2026 Has 3 Friday the 13ths - Is This Year Unlucky?

The rare phenomenon of three Friday the 13ths in a single year is not as uncommon as you might think.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The year 2026 will have three Friday the 13ths - February 13, March 13, and November 13. While this may seem unlucky, it's actually not that rare, as the pattern of three Friday the 13ths in a year follows predictable 28-year cycles. The last time this happened was in 2015, and it will occur again in 2037, 2040, and 2043. Some common superstitions associated with Friday the 13th include avoiding black cats, broken mirrors, and walking under ladders.

Why it matters

The prevalence of Friday the 13ths in 2026 highlights how the superstitions and beliefs around this date are more folklore than fact. Understanding the predictable patterns behind the phenomenon can help dispel the notion that 2026 will be an especially unlucky year.

The details

While three Friday the 13ths in a single year is the maximum possible, it's not as rare as one might think. This pattern follows predictable 28-year cycles, with the last occurrence being in 2015 and the next in 2037, 2040, and 2043. Leap years that begin on a Sunday also tend to have three Friday the 13ths, like in 2040 and 2068. The unlucky association with Friday the 13th likely stems from Christian traditions, with 13 people being seated at the Last Supper and Jesus being crucified on a Friday.

  • The first Friday the 13th in 2026 will be on February 13.
  • The second Friday the 13th in 2026 will be on March 13.
  • The third Friday the 13th in 2026 will be on November 13.

The players

Dr. Phil Stevens

An author and retired anthropology professor who has commented on the origins of the superstitions around Friday the 13th.

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What they’re saying

“So 13 is associated with that terrible event. And Friday, the 13th, you get a double whammy. You get both of these elements coming together: the taboo against 13, and the crucifixion, which was on a Friday.”

— Dr. Phil Stevens, Author and retired anthropology professor (USA TODAY)

What’s next

The next time we will see three Friday the 13ths in a single year will be in 2037.

The takeaway

While the prevalence of three Friday the 13ths in 2026 may seem unlucky, it's actually a fairly common occurrence that follows predictable patterns. Understanding the facts behind this phenomenon can help dispel the superstitions and folklore surrounding Friday the 13th.