When Seattle's fall leaves might change color

Leaf peepers will definitely want to add the Seattle Japanese Garden to their local bucket lists.

Get those leaf peepers ready, Seattle. According to the Farmer’s Almanac , we’re a couple weeks from peak fall color foliage.

According to almanac data projections, we should start seeing changing leaves now with peak dates expected Saturday, Oct. 7 to Saturday, Oct. 21.

Of course, these predictions aren’t always correct. The almanac predicted a similar timeline last year, but the Seattle area only saw colors change at the very end of October , largely due to La Niña (a long, wet spring) and warmer-than-usual weather last September.

Here are a couple of factors that could affect our this year’s foliage:

The drought we’re in — less water may delay color changes .
The seemingly stable temps we have right now — cool, crisp evenings — can to lead to more vibrant color .

Start planning those leaf peeping walks.

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Alina Hunter-Grah

Alina is based in Seattle, WA, but grew up in Clarksville, TN. She has 5+ years of professional journalism experience, but also spent a stint working for public transit in Nashville, TN. You’re likely to find her cruising local beaches for rocks or sailing her 1970s laser when the weather is warm.

When Seattle’s fall leaves might change color

If you’re looking forward to watching the rainbow of reds, oranges, and yellows coming our way, you may not have to wait much longer.