A novel olefin hydration method is provided for efficiently producing alcohols by hydration of olefins containing 2 to 5 carbon atoms in the presence of a catalyst. Thus, alcohols are produced by hydrating olefins containing 2 to 5 carbon atoms at reaction temperature of 100 to 250.degree. C. in the presence of a solid acid catalyst consisting of carbonaceous materials containing sulfonic acid groups obtained from an organic matter by carbonization and sulfonation. In carrying out this method, the organic matter is preferably an aromatic hydrocarbon or a saccharide, the olefin is preferably propylene or a butenes, and the hydration reaction temperature is not lower than 120.degree. C., more preferably not lower than 150.degree. C.