How Many Days Until October?
October 2025 begins on Wednesday, October 1, 2025.
About October
October is the tenth month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars and has 31 days. It is associated with the peak of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, characterized by cooler temperatures, falling leaves, and harvest festivals. The month is named after the Latin word "octo," meaning eight, as it was the eighth month in the early Roman calendar.
October: The Heart of Autumn
Origin of the Month
October retains its name from the early Roman calendar where it was the eighth month ("octo"). Despite the calendar reforms that shifted it to the tenth position, the name remained unchanged.
Autumn Foliage
October is renowned for its vibrant fall foliage, as trees display a stunning array of red, orange, and yellow leaves. This natural spectacle attracts many to scenic drives and outdoor activities.
Halloween
October culminates with Halloween on the 31st, a holiday celebrated with costumes, trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and spooky decorations. It has roots in ancient Celtic festivals and Christian traditions.
Harvest Season
October is a key month for harvesting crops like pumpkins, apples, and corn. Many communities hold harvest festivals, fairs, and farmers' markets to celebrate the bounty of the season.
October Symbols
Birthstones
Opal and Tourmaline. Opals are known for their unique play of colors, symbolizing hope and creativity. Tourmaline comes in various colors and represents healing and protection.
Astrological Signs
Libra (September 23 - October 22) and Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
Flowers
Marigold and Cosmos. Marigolds symbolize warmth and creativity, while Cosmos represent order and harmony.
The Harvest Season Explained
The harvest season is a time of gathering mature crops from the fields. Key aspects include:
- Peak Harvest: October is a prime month for harvesting a variety of crops, including pumpkins, apples, corn, and root vegetables.
- Community Celebrations: Many communities hold harvest festivals, fairs, and farmers' markets to celebrate the season's bounty.
- Preservation: It's a time for preserving the harvest through canning, freezing, and drying to ensure a supply of food for the winter months.
- Thanksgiving: In Canada, Thanksgiving is celebrated in October, giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year.
- Cultural Significance: Harvest time has deep cultural and historical significance, often associated with gratitude, abundance, and preparation for winter.
Harvest time in the fields.
October Holidays & Observances
Columbus Day (US)
Federal holiday commemorating Christopher Columbus's landing in the Americas on October 12, 1492.
Thanksgiving (Canada)
Canadian holiday giving thanks for the harvest and blessings of the past year.
Halloween
Celebration with costumes, trick-or-treating, haunted houses, and spooky decorations. Has roots in ancient Celtic festivals and Christian traditions.
Diwali
Hindu festival of lights, celebrating the victory of light over darkness. Date varies based on the Hindu lunar calendar, often falls in October or November.
Oktoberfest
Traditional German festival celebrating beer, food, and Bavarian culture. Typically runs from late September to the first weekend in October.
October Month-Long Observances
Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Raises awareness and funds for research into breast cancer, promoting early detection and treatment.
National Bullying Prevention Month
Promotes awareness and prevention of bullying in schools and communities.
National Book Month
Celebrates the joy of reading and the importance of books in our lives.
Global Diversity Awareness Month
Promotes understanding and appreciation of the diverse cultures and backgrounds that make up our world.
October Activities & Ideas
Halloween Fun
- Carve pumpkins and create jack-o'-lanterns
- Decorate your home with spooky decorations
- Host a Halloween costume party
- Go trick-or-treating or attend a trunk-or-treat event
- Visit haunted houses or watch scary movies
Enjoy Autumn
- Take scenic drives to view fall foliage
- Go apple picking or visit a pumpkin patch
- Attend fall festivals and fairs
- Go on a hayride or visit a corn maze
- Enjoy outdoor activities like hiking and biking
Harvest & Cooking
- Bake pumpkin pies, apple crisps, and other fall treats
- Cook with seasonal produce like squash and root vegetables
- Make hearty soups and stews
- Preserve the harvest through canning and freezing
- Attend farmers' markets for fresh, local produce
Cozy Indoors
- Read books by the fireplace
- Start a new hobby or craft project
- Host a game night with family and friends
- Watch classic fall movies or TV shows
- Prepare your home for the colder months ahead
Interesting October Facts
October was originally the eighth month in the early Roman calendar, hence its name derived from "octo," meaning eight.
October is associated with the zodiac signs Libra and Scorpio, representing balance and transformation.
The first Oktoberfest was held in Munich, Germany, in October 1810 to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig to Princess Therese.
October is known for its "Hunter's Moon," the full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, providing extra light for hunters.