Exactly When the Leaves Will Change This Year, According to the Farmers’ Almanac
I’ll admit it: growing up in Minnesota, I’m a little bit of a snob when it comes to fall foliage. Every year, as late September hit, the forests around the Twin Cities area burst with color. There were the fiery hues of the Red Maples in backyards, the near-neon yellows, oranges, and reds of the Sugar Maples surrounding local playgrounds, and golden yellow aspens and birch trees on bike paths. Now, where I live in the Mountain West, the peaks explode with aspen yellow each fall, but you have to make it a point to see them up close, and make a point I do.
Luckily, the 2026 Farmer’s Almanac guide to fall foliage is officially out—us foliage connoisseurs can now plan the perfect leaf peeping trips. Here’s everything you need to know.
When Will Leaves Start to Change This Year?
For the 2026 season, according to the Farmer’s Almanac, leaves may start changing as soon as early September in some regions. To easily read the maps below, follow this key:
- Green: No change in leaf color yet
- Yellow: Early color
- Orange: Near peak
- Red: Peak leaf peeing
- Rust Orange: Color begins to fade
- Gray: Leaves have fallen
Early September
Leaves will begin to shift in northern Minnesota and parts of Maine, as well as at the very tip of southern Florida. The Southern Appalachian corridor will also start to see some change.
Late September
By late month, the northernmost edge of the U.S. will be ramping up or reaching peak, including Maine’s Acadia National Park and the Green Mountains in Vermont.
Mid-October
As of mid-October, Farmer’s Almanac predicts much of New England will be nearing peak leaf, and pockets of Arizona will begin to change, as color in the northern states begins to fade. Much of Washington and Idaho will be peaking.
Late October
The Mid-Atlantic region is expected to reach peak by late October, including the Adirondack Mountains in New York, the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon, and Shenandoah National Park. Parts of southern California and much of Colorado will also be exploding with color.
Early November
Leaves will have fallen in the northern half of the country by early to mid-November as states in the Southwest and all along the West Coast reach peak color. Parts of Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi will also see ample color during this time.
Mid- to Late November
By the time the second half of November comes, most of the color will be fading from trees in the U.S. The final bursts will be popping in the farthest southern states, including Texas and Big Bend National Park.
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