- In mid-September, 'The Old Farmer's Almanac' released a map predicting when each region of the United States is expected to see peak fall foliage.
- The northernmost parts of the U.S. are set to see the most color at the beginning of October, with the southernmost regions finally seeing color by December.
- For a more in-depth look at the fall leaf peeping map, check out the Farmer's Almanac website.
From pumpkin picking to fall baking to corn mazes and Halloween, there is much to do during the autumnal season. For many, leaf peeping is at the top of the list for the best fall activities. It's free, and encourages viewers to get outside and appreciate nature. It can be done by people young and old; all you need to know is when leaves will be at their most vibrant.
That's where The Old Farmer's Almanac comes in. The centuries-old resource recently released a fall foliage map, forecasting when each region of the United States will see peak color.
To see the map in greater detail, make sure to check out the Farmer's Almanac website.
What is The Old Farmer's Almanac?
The Old Farmer's Almanac is a science-based resource founded in 1792. It uses information from meteorology, climatology, and solar science to cast long-range predictions about everything from the weather to gardening to fishing and more.
The Old Farmer's Almanac The 2025 Old Farmer's Almanac
The resource boasts an 80% accuracy rating on weather, according to their website, making it a reputable guide for everyone from farmers to outdoorsmen to plan for the seasons ahead.
Fall Foliage Map 2025
On September 18, The Old Farmer's Almanac released a map showcasing when each region of the U.S. is expected to see peak foliage. Due to a warm summer and a relatively dry fall, leaves have begun changing as early as September 1st this year in areas such as western Maine and central Massachusetts. Traditionally, this transition in color doesn't begin until mid-September in the United States, according to the National Public Radio (NPR). But because of this year's warm, arid conditions across much of the country, we're set to see colors earlier than usual.
The map shows that the northernmost states and New England are expected to hit their peak during the first week of October. By mid-October, leaves will start to hit their stride across Appalachia and the Lower Lakes. At the end of October, the Ohio Valley, northern Heartland, and southern Rockies will see an abundance of color.
By early November, color will spread to the southern Heartland and Southeast. The Pacific Southwest and parts of the Deep South, Oklahoma, and Texas will all experience vibrancy in mid-November. With the remainder of Texas and the Deep South seeing peak color around Thanksgiving.
Florida is expected to see a color change as late as December.
Fall Foliage Map Key
While the Farmer's Almanac map is quite intuitive, we figured we'd break down what each color means, so you have an even better idea of when to catch peak leaf color in your area.
- Green: Green represents the lush, verdant hues associated with summer, where change has not yet begun.
- Yellow: Yellow signifies the onset of transition. The tops and outer edges of trees may begin to change from green to their fall hue.
- Orange: Entering the sweet spot of fall, orange symbolizes a region near peak, where most of a tree has changed in color, but not all.
- Red: Red indicates fall foliage at its best: when trees are at their fullest and most vibrant. This is the best time to go leaf peeping, as you'll see nature at its height of beauty.
- Brown: Brown is associated with leaves after their peak. They've lost vibrancy and moisture, drying in anticipation of the cool winter ahead.
- Grey: Grey means all color change has passed. There are little to no leaves on trees. What's left are brown fronds waiting to fall.
Kate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman's Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread!
