Health
Where to See Fall Foliage in November
Health Points
- Late autumn brings vibrant fall colors to southern regions across the U.S.
- Meteorologists use historical data to predict foliage peaks each year.
- Local weather changes can affect these timelines, so flexibility is key for travel plans.
Many northern areas have already bid farewell to their bold autumn colors.
November still offers golden opportunities for leaf watching in select parts of the country. If you thought you missed fall’s magic, regions in the South, Midwest, and Southwest still have brilliant displays yet to reach their peak.
SmokyMountains.com uses a unique mix of meteorology and past seasons’ data to forecast when and where the best fall foliage will occur.
“The backbone of the map is meteorology—temperature, moisture, sunlight, and precipitation.”
By blending real-time weather patterns with historical records, they craft new, accurate maps every year. Still, conditions such as unusual warmth or unexpected rain can shift peak times, so it’s wise to stay updated before your trip.
In the Southeast, look for the most dazzling colors in early November across central North Carolina, northern South Carolina, northern Georgia, northeastern Alabama, central Mississippi, and southern Kentucky. By mid-November, areas like the Carolina coast, parts of Georgia and Alabama, and western Tennessee will shine with fall’s best hues.
The Midwest and southern states are still treated to vibrant foliage in southern Illinois, Missouri, and southern Nebraska, with the color line moving south into places like Texas and northern Louisiana later in the month.
If you’re heading to the Southwest, eastern New Mexico bursts into color early, followed closely by southern Arizona and southern California as Thanksgiving approaches.
Foliage fans over 40: there’s still time to take in nature’s incredible autumn show—just head south or west and catch the last wave of this year’s colorful display!