I’ve always felt a bit smug about it. October is my birthday month, and honestly, if you were born during these 31 days, you probably feel the same way. There is something fundamentally different about the vibe of the year when the leaves start to turn that specific shade of burnt orange. It’s not just about the pumpkin spice or the sudden urge to buy expensive candles. There is actually a decent amount of scientific research and psychological data suggesting that those of us born in October might have a leg up on the rest of the world.
It's weird. You’d think a birthday is just a date on a calendar, right? But researchers at the University of Chicago and other institutions have spent years looking at how "birth seasonality" affects everything from your physical health to how long you might live. When I tell people that October is my birthday month, they usually mention Halloween or the weather. They rarely mention that I might actually have a better chance of seeing my 100th birthday than someone born in June.
The Longevity Factor and the October Advantage
Let’s talk about living forever. Or close to it. A famous study by Alexander and Leonid Gavrilov at the University of Chicago found that people born in autumn—specifically October—are significantly more likely to live to age 100.
Why?
Scientists think it has to do with the environment during pregnancy and shortly after birth. If October is my birthday month, that means my mother was pregnant through the summer. During those months, vitamin D levels are peaked. This matters. Vitamin D exposure in the womb affects everything from bone density to the development of the immune system.
It’s not just a fluke. The study looked at over 1,500 centenarians. They compared them to their siblings and spouses to account for genetic and social factors. The results were consistent. Fall babies, particularly those born in October, stayed healthier longer. It’s a bit like starting a race with a five-second head start. You still have to run the race, but that initial boost is undeniable.
I remember reading a piece in the Journal of Aging Research that echoed this. It suggested that seasonal infections or vitamin levels during early development "program" the body. If you’re an October baby, you basically got programmed during a time of peak nutrient availability.
Athletic Prowess and the "Strongest" Birth Month
If you look at professional athletes, a strange pattern emerges. October kids are often faster and stronger. There was a study conducted by the Centre for Sports and Exercise Science at Essex University that tested the fitness of nearly 9,000 boys and girls.
The results were wild.
October-born children were significantly stronger than those born in almost any other month except November. They had more muscle mass and could jump higher. This isn't some astrological "Libra energy" thing. It’s biological. The theory is that mothers who are late in their pregnancy during the summer months produce babies with higher bone and muscle mass due to—you guessed it—vitamin D.
Basically, we were "sun-baked" in the womb.
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I’ve always noticed this at the gym. Or maybe it’s just a placebo effect. But when October is my birthday month, I feel this weird surge of energy as the temperature drops. While everyone else is complaining about the "death of summer," October babies are just getting started. We thrive in the crisp air.
Mental Health and the Autumnal Mindset
It isn't all physical strength and long life, though. There is a psychological component to having an October birthday that most people miss.
There’s a concept called "Seasonal Affective Disorder" or SAD, which usually hits in the winter. Interestingly, some research suggests that your birth month can influence your baseline temperament. A study presented at the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology found that people born in autumn are less likely to suffer from depression than those born in the spring or summer.
However, we are also a bit more "irritable."
I can confirm this. I’m rarely "down," but I can get annoyed by small things pretty quickly. It’s a trade-off. We avoid the deep lows of clinical depression more effectively, but we might be a bit more "prickly" as a result. Think of it as being temperamentally aligned with the season—a bit cool, a bit sharp, but generally stable.
Why the "Spooky Season" Branding Matters
We can't talk about October without talking about the culture. For many, saying "October is my birthday month" is synonymous with saying "I love Halloween."
But it’s deeper than just costumes. October represents a transition. In many cultures, this time of year is seen as a "thinning of the veil." It’s a time for reflection. While January is the "official" new year, for many of us, October feels like the real start of the year. The academic year is in full swing. The heat of summer—which can be oppressive and exhausting—is finally gone.
Academic Timing: The Hidden School Benefit
In many school districts, the cutoff date for enrollment is September 1st. This means that if October is my birthday month, I was likely one of the oldest kids in my class.
This is huge.
It’s a phenomenon called the "Relative Age Effect." When you are 10 or 11 months older than your peers in kindergarten or first grade, you have a massive developmental advantage. You’re bigger, your fine motor skills are more advanced, and you’re more emotionally mature. Teachers see this "advanced" behavior and give those kids more attention and leadership roles.
