The leaves shrugging on their fall attire is one of Mother Nature’s most brilliant shows each year. But when can you can typically see the dazzling display? That depends on where you live. 

Peak fall foliage depends on a variety of factors: cooler nights, shorter daylight hours and rainfall, just to name a few.

As the leaves take their cue that summer is coming to an end, they start slowing down the production of chlorophyll, the green pigment in leaves, until it comes to a stop. This is when the fiery red and brilliant yellows are revealed.

But this happens on a different timeline across the country. Here’s when it's usually time to pull out the camera near you:

Typical timeline

• Late September or early October: The Rockies, the northern parts of Minnesota through Michigan and a strip from upstate New York to northern New England see peak color first.
• Mid-to-late October: Potential for peak fall color advances through the Midwest into the Appalachians and much of the Northeast in mid- to late October. Most other areas in the West, including valleys, see fall's most vibrant color by this time of year as well.
• November: Much of the mid-Atlantic coast and the South are the last holdouts to see peak color.

Weather's impact

No two years of fall foliage are quite the same — so, what makes for "good" color and when?

The perfect weather recipe for vibrant colors includes warm, sunny days paired with cool nighttime temperatures. Sufficient rainfall throughout the spring and summer also helps boost the display.

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Meanwhile, severe drought, extreme heat or an early frost can stress the trees and damage the leaves, leading to duller colors. And strong wind storms can knock leaves off before they even get the chance to show off.

The weather can also throw a wrench in the timing of your leaf-peeping plans.

Some factors can lead to earlier color:

• Early summer warmth
• Drought
• Chillier fall temperatures

While others can lead to later color:

• Warmer fall nights
• Light pollution from cities

My best advice for catching peak: make flexible plans. Whether you're trying to enjoy them locally or planning a trip, leave room for Mother Nature to set the stage.

Caitlin Kaiser graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology with both an undergraduate and graduate degree in Earth and Atmospheric Sciences before starting her career as a digital meteorologist with weather.com.