Those who are superstitious won’t be happy to learn that 2026 will bring three Friday the 13th’s. Any month that begins on a Sunday means a Friday the 13th will occur in that month. This year, we’ll experience these in February, March, and November, which, for many, means it’s just another day, but for the superstitious, it could get a little uncomfortable.
It’s not certain as to why Friday the 13th is considered unlucky. Some feel it has a religious component to it thanks to the story of the Last Supper in the Bible. It is written that that Judas was the 13th guest and would go on to betray Jesus. Others think it goes back to the days of Cain and Abel when Cain killed his brother on a Friday the 13th. According to Norse Mythology, Loki (a trickster God) showed up to a dinner as the 13th guest causing complete chaos and damage.
Other strange things associated with Friday the 13th include:
- Jack the Ripper killed his last victim on Friday the 13th, 1888
- The master of horror and suspense, Alfred Hitchcock, was born on a Friday the 13th
- 80% of high rise buildings avoid having a 13th floor while some hotels refuse to have a room 13. Even some airports won’t have a Gate 13.
The fear of 13 is real. In fact, those who suffer from the number are said to have “triskaidekaphobia.” Those who have a fear of Friday the 13th have what is called “paraskevidekatriaphobia.” The fear is so real for some that an estimated $800 to $900 million is lost in economic activity due to people canceling flights and trips, and postponing business deals on Friday the 13th.
If it helps, there is little to no evidence indicating Friday the 13th is unlucky or that anything bad will occur. In fact, some studies suggest that it might be safer to drive on Friday the 13th due to lighter traffic thanks to those who are superstitious.
Regardless, we can all relax knowing a long weekend follows Friday, February 13th, 2026.
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