Autumn Leaf Color News

Get real-time fall foliage updates and find the best fall color with our interactive map. Plan your fall trip today! A CBS News map shows where leaf colors are changing and where to see peak fall foliage, updated regularly.

See when fall leaves will peak in 2025! View our U.S. fall foliage map, find top leaf-peeping spots, and get tips for the best autumn color viewing. Discover which colors peak across America in 2025 and why, from New England's fiery maples to the Rockies' golden aspens.

Farmer's Almanac predicts when to expect peak fall foliage across the US In Colorado, warmer and drier conditions have caused some trees to change color earlier than usual. When will the fall colors reach their peak? Time the 2025 peak fall foliage for any area in the continental United States with the "Fall Colors" map overlay in OpenSnow. The map is updated twice per week and animates from historical color starting in early September through forecast color ending in late November.

Getting Started Tap the "Maps" tab. Tap the overlay button. Tap "Fall Colors.

Every autumn, landscapes across the Northern Hemisphere erupt into breathtaking shades of crimson, amber, and gold. What may seem like nature's seasonal art show is actually part of a plant's developmental journey, one that signals preparation for survival. Leaves, once vibrant with chlorophyll-green, gradually surrender to reds, oranges, and yellows before falling to the ground.

Alaska marks start of fall foliage with first leaf color change as of Aug 20, 2025. Northern tundra shows low color development, signaling autumn's arrival. Moderate drought stress in the fall can enhance red pigment production, provided the stress is not severe enough to cause premature leaf drop.

The Final Act: Leaf Abscission The color change culminates in leaf abscission, the shedding of leaves from the tree. This protective mechanism allows deciduous trees to conserve water and energy during. Fall foliage is highly contingent on location and weather conditions in the weeks and months before the height of the season.

Changes in leaves start occurring when trees start to receive less sunlight. The lack of chlorophyll can reveal yellow, orange, and red pigments, leading to the best fall foliage colors.