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This creates a positive feedback loop.
- Confidence: Older kids get told they are "smart" or "leaders" early on.
- Skill Acquisition: They learn to read or write slightly faster because their brains are literally more developed.
- Sports: They are bigger and get picked for the "A" teams.
Malcolm Gladwell wrote about this in Outliers regarding Canadian hockey players, most of whom were born in the first few months of the year (the cutoff there). For many of us, having an October birthday meant we were the "big kids" in class. That confidence follows you into adulthood.
The Two Faces of October: Libras and Scorpios
You can't really discuss this month without touching on the personality split. October is divided between Libra (until the 22nd) and Scorpio (from the 23rd onward).
Even if you don't believe in the stars, the social archetypes are fascinating. Libras are known for balance, aesthetics, and being people-pleasers. Scorpios are known for intensity, secrecy, and passion. Having my birthday in October means navigating these two very different energies.
Most people I know born in early October are obsessed with their surroundings. They need things to look good. They’re the ones hosting the perfect dinner parties. The late-October crowd? They’re the ones in the corner having a deep, existential conversation about the meaning of life while wearing a very intricate, slightly terrifying costume.
The Reality of Autumn Celebrations
Let’s be real for a second. Celebrating a birthday in October is just better logistically.
Summer birthdays are a mess. Everyone is on vacation. You try to throw a party and half your friends are at the beach or at a wedding. Winter birthdays? Everyone is "evented out" from the holidays or they’re too broke to go out.
But October? It’s the sweet spot.
People are actually home. They’re looking for things to do because the "outdoor season" is transitioning into the "cozy season." You can have a bonfire. You can go to an orchard. You can wear a sweater without sweating through it. It’s the peak of "Third Place" culture—coffee shops, pubs, and living rooms become the stages for our celebrations.
Common Misconceptions About October Birthdays
One of the biggest myths is that October is a "gloomy" month to be born. People equate the falling leaves with death or ending.
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In reality, it’s a month of harvest. Historically, October was the time of plenty. It was when the hard work of the year literally bore fruit. If you were born in October hundreds of years ago, you were born into a time of feast, not famine. That "abundance" mindset is baked into the DNA of the month.
Another misconception: October babies are all "Goth."
Sure, we like the vibes, but most October-born people I know are actually quite outdoorsy. We like hiking when the air is 55 degrees. We like the tactile nature of fall—wool, wood, stone. It’s a very grounded month.
Actionable Insights for October Birthdays
If October is your birthday month, you should be leaning into these natural advantages. Here is how to actually use this information:
Maximize Your Natural Longevity
Since the data suggests a higher likelihood of long life, don't waste it. Fall babies have lower rates of cardiovascular disease. Maintain that "head start" by focusing on heart health in your 30s and 40s. Your body is already wired for endurance; give it the fuel it needs.
Own the Leadership Role
If you were one of the oldest in your class, you likely developed a "commander" personality. Use that in your career. October babies are often excellent mediators (the Libra influence) and deep-dive researchers (the Scorpio influence). Whether you’re leading a meeting or solving a complex technical problem, your birth month provided a developmental framework for focus.
Optimize Your Environment
Since we tend toward irritability rather than depression, the environment is key. October babies are sensitive to lighting and temperature. If you’re feeling "off," check your surroundings. We thrive in "hygge" environments. Invest in good lighting and natural textures in your home office. It actually affects our productivity more than other birth months.
Schedule Your Big Moves
There is a psychological phenomenon where we feel most "capable" around our birthday. For us, this coincides with the "Autumn Reset." Use October to launch new projects or start new habits. While the rest of the world waits for January 1st, you have the advantage of starting when your energy is naturally peaking.
October is more than just a transition between summer and winter. It’s a powerhouse month for health, development, and social connection. If you’re lucky enough to claim it as your birth month, you aren't just celebrating a year older—you’re celebrating a set of biological and psychological traits that set you apart.
Stop apologizing for the pumpkin spice. Enjoy the crisp air. You were literally built for this.
Next Steps for Your October Celebration
- Physical Check: Take advantage of your natural athletic baseline by starting a new strength training block this month.
- Social Planning: Lean into the "Harvest" mentality and host a communal gathering that focuses on high-quality food and deep conversation.
- Reflect: Use the "oldest in the class" confidence to audit your current career path; are you leading, or are you following?