To obtain α-dihydroterpineol useful as a raw material for perfume from an easily available raw material in high yield without producing β- dihydroterpineol having deterioration effect on the floral fragrance of the objective compound.

The objective α-dihydroterpineol of formula III is produced by the catalytic hydrogenation reaction of 1-p-menthene-6,8-diol of formula I, 1-p-menthene-7,8-diol of formula II or their mixture in the presence of a metallic catalyst such as palladium. The hydrogenation reaction is carried out at 20-300°C under a hydrogen pressure of 1-150atm.