An optical module includes a variable wavelength interference filter provided with a pair of reflecting films, and an electrostatic actuator configured to change a gap dimension between the pair of reflecting films, a driver configured to apply a periodic drive voltage to the electrostatic actuator, a gap detector configured to detect a gap dimension between the pair of reflecting films, and a light receiver configured to receive light from the variable wavelength interference filter. The light reception signal from the light receiver is detected at a predetermined timing from a detection timing of one of a maximum value and a minimum value of the gap dimension detected by the gap detector.