When is Father's Day? A Complete Guide by Country
Father's Day dates vary worldwide - from June in the US to December in Thailand. Find out when Father's Day is celebrated in your country.
Unlike Mother's Day, which has dozens of different dates worldwide, Father's Day is more standardized - but there are still important variations. If you have family abroad or work internationally, knowing when Father's Day falls in different countries is essential.
The Most Common Date: Third Sunday in June
The majority of countries celebrate Father's Day on the third Sunday in June. This includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, India, China, Japan, and most of Europe and South America.
In 2026, this means Father's Day falls on June 21st for most of the world.
Countries with Different Dates
- Australia & New Zealand: First Sunday in September
- Germany: Ascension Day (39 days after Easter)
- Thailand: December 5th (King Bhumibol's birthday)
- Russia: February 23rd (Defender of the Fatherland Day)
- Italy: March 19th (Saint Joseph's Day)
- Spain: March 19th (Saint Joseph's Day)
- Brazil: Second Sunday in August
Why the Differences?
The June date originated in the United States in 1910, when Sonora Smart Dodd wanted to honor her father, a Civil War veteran who raised six children alone. It became a federal holiday in 1972.
Countries with different dates often tied Father's Day to existing cultural or religious celebrations. Italy and Spain celebrate on Saint Joseph's Day because Joseph is considered the ultimate father figure in Catholic tradition.
Father's Day 2026 Dates
- USA, UK, Canada, France, Japan: June 21, 2026
- Germany: May 14, 2026 (Ascension Day)
- Australia, New Zealand: September 6, 2026
- Brazil: August 9, 2026
- Thailand: December 5, 2026