The highly anticipated leaf peeping season is only a month away for New England and the season is expected to be vibrant.
Foliage expert Jim Salge told Yankee Magazine that he predicts the 2025 season will be shaped in large part by a year of “unusual” weather, including one of the wettest springs in recent memory, where it rained (or snowed) for 12 consecutive Saturdays.
Although the moisture was critical in helping New England’s trees recover from last fall’s drought, Salge said its timing also fostered widespread fungal growth in the leaves. This could create a patchwork of autumn colors across different elevations and landscapes.
“New England’s fall colors are always beautiful. This season, leaf peepers can expect a vibrant show overall but will have to do some legwork to locate the peak locations,” Salge told the magazine. “Think of it as a treasure hunt: ‘Spotlight moments’ of brilliant and intense color will be more localized, offering the biggest rewards to those who seek them out.”
Bold colors are expected region-wide, particularly in resilient hardwood forests, he added. Foliage fans should also be aware that summer’s rising drought index may trigger slightly earlier color, especially in northern areas.
A neutral Pacific climate pattern may also bring stable weather; however, Atlantic tropical systems and wildfire smoke remain “wild cards,” as they can both influence visibility and vibrancy of the colors.
Also, due to a mast year (a year of high seed production) for red oaks in 2024 and a failed mast year for red maples in 2025, both species are showing some stress.
Additionally, beech trees are facing a rapid spread of beech leaf disease, Salge warned. This is a problem caused by a microscopic worm, according to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. But overall, the forest mix should deliver plenty of classic reds, oranges and golds.
“Fall colors are just about a month away from kicking off, and we certainly see positive signs for the coming season,” Salge noted. “There’s lots to look forward to!”
For the best leaf peeping experience, Salge suggests exploring multiple elevations and different regions to catch peak conditions, as brilliance will vary by microclimate.
The Old Farmer’s Almanac predicts that most of New England will be “at or near peak fall color” by October 11.
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