The scorching heat in Uttar Pradesh has broken all records this April. The temperature in Banda has reached a staggering 47.4°C, the highest ever recorded in April, even surpassing parts of Rajasthan.
Amid this extreme heat, lakhs of parents and students are asking one key question-when will summer vacations begin in schools?
Summer Vacation Dates: What's the Official Schedule?
According to the official holiday calendar issued by the Uttar Pradesh Basic Education Council, Prayagraj, all government and recognized schools in the state will observe summer vacation from May 20 to June 15, 2026.
This means students will need to attend school for approximately three more weeks before enjoying a 27-day break.
* Vacation starts: May 20, 2026
* Schools reopen: June 16, 2026
* Total holidays: 27 days
This schedule applies to all government, council-run, and recognized schools across the state.
What About Private Schools?
Private schools may follow slightly different schedules. However, most institutions tend to align closely with government timelines. Parents are advised to check with their respective schools for exact dates or wait for official notifications.
Revised School Timings Due to Heatwave
Even before the holidays begin, authorities have changed school timings due to rising temperatures.
In cities like Lucknow and Ghaziabad, schools are now operating from 7:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
Similarly, in districts like Prayagraj and nearby regions, schools are open from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
This change aims to protect students from peak afternoon heat.
District-wise Heat Situation: Hottest Regions in UP
The most heat-affected districts in recent days include:
* Banda - 47.4°C
* Prayagraj - 45.5°C
* Varanasi - 45°C
* Jhansi - 44.8°C
* Agra - 44.5°C
Heatwave conditions have triggered Red Alerts in Banda and Prayagraj, while cities like Lucknow, Varanasi, Kanpur, Agra, and Jhansi are also experiencing severe heatwave conditions.
Meanwhile, regions like Noida and Ghaziabad are facing "warm night" alerts, where even nighttime temperatures remain unusually high.
According to the India Meteorological Department, districts such as Banda, Chitrakoot, Prayagraj, Fatehpur, Mirzapur, Varanasi, Jaunpur, Agra, Jhansi, and Lalitpur may continue to experience heatwave conditions for the next three days.
Summer Camps: A Silver Lining for Students
Along with vacations, there's good news for students. Selected schools will organize summer camps between May 20 and June 15.
These camps will include:
* Sports activities
* Skill development sessions
* Creative learning programs
The Basic Education Department has already begun preparations for these initiatives.
Heatwave Safety Tips for Students and Parents
The India Meteorological Department has issued important safety guidelines:
* Avoid going outdoors between 12 PM and 3 PM
* Stay hydrated to prevent dehydration and heatstroke
* Ensure children carry water bottles to school
* Avoid outdoor play during peak heat hours
* Keep ORS or lemon water ready at home
* Dress children in light, cotton clothes
* Seek immediate medical help in case of dizziness, fainting, or high fever
There are currently no signs of relief from the intense heat in Uttar Pradesh. Temperatures are expected to remain between 44°C and 46°C, especially in cities like Prayagraj and Kanpur.
With such extreme conditions, both students and parents are eagerly waiting for May 20, when schools will finally close for summer break.