Here’s When Fall Foliage Colors Are Predicted to Peak in Your State

Autumn is many travelers’ favorite season of the year. Moderate temperatures, fun seasonal activities, pumpkin-flavored everything, and, of course, the foliage that makes fall a great season for road trips and weekend getaways. But, timing these excursions to coincide with “peak” fall foliage is always tricky, and this year looks to be trending later than usual in some areas, as well as short-lived for some others.

AccuWeather says warm late-summer temperatures seem likely to delay foliage displays in the Northeast, one of the most popular destinations for leaf-peepers, and that the colors will be short-lived. Midwestern states will have more vibrant and long-lasting colors, according to Accuweather. And as for the mid-Atlantic, the Tennessee Valley to the Southeast will also be delayed thanks to warm early-fall temperatures.

Noting that “warm weather is predicted to stick around across much of the Northeast and mid-Atlantic this September,” AccuWeather foresees a “delayed foliage season in the Northeast–though, generally, a vibrant display is predicted, thanks in part to dryness anticipated before the turn of the leaves.” The same is true of the mid-Atlantic, and AccuWeather also predicts a “spotty” season in the Pacific Northwest. Here’s whats likely to happen in your neck of the woods:

The official foliage forecast from NewEngland.com echoes this prediction, saying that conditions this year are signaling “colors will come in a bit later than the historical average.” The site also offers a foliage prediction map for planning purposes. Late September to mid-October seem to encapsulate peak time, depending on the area you’re looking to visit.

More from SmarterTravel:

• 9 Crazy Ways to Experience Fall Foliage
• The 10 Best Fall Train Rides in the U.S.
• 7 Surprising Places to See Stunning Fall Foliage Overseas