Hello everyone! As the intense cold wave and dense fog continue to grip northern India in late December 2025, the government has officially announced extended winter school holidays for the new year. Most schools in key northern states will remain closed from January 1 to January 15, 2026, to protect students from harsh weather conditions. This decision is aimed at ensuring the safety and health of children amid plummeting temperatures and poor visibility. If you’re searching for winter school holidays 2025-2026, schools closed January 1-15 2026, or the government reason for winter vacation extension, this post has all the latest details!
Official Government Reason for the Extended Winter Break
The primary reason cited by state education departments and the India Meteorological Department (IMD) is the ongoing severe cold wave and dense fog across northern India. Temperatures have dropped significantly, with many areas recording single-digit lows and wind chill making conditions even harsher. Dense fog reduces visibility to near-zero levels, increasing the risk of road accidents for students commuting to school. The government has emphasized student safety as the top priority, especially for young children who are more vulnerable to cold-related illnesses like respiratory infections.
This extension aligns with IMD’s cold wave alerts and past practices during extreme winter conditions.
States Where Schools Will Remain Closed from January 1 to January 15, 2026
The closure applies to government, government-aided, and recognized private schools. Here’s the latest confirmed list (as of December 29, 2025):
- Delhi The Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, has announced winter vacation from January 1 to January 15, 2026, for all schools. This is a 15-day break due to the severe cold wave and dense fog.
- Haryana The state government has issued a uniform order: all schools will remain closed from January 1 to January 15, 2026, coordinating with Delhi-NCR to ensure consistency.
- Other Affected Regions In NCR areas of Uttar Pradesh (e.g., Noida, Ghaziabad) and parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, and Bihar, many districts have aligned with the Delhi-Haryana schedule or extended breaks till mid-January. Official notifications may vary slightly by district—check local education portals for exact dates.
Colleges and universities in these regions often follow similar guidelines or shift to online classes during this period.
What About Other States?
- States like Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand already have longer winter breaks due to heavy snowfall and extreme cold, often extending well beyond January 15.
- Southern and eastern states have shorter or no extended winter holidays in January.
Tips for Parents and Students During the Break
- Stay warm: Use proper clothing and heaters to avoid cold-related health issues.
- Monitor updates: Check official school websites, state education portals, or district notices for any last-minute changes.
- Productive use of time: Board exam students can use this period for revision and self-study.
- Weather alerts: Follow IMD updates for any further extensions.
This extended winter school holiday from January 1–15, 2026, is a precautionary measure to keep children safe during the peak winter season. Stay informed, stay warm, and enjoy the break responsibly!