Fall foliage is expected to vary dramatically across the United States this year.
While vibrant displays are forecast for some of the country's most popular leaf-peeping destinations, other regions are expected to see more muted autumn colors.
"Most areas will have peak colors between late September and mid-October, although the exact timing depends on location and varies from year to year based on the weather conditions leading up to autumn," wrote AccuWeatherin its fall foliage forecast for 2026.
Here's what to know in Tennessee.
Will fall bring dull or vibrant foliage to Tennessee? What AccuWeather says
Tennessee's fall foliage may not be as vibrant as it will be in other parts of the country this year. According to AccuWeather's forecast, the Volunteer State is expected to see more muted autumn colors from September
through November.
"Plenty of clouds and rain will keep the leaves green until leaf drop in the Southeast," AccuWeather expert senior meteorologist Paul Pastelok explained. "Lack of nights with a clear sky and cooler air will help foster the dull colors."
Where will fall foliage be the brightest?
New England and upstate New York are expected to be among the country's top destinations for fall foliage in 2026.
According to AccuWeather, ample rainfall during late spring and early summer, followed by drier conditions and cooler nights heading into autumn, could create ideal conditions for vibrant color displays.
Parts of the Midwest and the Cascades in the Pacific Northwest could also see strong fall colors if cool nights and dry weather arrive at the right time. However, ongoing drought conditions and wildfire activity may limit the vibrancy of foliage across portions of the interior Northwest.
California is also forecast to have a notable fall foliage season.
When will leaves begin to change color in Tennessee?
According to ExploreFall, which tracks fall color forecasts and peak foliage timing across the United States, leaves in Tennessee are expected to begin changing a few days ahead of the historical average.
Nashville and surrounding Middle Tennessee areas will begin to see leaves change color from mid to late October. By Oct. 25, much of Middle Tennessee is expected to display moderate fall color.
By early November, high color is expected to spread across the region.
"The first true fall colors should begin to emerge around October 12, with peak color near November 10 and past-peak conditions beginning around November 16," wrote ExploreFall. "Nearby color timing is fairly uniform, so the local forecast should translate well across the area."
Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for The Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Fall foliage forecast is out. Here's what Tennessee leaf-peepers can expect
