Fall brings shorter days and cooler nights, which sets the stage for the leaves to change color.The beautiful colors of fall are one of the things to look forward to most about the season.
If you have plans to enjoy the fall season and do some traveling, here are a few places with the best fall weather.
Fall color in Acadia National Park, Maine. (National Park Service)
Acadia National Park in DowneastMaine sees its peak foliage in mid-October and is home to the tallest mountain on the U.S. Atlantic coast. Temperatures are on the cool side with highs in the upper 50 and lower 60s through mid-October and lows range from the upper 30s to the lower 40s. October is the second wettest month for the area with over 4.5 inches of rain falling on average.
In western Massachusetts,The Berkshires area beautiful place to see fall foliage. Driving up Mount Greylock will give you a fantastic view of the fall color. Mid-October is when the peak foliage usually occurs and high temperatures range from the mid 60s at the beginning of the month to the mid 50sat the end of October.However, rain may dampen the brilliant colors a little as October is also the wettest month of the year for the area, with almost 4.75 inches of rain on average.
New York City experiences pleasant temperatures in October and the peak foliage is in late October, which is also when the largest Halloween celebration in the world occurs. High temperatures are in the mid to upper 60s on average, with lows in the lower to mid 50s, which make it a great time to walk around and explore the city. It can be wet in October with 4.4 inches of rain on average, so bring an umbrella.
The peak of fall foliage occurs a little later in Washington, D.C., with the peak in early November. Temperatures are fairly mild with highs ranging from the mid 70s in early October to the mid 60s in early November. The pleasant temperatures will enhance your enjoyment of the fall color as you walk the National Mall or visit the U.S. National Arboretum.
(MAP: Current Northeast Foliage)
Smoky Mountains National Parkin eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina is the most visited national park and a great place to see the beauty of the fall season. Peak foliage usually is in mid-October and high temperatures range from the mid 70sin early October to the mid 60s by the end of the month. Lows can be chilly with lows ranging from the upper 30s to the upper 40s. October is the driest month with just over 2.5 inches of rain falling on average. This area see the perfect combination of mild days, cool nights and mostly dry conditions to enjoy outdoor plans.
Another location with mild temperatures and dry conditions to enjoy the fall foliage is Asheville, North Carolina, as theBlue Ridge Mountains has one of the longest and most vibrant leaf seasons. High temperatures are in the low 70s to start October and finish the month in the mid 60s. Low temperatures are typically in the 40s and October is the driest month with just under three inches of rain on average.
A little farther south,Atlanta sees the peak of foliage in late October and early November. The fall is a wonderful time to get outside and visit one of Atlanta's parks or Stone Mountain, as the humidity drops and average high temperatures range from the mid 70sin early October to the upper 60s in early November. Lows are not too chilly as the average first date of temperatures at or below freezing is Nov. 13.
Memphis, Tennessee, sees its peak foliage in late October and temperatures remain mild with highs generally in the 70s and lows in the 50s. The humidity also is lower, which makes it feel much more comfortable than in the summer months, which makes it the perfect time to explore the city and attend one of the many fall festivals and events.
(MAP:Current Southeast Foliage)
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan can have some stunning fall color, which can be enjoyed by taking one of the fall color drives. The peak of the fall foliage is in early October when temperatures are cool and crisp with highs in the lower60s on average and lows are in the lower to mid 40s. However, it can be wet in October as it is the second wettest month, with Marquette seeing 3.13 inches of rain on average.
The Ozarks in southern Missouri, northern Arkansas, northeastern Oklahoma and southeastern Kansas is a wonderful place to view the foliage and enjoy mild temperatures. Late October is typically when the foliage reaches its peak and there are many fall festivals to enjoy as well. High temperatures range from the mid 70s in early October to the mid 60s by the end of the month and lows range from the lower 40s to the lower 50s.
If you are looking for more of a city feel, Chicago is a great place to visit in the fall, with peak foliage occurring in mid-October. High temperatures experience quite the change during October with highs in the upper 60s to start the month and drop to the mid 50s by the end of the month. Low temperatures also take a tumble with lows in the mid 40s in early October and then in the upper 30s by late October. The crisp temperatures will add to the fall atmosphere when viewing the foliage while taking a brisk walk through Lincoln Park.
Kansas City also sees the peak of the fall foliage color in mid-October, which is also a great time to enjoy outdoor activities, like taking a walk in Longview Lake Park. Temperatures are fairly mild in October with highs in the 60s to lower 70s and lows are in the 40s to lower 50s. Mild conditions last even into early November, although the average date of the first temperature at or below freezing is October 21.
(MAP:Current Midwest Foliage)
Aspen trees in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. (David McNew/Getty Images)
The Columbia River Gorge in southern Washington and northern Oregon encompasses 292,500 acres and is a great scenic area to view fall foliage, with the height of the season occurring in late October. There is a large change in high temperatures in October, with highs in the lower 70s to start the month and upper 50s to end October. Mornings are cool, with lows ranging from the mid 30s to the lower 40s, so be sure to bring a jacket.
Another location where peak foliage occurs in late October is the Lake Tahoe area. Fall is a great time to visit the area since there tends to be fewer visitors and the aspens trees can offer a picturesque scene. High temperatures in late October are in the upper 50s and lower 60s on average, while early October sees highs in the mid to upper 60s. Low temperatures are chilly and range from the mid 20s to the lower 30s. October sees just under two inches of rain on average and snow is not out of the question in the higher elevations.
Denver sees its peak foliage in early to mid October, but within a two-hour drive there are five different climate zones that offer amazing fall color from mid-September to mid-November. Temperatures can be quite pleasant through mid-October with average highs ranging from the mid 60s to the lower 70s. Average lows are in the upper 30s and lower 40s and around an inch of rain falls on average during October.
If you are looking to escape the cool conditions, a great place to travel to is Las Vegas. Temperatures stay fairly warm through early November, with highs ranging from the mid 80s in early October to the lower 70s in early November. Low temperatures are mild with lows ranging from the lower 60s in early October to the lower 50s in early November. Las Vegas may not experience fall foliage but you can enjoy the beauty of fall color at the Bellagio's Conservatory and Botanical Gardens.
(MAP:Current West Foliage)
Fall is a time of year when much of the country can have some of its best weather. So enjoy the crisp air, dry conditions and beautiful fall color before winter makes its grand entrance.
(MORE: National Fall Foliage Status and Peak Times| America's Best Fall Drives)
MORE ON WEATHER.COM: 50 Places for Fall Color
Stunning autumn colors near Serpentine Hot Springs at Bering Land Bridge National Preserve in Alaska. (NPS/Katie Cullen)