Whit Sunday
Whit Sunday 2027 falls on Sunday, May 16. In 2028, Whit Sunday falls on Sunday, June 4.
The dates of Whit Sunday, this year and in the years ahead.
When is Whit Sunday?
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Sunday, June 8, 2025 |
| 2026 | Sunday, May 24, 2026 |
| 2027 | Sunday, May 16, 2027 |
| 2028 | Sunday, June 4, 2028 |
| 2029 | Sunday, May 20, 2029 |
| 2030 | Sunday, June 9, 2030 |
| 2031 | Sunday, June 1, 2031 |
Dates calculated from the statutory rules. Source: U.S. Office of Personnel Management: federal holidays. More about our sources
What is Whit Sunday?
Whit Sunday, or Pentecost, falls seven weeks after Easter. Christians celebrate the Holy Spirit descending on the apostles, fifty days after the resurrection. The word Pentecost comes from the Greek for 'fiftieth'. It is seen as the birthday of the church.
According to the Acts of the Apostles, the Holy Spirit came down on the apostles as 'tongues of fire' while they were gathered in Jerusalem, and they began to speak in other languages. Pentecost was originally a Jewish harvest festival, Shavuot, celebrated fifty days after Passover.
The English name Whitsun probably comes from 'White Sunday', after the white garments traditionally worn for baptisms on this day. Whit Sunday moves with Easter and falls between mid-May and mid-June.
In 2027 it falls on Sunday, May 16.
Pentecost in the United States
In the United States the day is usually called Pentecost rather than Whit Sunday. It is not a federal holiday, but many churches mark it with special services, often with red decorations and clothing to symbolize the 'tongues of fire' described in the Bible.
Pentecostal churches take their name from the day, after the gift of speaking in tongues described in the account of the first Pentecost.
Frequently asked questions
When is Whit Sunday 2027?
In 2027, Whit Sunday falls on Sunday, May 16.
Is Whit Sunday a day off?
No, Whit Sunday is not a public holiday in the United States.
Why is it called Whit Sunday?
Probably from 'White Sunday', after the white clothes traditionally worn for baptisms on this day.
How is the date of Whit Sunday set?
It falls seven weeks after Easter Sunday, on the fiftieth day of Easter counting Easter Sunday itself, so it moves with Easter every year.