# 2026 US fall foliage seasonal variations

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/2026-us-fall-foliage-seasonal-variations
> Updated: 2026-10-15T21:30:14.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

The 2026 fall foliage season in New England is being described by foliage expert Kyle Cotner as “elite,” marking the best quality seen in nearly 20 years. This exceptional display is attributed to a combination of adequate spring and summer rainfall alongside warm days and cool nights.

This high-quality season in New England stands in contrast to other parts of the United States. While Utah has benefited from sufficient rainfall, other regions like Colorado have faced extreme drought, resulting in a quick and lackluster foliage season. Additionally, aspens in Wyoming, Montana, and Idaho are reported to be less golden than usual.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-15: New England experiences elite fall foliage season in 2026

New England is experiencing an “elite” fall foliage season in 2026 due to ideal weather, while drought in Colorado has resulted in a lackluster display in that region.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/new-england-sees-elite-fall-foliage-while-drought-affects-other-regions

### 2026-10-12: Colorado fall foliage shifts to lower elevations in 2026

Due to early seasonal shifts in 2026, Colorado's fall foliage has moved to lower elevations. High-country aspens have peaked, while the Front Range and Boulder areas offer color through late October.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/colorado-fall-foliage-shifts-to-lower-elevations-in-2026

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Cite as: 2026 US fall foliage seasonal variations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/2026-us-fall-foliage-seasonal-variations