# US autumn foliage seasonal outlook

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-autumn-foliage-seasonal-outlook
> Updated: 2026-09-12T21:50:04.000Z. Sources: 2. Developments: 2.

Predictions for autumn foliage in the United States suggest a peak period occurring between late September and mid-October. In the Chicagoland area, the transition is expected to begin in late September, driven by sunny days and cool nights. Local displays are expected to progress from sumac shrubs to maples, peaking with oaks in mid-October or November.

On a broader scale, meteorologists expect the most vibrant colors in the northern United States and along the Northwest coast. Viewing opportunities are anticipated to be strong in the Great Lakes region, the upper Midwest, and parts of the Northeast, including New York, Pennsylvania, and New England. In New England, experts express optimism for the season due to favorable weather patterns, including spring moisture and summer rains, which have aided forest recovery.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-12: US autumn foliage predicted to peak between late September and mid-October

Peak autumn foliage in the US is expected between late September and mid-October, with the best viewing predicted for the Great Lakes, Midwest, and New England regions.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/us-autumn-foliage-predicted-to-peak-between-late-september-and-mid-october

### 2026-08-13: Chicagoland autumn foliage expected to begin in late September

Fall colors in the Chicagoland region are expected to begin in late September, with peak foliage occurring through November depending on weather conditions and tree species.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/chicagoland-autumn-foliage-expected-to-begin-in-late-september

---
Cite as: US autumn foliage seasonal outlook. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-autumn-foliage-seasonal-outlook