New England's fall foliage is world famous, attracting visitors who seek out the best color possible. Timing out peak foliage can be a challenge, since it depends on so many factors. The primary factor: the weather.
On average, foliage peaks in Vermont's Northeast Kingdom, Northern New Hampshire, and far Northern and Western Maine during late September.
The rest of Vermont, Central New Hampshire, Central Maine, and the Northern Berkshires typically see the best color in early October.
In the Southern Berkshires, the rest of Western and Central Massachusetts, along with Southern New Hampshire and Coastal Maine, foliage usually peaks in mid-October.
Eastern Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut often finds the best color during late October.
Cape Cod and the Islands has to wait for peak foliage to arrive in early November.
Remember, these are simply the historical averages for peak foliage.
Local
The biggest wildcard which may impact peak times this year is the significant drought gripping parts of New England. In the drought area, namely in parts of Southern New England and Southern New Hampshire, peak foliage may come a bit earlier and happen fairly quickly.
In far Northern New England rainfall is closer to average, meaning peak foliage should be more or less on track.
Of course any significant rain, snow, or wind storms near the time of peak foliage will also impact the schedule.
