Fall foliage 2026: When do leaves start changing colors?

As summer’s lease ends, fall foliage season is about to begin.The Old Farmer’s Almanac is predicting when leaves will start changing colors across the U.S., helping leaf peepers plan trips to see the glorious hues of autumn. Peak leaf season is at different times in different parts of the country, too, in case you want to make a colorful road trip.Based on historical patterns, the best “leaf-peeping” for 2026 is expected to begin in late September in northern states and higher elevations. The most vibrant colors will occur around the first two weeks of October for about a dozen states, including New England and Upstate New York. Southern regions can expect to see fall foliage in late October and early November.Here’s when you can expect to see fall foliage in 2026:Sept. 1-7:Little to no ch