Gold in October: Every October Since 1971
Gold has risen in 27 of 55 Octobers since 1971 (49%, against 55% for all months), with an average change of +0.2% and a median of −0.2%. Its best October was 1978 (+11.7%) and its worst 2008 (−17.4%). October ranks 10 of 12 by average change. So far in October 2026, gold is −3.5% (to 26 Oct).
Gold in every October, 1971–2025
% change in the monthWhat happens in November after October
How often November rose after gold ended October higher or lower, compared with all months (55% rose).
After a higher October
InconclusiveAfter gold ends October higher, November has risen 59% of the time since 1971 (16 of 27), against 55% for all months, with an average change of +1.2% and a median of +1.4%: no meaningful pattern.
After a lower October
InconclusiveAfter gold ends October lower, November has risen 61% of the time since 1971 (17 of 28), against 55% for all months, with an average change of +0.7% and a median of +0.4%: a difference, but too few cases to rule out chance.
"Momentum" or "rebound" only when the share differs from all months by at least 5 percentage points, with at least 20 cases, and by more than chance would explain (95% confidence); otherwise "inconclusive". With one month a year, most single-month differences are within chance. The same figures for every month together: gold seasonality.
Gold in October, Year by Year
Month-end close and the change in October, with November next to it.
| Year | Close, end of October | October | November after |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 so far | $4,038 | −3.5% | — |
| 2025 | $3,997 | +3.2% | +6.5% |
| 2024 | $2,749 | +3.4% | −3.4% |
| 2023 | $1,994 | +6.9% | +2.2% |
| 2022 | $1,641 | −1.9% | +6.4% |
| 2021 | $1,784 | +1.5% | −0.6% |
| 2020 | $1,880 | −0.8% | −5.5% |
| 2019 | $1,511 | +3.1% | −3.0% |
| 2018 | $1,212 | +1.7% | +0.7% |
| 2017 | $1,267 | −1.1% | +0.5% |
| 2016 | $1,277 | −3.0% | −8.1% |
| 2015 | $1,141 | +2.4% | −6.6% |
| 2014 | $1,172 | −3.3% | +0.3% |
| 2013 | $1,324 | −0.3% | −5.5% |
| 2012 | $1,719 | −3.2% | +0.4% |
| 2011 | $1,722 | +6.3% | +1.4% |
| 2010 | $1,347 | +3.0% | +2.7% |
| 2009 | $1,040 | +4.4% | +13.1% |
| 2008 | $731 | −17.4% | +11.5% |
| 2007 | $790 | +6.3% | −0.8% |
| 2006 | $604 | +0.8% | +7.1% |
| 2005 | $471 | −0.5% | +5.3% |
| 2004 | $426 | +2.4% | +6.5% |
| 2003 | $386 | −0.5% | +3.1% |
| 2002 | $317 | −2.1% | +0.7% |
| 2001 | $279 | −4.9% | −1.2% |
| 2000 | $265 | −3.3% | +1.7% |
| 1999 | $299 | 0.0% | −2.6% |
| 1998 | $292 | −0.5% | +0.8% |
| 1997 | $311 | −6.2% | −4.7% |
| 1996 | $380 | +0.1% | −2.2% |
| 1995 | $383 | −0.4% | +1.3% |
| 1994 | $384 | −2.8% | −0.2% |
| 1993 | $370 | +4.0% | +0.4% |
| 1992 | $339 | −2.8% | −1.5% |
| 1991 | $357 | +0.7% | +2.5% |
| 1990 | $380 | −7.1% | +1.4% |
| 1989 | $375 | +2.4% | +8.8% |
| 1988 | $412 | +4.0% | +2.5% |
| 1987 | $469 | +2.0% | +5.1% |
| 1986 | $401 | −5.2% | −2.9% |
| 1985 | $325 | −0.2% | +0.1% |
| 1984 | $334 | −3.0% | −1.3% |
| 1983 | $382 | −5.7% | +6.0% |
| 1982 | $423 | +6.6% | +3.0% |
| 1981 | $427 | −0.4% | −2.9% |
| 1980 | $629 | −5.7% | −1.5% |
| 1979 | $382 | −3.8% | +8.8% |
| 1978 | $243 | +11.7% | −20.3% |
| 1977 | $162 | +4.8% | −0.9% |
| 1976 | $123 | +6.2% | +5.8% |
| 1975 | $143 | +1.2% | −3.3% |
| 1974 | $167 | +10.4% | +10.2% |
| 1973 | $98.00 | −2.0% | +3.1% |
| 1972 | $64.39 | +0.3% | −1.2% |
| 1971 | $42.34 | −0.6% | +3.0% |
In the calendar in October
- Navratri, Dussehra and, in some years, Dhanteras and Diwali.
Events that fall in the month; they do not explain any single year's move.
Gold by Month
Gold in October: FAQ
Is October a good month for gold?
Gold has risen in 49% of Octobers since 1971 (27 of 55), against 55% for all months, with an average change of +0.2%. October ranks 10 of 12 months by average change. In the last 10 years it rose 6 times. Seasonal patterns are not a reliable guide to any single year.
What was gold's best October?
1978, when gold rose 11.7%. The worst was 2008 (−17.4%).
What happens to gold in November after a higher October?
After gold ends October higher, November has risen 59% of the time since 1971 (16 of 27), against 55% for all months, with an average change of +1.2% and a median of +1.4%: no meaningful pattern.
What happens to gold in November after a lower October?
After gold ends October lower, November has risen 61% of the time since 1971 (17 of 28), against 55% for all months, with an average change of +0.7% and a median of +0.4%: a difference, but too few cases to rule out chance.
History, not advice: past monthly patterns do not predict any single month. Data to 26 October 2026.
Cite this page
For essays, articles and research. Prices on this page update daily, so the citations include today's date as the date you accessed it.
@misc{corgano2026goldinoctoberevery, author = {{Corgano}}, title = {Gold in October: every October since 1971}, howpublished = {\url{https://goldprice.corgano.com/gold-in-october}}, year = {2026}, note = {Corgano Gold Price, accessed 2026-10-27}}