Groups touring the Midwest, Northeast, and parts of the West Coast this autumn could be in for a feast for the eyes when it comes to fall colors. That’s according to meteorologists with AccuWeather, who say that New England, Upstate New York, and parts of California in particular will be the hot spots when it comes to vibrant hues this season. And they should all be peaking over the next several weeks.
“New England and upstate New York stand out as some of the most promising areas for fall foliage in 2026,” reads the report from AccuWeather Meteorologist Brian Lada. “Wet weather in late spring and early summer followed by drier conditions and cooler nights heading into autumn could set the stage for vibrant color.”
Lada goes on to note that the Midwest and the Cascade Mountain ranges of the Northwest are also expected to be standout viewing areas, possibly extending down into Northern California and the Sierra Nevada. A few factors affecting their vibrancy include drought and wildfires in the Northwest, and whether the right mix of dry daytime conditions and cool nighttime temperatures prevail in the Midwest. The report notes that the Pacific Northwest regions could see a later peak than average.
Some regions are expected to receive duller fall colors than normal, including Rocky Mountain areas, where a lack of snow last winter contributed to a drought. Drought has also been an issue in the mid-Atlantic states, with colors quickly dropping off south of Pennsylvania. The opposite is true in the Southeast, where ample amounts of rain and mean that green leaves will be sticking around for a while.
“Plenty of clouds and rain will keep the leaves green until leaf drop in the Southeast,” says AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Paul Pastelok. “Lack of nights with a clear sky and cooler air will help foster the dull colors.”
Main Image: Central Park in autumn, New York City, New York; Credit: Adobe/Christopher Boswell
