What do you think about the month of October? Do you think of Halloween, or the crunchy leaves everywhere? Let’s learn some fun facts about the month of October and by the end, you can solve a few trivia questions yourself!
What Makes October So Special?
Here’s what happens in October and why all of these things make it so special:
- October is the 10th month of the year and it has 31 days
- The word October is derived from the Latin word “Octo” which means eight
- In the Northern hemisphere, October is the middle of autumn
- October is represented by: pumpkins, Halloween, falling crunchy leaves and birthdays of famous people
History of October
The history of the month of October is deep, so we will explain it for children. In the Roman calendar, October was the 8th month of the year; after time passed the month of January and February were added to the calendar which pushed October to become the 10th month. October is derived from the Latin word “octo” meaning “eight”. In ancient Roman traditions, October is celebrated as the harvest season and marked the preparation for winter.

October Holidays and Celebrations
Many holidays and celebrations are observed in the month of October, which makes it so special. Holidays like:
- Halloween, is celebrated on October 31st every single year
- Canadian Thanksgiving, is celebrated in early October on the 2nd Monday of the month
- Indigenous people day (also called Native American Day), is celebrated on the second Monday of the month of October
Other celebrations that are observed during October are:
- World Animal Day, on October 4
- United Nations Day, on October 24
- National Pumpkin Day, October 26
October Weather
The weather during the month of October is different in the Northern Hemisphere and the Southern Hemisphere. During October in the Northern Hemisphere the days are cooler and the leaves start to change color, while in the Southern Hemisphere spring begins.
Famous Birthdays in October
Here are a few famous birthdays that take place in October:
- Theodore Roosevelt, October 27, 1858
- Mahatma Gandhi, October 2, 1869
- Pablo Picasso, October 25, 1881
- Bob Ross, October 29, 1942
- Bill Gates, October 28, 1955

Fun October Trivia and Records
Here are a few fun October trivia and records:
- Did you know the world’s largest Halloween parade takes place in New York City?
- October birthstone: opal and tourmaline.
- Zodiac signs: Libra (until Oct 22), Scorpio (Oct 23 onward).
- In some countries October is the only month where daylight saving time often changes
- Did you know the world’s largest pumpkin weighs 2,749 pounds (1,247 kilograms)?

Conclusion
The reason why October is amazing is because it’s full of history and celebrations. The season of autumn turns the world into beautiful shades and October is full of fun and magic. Next time you crunch a leaf or see a pumpkin, think about the fun facts we told you about the month of October!
Interactive October Quiz for Kids
Here’s an interesting October trivia for students of all ages:
How many days are in October?
There are 31 days in the month of October
Does October mean “ten” in Latin?
False, October means “eight” in Latin!
Which U.S. President was born in October?
Several U.S. presidents were born in the month of October, like Theodore Roosevelt
Which fruit is most popular in October?
Pumpkins are the most popular fruit in October
What holidays are celebrated on October 31st?
Halloween, National Doorbell day, Caramel Apple day, Frankenstein Friday

