The weather is changing and that means one thing: fall foliage. And luckily for a majority of the United States, the forecast is vibrant.
Travelers intent on leaf peeping in places like New England can expect surges of oranges and reds, while travelers to the Appalachian region will likely find a more muted outlook, according to AccuWeather’s annual foliage forecast that was shared with Travel + Leisure. Late summer heat may also translate to a shorter foliage season in areas where the color is more striking.
“There will be drastic differences in fall foliage across this country this year,” Paul Pastelok, AccuWeather’s lead long-range expert, said in the report, adding “Don’t wait too long to check out the leaves as they approach peak color. The fall foliage may not last very long this year.”
While the colors may vary, travelers can still see spectacular displays coast to coast. On the West Coast, catch the gorgeous aspens in Colorado in the early fall from September through mid-October, while “ample” spring and summer rain will make New England a colorful option for East Coast travelers.
“Fall foliage is the result of a delicate balance of temperature, moisture and sunlight changes,” Brett Anderson, a climate expert and senior meteorologist at AccuWeather, said in the report. “With climate change shifting or disrupting those patterns, we are increasingly seeing variability in both the timing and vibrancy of the season.”
Anderson added: “Extremes linked to climate will likely have a bigger impact on the vibrancy and length of fall foliage season in the decades to come.”
The country will erupt in color, but it may be more muted for those in the Appalachian and Smoky Mountain area. That’s due to flooding and heavy rainfall during the spring and summer months.
In total, AccuWeather estimates 25 states will see vivid colors while 23 states will experience more dull foliage. This marks an improvement compared to 2024 when even more states saw reduced colorful foliage.
The forecasting team recommended travelers looking to plan the ultimate leaf peeping getaway monitor for cooler nights and sunny days, which create the “ideal conditions for spectacular fall foliage.” However, AccuWeather noted the “increasing risk of late-season hurricanes could pose a larger threat to fall foliage” for future seasons.
“Fall foliage can be impacted for years in places hit hard by hurricanes that push inland,” Anderson said. “It may take decades for trees to grow back in some places.”
