World No Tobacco Day 2026
awarenessMonday, May 31, 2027
258 days from today · next occurrence
About World No Tobacco Day
World No Tobacco Day is observed every May 31 and draws global attention to the health risks of tobacco use and the business practices of the tobacco industry. Established by the World Health Organization, the campaign highlights how smoking and other forms of tobacco use contribute to cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung disease, and preventable deaths worldwide.
Each year the WHO chooses a theme, from protecting young people from industry marketing to exposing how tobacco harms the environment across its life cycle. Governments use the day to announce or strengthen tobacco-control measures such as advertising bans, graphic warnings, smoke-free public spaces, and higher taxes. Health organizations run quit campaigns and free cessation support, since studies show many smokers want to stop and a meaningful date can provide the trigger. For individuals, the day is a widely used milestone for quitting, an opportunity to support a loved one who is trying, or simply a moment to learn how the tobacco epidemic affects communities everywhere.
When is World No Tobacco Day?
| Year | Date | Weekday |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | May 31, 2026 | Sunday |
| 2027 | May 31, 2027 | Monday |
| 2028 | May 31, 2028 | Wednesday |
| 2029 | May 31, 2029 | Thursday |
| 2030 | May 31, 2030 | Friday |
History of World No Tobacco Day
The World Health Assembly created World No Tobacco Day in 1987, calling for an annual day of action on tobacco or health, and the first observance followed in 1988. The momentum helped the WHO adopt its Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the first international treaty devoted to public health, which entered into force in 2005 and has been ratified by more than 180 countries. Every year since 1988, the WHO has announced a theme and recognized award winners from the field of tobacco control. The campaign has coincided with major policy shifts, including plain packaging laws in Australia and France, sweeping advertising bans, and the graphic warning labels now standard on cigarette packs in much of the world.
How to Celebrate World No Tobacco Day
- If you smoke or vape, make May 31 your quit date and line up support in advance.
- Encourage a friend or family member who is quitting with check-ins, nicotine replacement, or simply company.
- Read up on the year's WHO campaign theme and share one fact about tobacco's health effects.
- Support smoke-free policies at work, in apartment buildings, and at public venues in your community.
- Thank the healthcare workers and counselors who help people stop using tobacco.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is World No Tobacco Day?
- World No Tobacco Day is held every year on May 31, a fixed date set by the World Health Organization for its global anti-tobacco campaign.
- Is World No Tobacco Day a public holiday?
- No. It is a UN health awareness day, not a public holiday. Businesses and schools operate normally while health agencies and community groups run their campaigns.
- How is World No Tobacco Day observed?
- People observe the day by starting or supporting quit attempts, attending health screenings and awareness events, and sharing WHO campaign materials. Governments often announce new tobacco-control rules on this date.
- Who started World No Tobacco Day?
- The World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the World Health Organization, created the observance in 1987, and the first World No Tobacco Day took place in 1988.