January is the month in which Irish people are most likely to die, with approximately 10pc of all annual deaths taking place during this month. While winter[1] in general is the season in which most deaths typically occur, with an average of 9,344 deaths happening over the winter months.

With the New Year around the corner, experts at Peopl. Insurance have released their five-year analysis of the latest CSO vital statistics which provide a breakdown of the number of deaths which occurred in Ireland per month[2].

Headline findings to emerge from the Peopl. analysis include:

• In order of ranking, the three most likely months of the year for people to die are January (3,376 deaths on average), December (3,105) and April (2,892).
• June is the least likely month for Irish people to die, with 2,419 deaths on average occurring that month – or about 7pc of the yearly average. August is the second least likely month for people to die (2,457 deaths on average) followed by July (2,472).
• The least likely season for Irish people to pass away is summer, with 7,348 deaths on average occurring over those months, compared to 9,344 in winter.
• The second most likely season of the year for people to die is spring.

Commenting on the analysis, Paul Walsh, spokesman for Peopl. Insurance said:

“As we approach December and the inevitable Christmas rush, most people’s thoughts are on buying presents, managing costs and getting ready for the incoming festivities.

And while we don’t want to put a dampener on what is a very joyous time of year for many people, our analysis is a stark reminder that Christmas and winter can also be a difficult and tricky time for people and that the cold weather is something to be mindful of at this time of year. We are encouraging people to mind themselves, their loved ones and possibly others who may not have people to look out for them, over this busy period”.

Peopl highlight some of the possible perils of the winter season for people:

• Winter is usually peak season for influenza and other respiratory viruses. Between 200 and 500 people die from flu in Ireland every year and thousands need admission to hospital as a result of the virus[3]. Cancer patients may be more prone than most people to feeling cold and to catching viruses.
• Poor road conditions due to shorter days and adverse weather.
• Cold weather can put extra stress on people’s hearts as the body needs to work harder to make up for the heat loss – and this extra strain can be harder for people with a heart condition, especially during exercise[4]. Medical research has found that heart conditions are often more fatal during the winter months.[5]
• The increased use of heating appliances and electrical devices in the home – which can lead to fires and carbon monoxide poisoning – is another reason the winter can pose a risk to people’s health.
• Exposure to extreme cold and wind. Where there is a lack of adequate heating or older people living alone, the risks of cold weather to people can be heightened.

Mr Walsh added:

“Our analysis is proof that the winter months can pose a challenge to people’s health, including the elderly living alone or those with serious medical conditions. For this reason, people should take precautions to ensure they, and their loved ones, keep themselves warm over the winter. Simple steps like wearing layers rather than one thick piece of clothing can help. So too can having regular hot drinks and food – such as porridge, soups and stews to keep yourself warm. Keeping active can help boost your circulation. Clever use of heating appliances and thermostats – and taking simple steps around the home to prevent heat loss – can also help.

Hazardous road conditions are another challenge often faced by drivers over the winter – indeed, the highest proportion of road fatalities occur in December, according to a recent study by the Road Safety Authority.[6] The same study found that a high number of serious injuries also occur in December – as a result of road accidents. This highlights the importance to drivers of being responsible and respecting the rules of road, particularly at this time of year.

Our analysis also serves as a reminder to people of their own mortality – and that the ‘long finger’ topics of wills and funeral arrangements are always best tackled early on, and certainly before people become too frail or ill to do so. When a loved one dies, the emotional fallout is often to the fore – however, the financial repercussions can also be huge – particularly when a young family or dependent relatives are involved. For this reason, people with dependents may wish to consider life insurance – which provides a lump sum to dependents in the event of death. This can ease the financial pressure on families in these situations, as long as the right cover is in place. Most people don’t like to think about death but tackling the topic head on and putting arrangements in place to help your loved ones after you pass is always worthwhile.”

[1] Using the meteorological winter season – which includes December, January and February.

[2] The most recently available report with a monthly breakdown of deaths is the CSO Vital Statistics Annual Report 2022. The Peopl analysis examined monthly CSO death figures for 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021 and 2022.

[3] As per HSE Flu and COVID-19 Winter Vaccination Programme leaflet

[4] As per advice from the British Heart Foundation: How cold weather affects your heart

[5] As per article in the Circulation Medical Journal – When Throughout the Year Is Coronary Death Most Likely to Occur?

[6] RSA’s Driver Spotlight Report: Fatalities and serious Injuries 2019-2023