Fall Foliage Predictions for 2025
As the summer months come to a close, people are eagerly awaiting the arrival of fall. With Starbucks serving pumpkin spice lattes, kids back to school, and Halloween decor out in stores, it’s only a matter of time before the next harbinger of fall arrives: the colorful changing of the leaves.
However, according to long-range weather experts at Accuweather, only half of states are expected to see vibrant fall foliage this year. This prediction is based on various weather conditions that have affected different parts of the country.
States Expected to See Vibrant Fall Foliage
“We expect vibrant colors across much of New England and the Midwest this autumn,” said Accuweather’s Paul Pastelok. The areas with more vibrant leaves had consistent rainfall in the spring and summer, contributing to healthy leaf growth. Plus, they need cool nights in the early fall, signaling the change in season that brings fall colors.
The aspen trees in Colorado and some of the Plains could also get pretty colors – though an early frost that’s possible in the Dakotas and Minnesota might cut the season short. The eastern parts of North Carolina and South Carolina might also get lucky, but it depends on how the end of hurricane season plays out. If the states get high winds from a tropical storm, leaves could be blown off trees before they have a chance to change color.
States Expected to See Duller Fall Foliage
While Midwestern and New England states look like they’ll get the brightest colors as the season changes, other parts of the country aren’t so lucky. Even places that depend on leaf peeping tourists, like the Smoky Mountains, are set to see a duller hue to their leaves.
“You can blame heavy rainfall and flooding this spring and summer for dull colors in the Appalachians and the Smoky Mountains. Insect and fungus damage can occur across southwest Pennsylvania, western Maryland and Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, extending to Mississippi and Alabama from heavy rain. This can lead to duller colors and early droppage of leaves,” Pastelok explained.
Meanwhile out West, heat, drought, and wildfires are to blame for a less vibrant outlook for fall 2025. “Stressed trees in the lower elevations could drop leaves a week or two earlier than average this autumn,” he said.
Peak Leaf Peeping Season
Once you start to see the color popping up, don’t delay, Pastelok advised. He expects peak leaf peeping season to be short this year. An interactive map from SmokyMountains.com can help you predict when fall colors will peak near you. Generally speaking, states further north reach peak in late September and early October, while states further south can reach their peak as late as November. Elevation also plays a role in when leaves change.
Comparison to Previous Years
Even with half of states expecting a duller leaf canopy this year, Accuweather’s outlook is still better this year than it was in 2024. This is good news for people who enjoy the fall foliage, as they can still expect to see some beautiful colors in certain parts of the country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the fall foliage predictions for 2025 are mixed, with some states expected to see vibrant colors and others expecting duller hues. The weather conditions in different parts of the country have affected the leaf growth and color change, resulting in varying levels of fall foliage. Whether you’re planning a trip to see the fall colors or just enjoying them in your own backyard, it’s sure to be a beautiful season.
FAQs
Q: Which states are expected to see vibrant fall foliage in 2025?
A: According to Accuweather, states in New England and the Midwest are expected to see vibrant fall foliage, as well as the aspen trees in Colorado and some of the Plains.
Q: What is causing the duller fall foliage in some states?
A: Heavy rainfall and flooding, insect and fungus damage, heat, drought, and wildfires are all contributing to duller fall foliage in certain parts of the country.
Q: How can I predict when fall colors will peak near me?
A: You can use an interactive map from SmokyMountains.com to predict when fall colors will peak near you. The map takes into account the elevation and location of your area to provide a forecast of when the colors will be at their peak.
Q: Is the fall foliage outlook better or worse than it was in 2024?
A: According to Accuweather, the fall foliage outlook is better this year than it was in 2024, with more states expected to see vibrant colors.
