Peak Fall Foliage Colors: When The Peak Typically Happens In The United States

L​eaves will soon make their gradual change to vibrant hues of yellow, orange and red as we head through the fall months, but when you can usually expect peak color to arrive depends on where you live.

Peak color arrives around the fall equinox for some, while others have to wait. The map below shows the timing of the typical arrival of peak fall foliage across the Lower 48. Keep in mind that at least patchy to scattered color develops before any peak occurs, which means for some areas that can be as soon as early September.

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

Shorter amount of daylight is the primary trigger for the color of the leaves to begin to change. As the nights become longer and colder, chlorophyll production slows and eventually stops. Without chlorophyll, the yellow and orange pigments of the leaves become dominant, resulting in the many beautiful colors of fall.

The best displays of fall foliage occur when there is a period of warm, sunny days along with cool nighttime temperatures, according to Michigan State University Extension.

Sufficient soil moisture throughout the spring and summer months can also help increase the chances of a colorful leaf display. For instance, a severe summer drought can delay the onset of fall colors.

Another factor that might not come to mind is wind. If a strong windstorm affects an area that's near peak color, then it can rip down leaves from trees to some extent, reducing the display of peak color, or shortening the time period that it lasts.

Chris Dolce has been a senior meteorologist with weather.com for over 10 years after beginning his career with The Weather Channel in the early 2000s.