Estimating the number of deaths globally during the winter months can be challenging due to variations in climate, health care systems, and seasonal illnesses across different regions.
However, it's known that winter can lead to an increase in deaths, particularly from respiratory diseases like influenza and pneumonia, as well as complications related to cold weather, such as hypothermia. According to various health organizations, winter months can see a seasonal increase in mortality rates.
Globally, estimates suggest that about 2.5 million to 5 million people die each year due to respiratory infections, with a significant portion occurring during the winter months, especially in temperate regions. In addition, excess winter mortality can vary significantly by region, with some studies estimating that in the Northern Hemisphere, the winter months can account for an increase of about 20% in mortality rates compared to summer months.
While it's difficult to give an exact figure for worldwide deaths solely attributed to winter, it is reasonable to estimate that hundreds of thousands to possibly a few million deaths occur each winter due to the cumulative impact of various winter-related factors and illnesses.