According to an analysis by INSEE, January 3 stands out as the deadliest day of the year in France, over the period 2004-2023. With an average of 1,900 deaths recorded on that day, an increase of 19% from the daily average of 1,600 deaths, this date exceeds all other days in terms of mortality.
In 2023, 639,300 people died in France, a figure down by 35,900 compared to 2022, a year marked by exceptionally high mortality. Over two decades, the data shows striking trends: deaths are significantly less frequent in summer, on public holidays and Sundays. Conversely, winter days, particularly at the start of the year, record significant peaks in mortality.
January 3 stands out for several reasons. This date, which follows the end-of-year holidays, coincides with a period when people at the end of their lives could delay their death to spend one last moment with their loved ones and see the start of a new year. Furthermore, the resumption of scheduled surgical procedures after the holidays could also contribute to this increase.
In contrast, August 15, a public and summer holiday, is the least deadly of the year with an average of 1,410 daily deaths, a decrease of 12% compared to the average.
Another striking phenomenon noted by INSEE is that the risk of death is higher on one's birthday, an effect particularly observed among young people.
These data illustrate how seasonal, social and medical factors influence variations in mortality throughout the year. January 3, with its particularities, remains a special date in the French demographic calendar.
