About Washington's Birthday in the United States
Washington's Birthday is the official federal holiday on the third Monday in February. It honors George Washington, the first U.S. president, although many calendars and retailers commonly call the date Presidents Day.
The official name and the popular name
OPM states that federal law names the holiday Washington's Birthday. The federal government therefore uses that title even though Presidents Day or Presidents' Day is widespread in state, local and commercial usage.
Those names are not completely interchangeable descriptions of local practice. Some jurisdictions use the day to honor Washington and Lincoln or presidents more generally, while the nationwide federal calendar retains its statutory name.
Why the date changes
The holiday was once associated directly with Washington's 22 February birthday. The Uniform Monday Holiday Act moved the federal observance to the third Monday in February.
The holiday therefore falls between 15 and 21 February and never on 22 February. Because it is always a Monday, there is no separate weekend observed day.
Planning around Washington's Birthday
Federal offices generally close on the Monday. State offices, schools, museums, banks and private businesses may use different names and schedules.
Check the calendar of the particular institution you plan to visit. This page uses Washington's Birthday in titles and structured data to match the official federal name, while explaining the familiar Presidents Day wording.
Common questions about Washington's Birthday
Is Presidents Day the official federal name?
No. The official federal name is Washington's Birthday, although Presidents Day is widely used elsewhere.
When is Washington's Birthday observed?
It is observed on the third Monday in February.