Willow Oak Natural Area in Vineland, autumn 2025.
Where to expect the best color across the country—including a prediction of lackluster color for our region. By Brian Lada, AccuWeather meteorologist
The fall foliage season could bring a striking contrast across the United States this year, with vibrant colors possible in some of the country’s most popular autumn destinations.
New England, upstate New York, and parts of California could see vibrant fall colors this year, while drought and wildfire stress may dull leaves in the Rockies and parts of the East.
The first signs of fall start to appear at higher elevations across the northern U.S. before gradually expanding south throughout the season.
Most areas will have peak colors between late September and mid-October, although the exact timing depends on location and varies from year to year based on the weather conditions leading up to autumn.
Leaf print of oak species from the region. Oaks are generally not the most colorful display of fall color here and this year’s fall foliage, predicted to peak in early November, may be even less vibrant than usual. Blackgums are traditionally one of the first to change color and are already aflame with crimson. Sassafras is also early to change leaf color, turning to a brilliant yellow. ART AND PHOTO: ANN LEWIS
Where the best fall colors are expected: New England and upstate New York stand out as some of the most promising areas for fall foliage in 2026. Wet weather in late spring and early summer followed by drier conditions and cooler nights heading into autumn could set the stage for vibrant color.
The Midwest and areas along the Cascades in the Northwest could also have good color if dry days and cool nights arrive at the right time. However, foliage may not be as vibrant across the interior Northwest due to long-term drought and wildfires.
California is another area where fall color could impress. Typical or vibrant foliage is expected across the Sierra Nevada and portions of northern California, where significant drought has largely been avoided and wildfire activity has been limited.
Fall colors in the Sierra Nevada typically peak in mid- to late October, and relatively quiet weather could provide favorable viewing opportunities through much of the month.
Where fall colors could be duller: The Rockies are among the areas where foliage may fall short of previous years. Last winter had much less snow than normal, which contributed to worsening drought throughout the spring and summer, stressing vegetation.
“The aspens in Colorado should not be as spectacular as previous years,” AccuWeather expert senior meteorologist Paul Pastelok said.
Some of the highest elevations could fare better thanks to cooler nights and rain from summer thunderstorms, but widespread vibrant color is less likely.
Farther east, drought has taken a toll on trees across parts of the mid-Atlantic and Carolinas. Recent rainfall may provide some benefit, but some trees have already experienced significant stress, increasing the risk of brittle leaves and duller colors.
“The contrast from central and northern Pennsylvania to southeast Pennsylvania/Maryland/Virginia will be drastic,” Pastelok said.
Parts of the lower Mississippi Valley and Southeast may also have less vibrant foliage.
“Plenty of clouds and rain will keep the leaves green until leaf drop in the Southeast,” Pastelok explained. “Lack of nights with a clear sky and cooler air will help foster the dull colors.”
Where fall foliage could arrive early or late: The timing of fall foliage could vary just as much as the quality of colors.
Where trees are already stressed, they may shed their leaves earlier than normal, including areas from Georgia to New Jersey and across much of the Rockies. Tropical storms or systems packing gusty winds during late summer and early fall could also strip leaves from trees before the season reaches its typical peak.
Meanwhile, warmer conditions could delay the seasonal change in other regions. Warm days across the Ohio Valley and portions of the Mississippi Valley may push leaf drop back by a couple of weeks while warm days and nights in the Northwest could delay the change by about a week.
Peak fall foliage should arrive on schedule elsewhere in the country, including the Northeast, Great Lakes and northern Plains.
