A Guide to National Observance Periods by Month
Throughout the year, the United States observes a variety of national observance periods. These observances are designed to recognize and honor important causes, events, and people throughout history. In this guide, we’ll highlight the national observance periods by month in the United States.
January:
- National Blood Donor Month
- National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
- National Mentoring Month
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day (third Monday of January)
February:
- Black History Month
- American Heart Month
- National Children’s Dental Health Month
- National Eating Disorders Awareness Month
- National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month
- Presidents’ Day (third Monday of February)
March:
- Women’s History Month
- National Social Work Month
- National Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month
- National Nutrition Month
- St. Patrick’s Day (March 17)
April:
- National Autism Awareness Month
- Sexual Assault Awareness Month
- National Minority Health Month
- National Volunteer Month
- Month of the Military Child
- Earth Day (April 22)
- Administrative Professionals Day (last Wednesday in April)
May:
- Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month
- Jewish American Heritage Month
- National Mental Health Month
- National Physical Fitness and Sports Month
- National Foster Care Month
- Memorial Day (last Monday of May)
June:
July:
August:
September:
- National Suicide Prevention Month
- National Recovery Month
- National Childhood Cancer Awareness Month
- Hispanic Heritage Month (September 15 – October 15)
- Labor Day (first Monday in September)
October:
- National Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- National Cybersecurity Awareness Month
- National Disability Employment Awareness Month
- National Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- National LGBTQ History Month
- National Bullying Prevention Month
- Indigenous Peoples’ Day/Columbus Day (second Monday in October)
- Halloween (October 31)
November:
- National Native American Heritage Month
- National Family Caregivers Month
- Veterans Day (November 11)
- Thanksgiving Day (fourth Thursday in November)
December:
- World AIDS Day (December 1)
- Hanukkah (dates vary)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
- Kwanzaa (December 26 – January 1)
National observance periods by month provide a great opportunity to learn, celebrate, and recognize important events and causes throughout history. By acknowledging and honoring these observances, we can raise awareness, promote understanding, and work towards a more just and equitable society. Whether you choose to participate in events or activities related to these observances or simply take time to learn about them, you can help make a positive impact in your community and beyond.