Honestly, we’ve all been there. You have a stack of bills to mail or a birthday present that’s already three days late, and you’re standing in front of your local branch wondering does the post office open today or are the doors locked tight? It’s a simple question that gets surprisingly complicated depending on the calendar.
Today is Saturday, January 17, 2026. If you’re looking for a quick answer: Yes, the post office is open today. But there’s a catch. Since it’s Saturday, most retail counters are only open for a half-day, often closing at noon or 1:00 PM. Plus, there is a massive federal holiday looming on Monday that changes everything for your mail delivery.
The Saturday Scramble: What to Expect Right Now
Most people assume the Post Office follows a standard 9-to-5, but Saturdays are the wild west of the postal world. While the blue collection boxes are still out there, the actual human beings behind the counter have much shorter shifts.
If you are trying to ship a heavy box or buy a book of stamps, you’ve basically got a narrow window. Most branches in suburban or rural areas close their retail windows by midday. Larger city hubs might stay open until 3:00 PM, but those are the exception, not the rule.
What stays open when the counter closes?
Even if you miss the window today, you aren't totally out of luck. Most lobbies remain accessible 24/7. This means you can:
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- Access your P.O. Box.
- Use the Self-Service Kiosks (SSK) to weigh packages and print postage.
- Drop off pre-labeled prepaid packages in the bin.
The kiosks are a lifesaver. They handle about 80% of what a regular clerk does, and they don't care that it’s a weekend.
The Monday Curveball: Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2026
The reason a lot of people are asking does the post office open today is because they know a holiday is coming. This Monday, January 19, 2026, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Because it’s a federal holiday, the United States Postal Service (USPS) completely shuts down its regular operations. This means no mail in your mailbox and no retail services at all.
Important Note: While Monday is the holiday, Saturday (today) and Sunday (tomorrow) follow their normal weekend schedules.
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If you have something that absolutely must get somewhere by Monday, you’re likely out of luck with standard ground shipping. USPS Priority Mail Express is the only service that runs 365 days a year, including this coming Monday. But be prepared to pay a premium for that "holiday" delivery.
Comparing Your Options: USPS vs. UPS and FedEx
Sometimes the Post Office isn't your only bet. If you find your local branch closed today or you're worried about the Monday shutdown, here is how the other big players handle this specific weekend in January 2026.
UPS Operations
UPS is a bit of a mixed bag. Today, Saturday, they are running normal Saturday pickup and delivery services. However, like the Post Office, UPS will be closed this Monday, January 19. They won't be moving ground packages, though "UPS Express Critical" remains an option for those "the world is ending if this doesn't arrive" situations.
FedEx Strategy
FedEx is usually the outlier. While they might have modified hours, FedEx Ground and FedEx Express typically keep moving on MLK Day. If you missed the USPS cutoff today, heading to a FedEx Office location (often found inside Walgreens or as standalone stores) might be your best move.
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Real-World Delays and the "Tuesday Pileup"
Whenever the Post Office closes for a Monday holiday, Tuesday becomes a chaotic mess for mail carriers. Think about it. They have three days of accumulated mail (Saturday afternoon, Sunday, and Monday) to jam into your tiny mailbox on Tuesday, January 20.
If you’re waiting on a check or a specific package, don't be surprised if your mail carrier is running a few hours behind on Tuesday. They are literally carrying triple the load.
I’ve talked to carriers who mention that holiday Tuesdays are some of the longest shifts of the year. If you see them out late, now you know why.
Common Myths About Postal Hours
- "The mail always moves." Not true. On federal holidays like this Monday, the sorting facilities take a breather. The trucks aren't hitting the highways at the same volume.
- "Post Office lobbies are always locked on weekends." Most aren't. While the "retail" part is closed, you can usually walk into the lobby to check your P.O. box or use the automated machines.
- "If the flag is flying, they are open." The flag flies 24/7 at many government buildings. It’s a sign of patriotism, not a "we are open" neon sign.
Actionable Steps for Your Mail Today
Since you now know that the post office is open today (but probably closing soon), here is what you should do to stay ahead of the holiday delay:
- Check the Specific Branch: Use the USPS Post Office Locator online. It’s the only way to be 100% sure if your local branch closes at 12:00, 1:00, or later.
- Use the Kiosk: If the line is out the door (which it usually is on a Saturday before a holiday), head straight for the Self-Service Kiosk. It prints real postage stickers that work exactly like stamps.
- Ship Today: If you wait until Tuesday to send that package, you’re competing with every other person who forgot about MLK Day. Ship it before the Saturday cutoff to get it into the system before the Monday bottleneck.
- Buy Stamps Elsewhere: If you just need stamps and the post office is closed, head to a grocery store or a pharmacy like CVS or Walgreens. They sell them at the cash register, and they definitely won't be closed today or Monday.
The post office is a machine of habit. Once you understand the federal holiday calendar, you can stop guessing and start planning. Just remember: get there before noon today, or prepare to wait until Tuesday morning.