Most of the Midwest is expected to see brilliant light shows of reds, yellows and orange leaves this fall, but the window to see them in some places might be shorter and earlier in 2025.
A forecast released Sept. 3 by AccuWeather predicts the Midwest will see “vibrant fall foliage” this year. Weather conditions, reports AccuWeather, also could shorten the duration of autumn’s annual fireworks show depending on where you live.
Indiana’s own fall colors might arrive earlier because of potentially cold October temperatures and a stray windstorm or two from the Gulf.
Midwest predicted to have ‘vibrant’ fall foliage in 2025, says AccuWeather
The brightest fall colors this year are expected in traditionally popular places for leaf peeping, such as Colorado and New England, according to AccuWeather. Several Midwest states, too, such as Iowa, Minnesota and Nebraska should have brilliant fall foliage.
While AccuWeather reports Indiana will see “typical” fall colors in 2025, one expert said pockets of the Hoosier State could have “vibrant” fall leaves if the right conditions are in place.
Fall leaves will be bright or dull in Indiana depending on these three things…
Paul Pastelok, a senior meteorologist and long-range forecaster for AccuWeather said colorful fall foliage depends on three key factors:
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At the moment, Indiana looks poised for at least two out of those three conditions, he said.
Fall leaves could get a boost from Indiana’s wet spring and summer
Spring and summer were particularly wet in Central Indiana, according to records kept by the National Weather Service in Indianapolis.
“Most of Central Indiana saw above normal precipitation overall for the spring and summer period combined,” said Crystalyne Pettet, a service hydrologist for NWS, adding that well above normal precipitation fell over southwestern Indiana.
September is looking most sunny with cool evenings, a boon for fall colors
An advanced forecast from AccuWeather predicts Indianapolis will see mostly sunny skies in September along with cooler evenings, a larger trend across most of the Hoosier State, said Pastelok.
“A couple of cool fronts early in the month may bring brief rainfall and cloudy days, but not enough to deter (fall colors),” Pastelok said in a message to IndyStar.
September’s outlook provided by the Climate Prediction Center shows Central Indiana has equal chances for below, above, or near normal temperatures and precipitation this month.
The normal temperature for Indianapolis in September is 68 degrees, according to NWS. The normal amount of precipitation is 3.14 inches.
Here’s what could dull Indiana’s fall colors in 2025: tropical storms
Hoosiers who enjoy leaf peeping might want to keep one eye on severe weather in the Gulf coast. Windstorms, said Pastelok, along with frosty October temperatures are the biggest concern going forward.
“Watch the Gulf for any tropical storms that may track north and produce wind, knocking down leaves,” Pastelok said. “The second half of September looks less intense on wind, but stronger cold fronts in October can lead to big losses in leaves, especially mid and late October.”
What week of October is the best for fall foliage?
With October still weeks away, it can be difficult predicting exactly when fall leaves will peak. Trusted foliage forecasts, however, give Hoosiers some idea of when to venture outdoors and behold autumn’s splendor.
Most of Indiana will see its leaves change color by the end of September, according to a Smoky Mountains foliage prediction map. The colors will deepen Oct. 13-20. By November, Indiana’s leaves will have browned out.
The Smoky Mountains’ forecast is supported by AccuWeather, which predicts the best time to see fall leaves in Indiana will be in mid-October.
That’s earlier than average, said Pastelok, who suggested Hoosiers in the northern part of the state do their leaf peeping early.
What is the best time to see fall colors in Indiana, and where?
“My concern is from October cold fronts plowing through and knocking leaves down quick,” Pastelok said of Indiana. “I would favor early October in the north, but mid-October in the south because the average change is later.”
Pastelok predicts Indiana’s best fall colors of 2025 will likely appear in the southwest, central and west central portions of the state.
What is the first day of fall in Indiana?
September 22 is the first official day of fall this year.
Where is the most scenic fall foliage in the Midwest?
You can spot beautiful fall foliage in many picturesque locations across the Midwest. Some of the most popular spots to go leaf peeping in Indiana include these places:
IndyStar reporter Alysa Guffey contributed to this article.
John Tufts covers trending news for IndyStar and Midwest Connect. Send him a news tip at JTufts@Gannett.com. Find him on BlueSky at JohnWritesStuff.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana might have shorter, earlier window of fall colors in 2025. See when fall leaves peak
Reporting by John Tufts, Indianapolis Star / Indianapolis Star
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
