This extended break is still enough time for children and teachers to rest, and draw a line between one school year and the next. About 2% of schools in the United States operate on year-round schedules.
Read more about year-round schools here.
Are college summer vacations as long as K-12 summer breaks?
Although it varies by institution, US college summer vacations are generally slightly longer than those of K-12 schools. Most colleges end the school year in early May and start back in late August. These extended breaks allow college students the opportunity to gain full-time work experience or participate in summer session classes.
Do long summer breaks cause learning loss?
The concept of the “summer slide” worries many teachers and families. But is it true? It depends on who you ask. One study found that students in grades 1 to 8 lost 17% to 34% of their previous year’s learning over the summer. First-graders and students from low-income families seem to miss out on summer learning the most.
Read more about the summer slide and how to fight it here.
What do teachers do during the summer holidays?
The public generally seems to think that teachers have it easy, with three months of paid vacation each summer. However, teachers know the truth. First of all, teachers don’t get as much time off as students do. They usually spend a week or more wrapping up after students leave for the summer, and preparing their classes and curriculum before students return in the fall. In the We Are Teachers survey, the majority of teachers reported spending nine weeks in the summer.
But don’t think that all teachers just lie around sipping drinks by the pool during the summer. According to our research, almost half (49%) of teachers work a second job during the summer. And 76% of teachers use the summer to improve on required work, take classes or attend workshops to keep their skills sharp. Also, the majority of teachers (86%) spend at least part of the summer planning for the upcoming school year.
Oh, and not all teachers keep getting paid during summer break. Up to a fifth of them do not have the option of receiving their salary evenly throughout the year, making summer budgeting a real challenge for some.
Should parents encourage reading during summer vacation?
A little structured reading time every day during summer break isn’t a bad idea for any child. This can be as simple (and fun!) as encouraging summer reading, playing online learning games, trying an outdoor science test, or learning practical math exercises. Aim for about 15 to 20 minutes a day, but make sure you give plenty of time for the kids to relax and play again.
Summer is a great time to help students who are falling behind their peers. They may attend summer school or participate in one-on-one tutoring. But even these students should get the benefit of a lighter schedule in the summer, with more time spent outside or playing with friends. Summer was always meant to be a time for kids to take a break, so don’t be afraid to let them do just that!
Don’t forget to pick up your free summer reading list for kids and teens!
Find books for all ages, elementary to high school, including fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, poetry, and much more. Just click the button below and fill out the form to get your summer reading list for kids and teens.
