Overview
- The year’s third Friday the 13th fell on Friday, November 13, 2026, completing the calendar‑maximum trio after February and March.
- Simple Gregorian calendar arithmetic explains the pattern: a common (non‑leap) year that starts on a Thursday makes the 13th land on Friday in February and March, and a 245‑day span from March to November equals 35 full weeks so the 13th lines up again.
- Recent safety data are mixed: the Statistisches Landesamt Baden‑Württemberg found an average of 166 traffic accidents on Friday the 13th versus 152 on other Fridays from 2012–2024 with no change in severity, insurer Verti reported a 6.7% average uptick that was not statistically significant, and ADAC’s figures show no increase or slightly fewer accidents.
- Public attitudes show limited behavioural effects: a LOTTO24 survey of more than 1,000 people found 87% do not think the date brings more bad luck, yet 34% would refuse to marry on that date and about 10% would avoid a hotel room numbered 13.
- The fear has cultural roots and a long history: over the Gregorian 400‑year cycle there are 4,800 monthly 13ths and 688 fall on a Friday, the number‑13 taboo and Friday’s Christian associations helped the superstition spread, and occasional media stories have reinforced the myth without producing conclusive risk evidence.