A body begins to decompose immediately after death, but the time for a body to fully decompose varies widely depending on conditions. Generally, a body buried in a typical coffin starts breaking down within a year but can take up to a decade to skeletonize. Without a coffin and exposed to elements, skeletonization typically happens within about five years. Decomposition proceeds faster in warm environments and slower in cold ones. The final stage, skeletonization, can take from weeks to several years depending on climate, soil, and exposure to scavengers. In some cases, bones may take decades or even hundreds of years to fully dissolve in the soil.

Stages of Decomposition

• Immediate postmortem: Cells die, rigor mortis sets in within hours.
• Days 1-5: Body bloats, skin changes color, internal organs decompose.
• Weeks: Soft tissues liquefy, further breakdown occurs.
• Months to years: Skeletonization occurs, leaving mostly bones.
• Decades to centuries: Bones dissolve fully or fossilize depending on soil conditions.

Factors Influencing Decomposition Time

• Burial conditions (with or without coffin).
• Environment temperature and humidity.
• Soil acidity and type.
• Presence of insects, scavengers, and microorganisms.
• Whether the body is embalmed or exposed.

In summary, the complete decomposition process ranges from a few weeks in optimal conditions to many decades or centuries for bones to fully degrade depending on the circumstances.