Is There Mail Today? 2026 USPS Holiday Schedule & Dates

• 6 min read

Ever find yourself staring at your mailbox, wondering, “is there mail today?” It’s a common question. Generally, the answer is yes if it’s a standard weekday or Saturday. However, if it’s a Sunday or a federal holiday, you likely won’t receive mail. The answer comes down to two things: the day of the week and the official United States Postal Service (USPS) holiday schedule. Let’s clear up the confusion so you always know when to expect your letters and packages.

The Simple Answer About Mail Delivery

Under normal circumstances, the USPS delivers mail six days a week, from Monday through Saturday. On a typical weekday or Saturday, the answer is yes.

However, there are two main exceptions:

  • Sundays: The USPS does not deliver regular mail on Sundays (see USPS Sunday delivery for exceptions and details).
  • Federal Holidays: Mail delivery is suspended on all official postal holidays.

The only service that operates 365 days a year in some locations is the premium Priority Mail Express, which can be delivered on holidays for an extra fee.

USPS Holiday Schedule 2026: The Official “No Mail” Days

When a federal holiday comes around, post offices close their doors and mail carriers take a well deserved day off. In 2026, the USPS observes 11 federal holidays. On these dates, there will be no regular mail delivery.

Here is the full 2026 USPS holiday schedule:

If today is one of these dates, there will be no mail delivery. Regular service will resume on the next business day.

Understanding Special Holiday Rules

Some days can be tricky. What about holidays that fall on a weekend or days that seem like they should be holidays but aren’t?

When a Holiday Falls on a Saturday

The USPS has a clear rule for holidays that land on the weekend. If a holiday falls on a Saturday, postal employees observe it on the preceding Friday. For example, in 2026, Independence Day (July 4) is on a Saturday. USPS lists Independence Day 2026 as Saturday, July 4; if a holiday falls on a Saturday, for some USPS employees, the preceding Friday will be treated as a holiday for pay and leave purposes. Consequently, there will be no mail delivery on that Friday.

Is the Post Office Open on Good Friday?

Good Friday, the Friday before Easter, is a day many people have off, but it is not a federal holiday. Because of this, U.S. Post Offices are open and operate with their normal business hours. You can expect regular mail delivery on Good Friday, just like any other Friday.

What to Do When USPS is Closed

Just because the post office is closed doesn’t mean you’re completely out of options. You can still get some postal tasks done, or you might be able to turn to another carrier.

Using USPS Services Online

Even on a major holiday, the USPS website is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can still use it to buy postage, print shipping labels, track a package, or schedule a pickup for the next business day. Additionally, many post office lobbies have self service kiosks that remain accessible and allow you to weigh packages and print postage even when the retail counter is closed.

Do Other Carriers Deliver on Postal Holidays?

Yes, often they do. Private carriers like UPS and FedEx set their own holiday schedules, which don’t always align with the federal calendar.

For example, on Presidents’ Day 2026, the USPS will be closed. However, UPS is scheduled to have normal pickup and delivery services. FedEx also operates with a modified schedule on Presidents’ Day.

This isn’t always the case, though. On major holidays like New Year’s Day and Christmas Day, nearly all carriers, including USPS, UPS, and FedEx, suspend normal operations. When you need to ship something on a federal holiday, it’s a good idea to see which services are running. Using a free tool like an online shipping calculator can help you quickly compare rates and see which carriers are available. You can also dive deeper into which is cheaper—UPS or USPS.

Plan Ahead to Avoid Delays

Knowing the USPS holiday schedule is key to managing your shipping needs and expectations. By planning around these “no mail” days, you can ensure your packages arrive on time. If you’ll be out of town, consider placing a USPS Hold Mail request so nothing sits in your box. For important shipments, especially around the holidays, it’s always smart to compare shipping rates and delivery times to find the best option for your schedule and budget. If you’re shipping something small but heavy, USPS Flat Rate boxes can help you predict costs during busy holiday periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

So, is there mail delivery on a federal holiday?

No, the USPS does not deliver regular mail or operate its post offices on federal holidays. Mail delivery resumes the following business day.

What is the one USPS service that might deliver on a holiday?

Priority Mail Express is the only service offered by the USPS that may deliver on a holiday, including Sundays, for an additional fee in select locations.

Is there mail delivery on Presidents’ Day?

No, Presidents’ Day is a federal holiday, and the USPS suspends all regular mail services. However, private carriers like UPS and FedEx often remain operational.

Will I get mail on Easter Sunday?

No. While Easter is not a federal holiday, it always falls on a Sunday. The USPS does not deliver regular mail on Sundays.

How can I be sure if the post office is open today?

The most reliable way is to check the official 2026 USPS holiday schedule. If today’s date is on that list, or if it’s a Sunday, the post office is closed.

Are UPS and FedEx also closed on all federal holidays?

Not necessarily. UPS and FedEx observe major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas Day, but they often remain open on others like Presidents’ Day and Columbus Day. It’s always best to check their specific schedules.