What are fall colors? How changing leaves give off spectacular autumn palettes
The reprieve from a sweaty summer is oh so sweet – fall foliage, cozy sweaters and pumpkin everything.
The first day of fall is Sept. 22 this year, but we’re willing to bet you’re ready to take out those Halloween decorations. In fact, many of us have had it with summer by the time Labor Day rolls around.
Breaking out the autumn decor and want a color palette for inspiration? Here’s everything you need to know about how fall colors became synonymous with the cooler months.
What are fall colors?
Fall colors are the shades that accompany the autumnal season, inspired by how the leaves change from green to an array of warm hues:
Red
Orange
Yellow
Brown
The beauty of fall lies in the variety of shades – you’ll find crimson, golden-yellow and purplish-red leaves in many parts of the U.S. This color palette is also associated with other autumn imagery, like pumpkins, candy corn, apples, cranberries and turkeys.
Check out our fall foliage guide to see where and when to spot peak autumn colors near you.
Why do leaves change color in the fall?
Chlorophyll is what makes leaves green. Leaves also contain carotenoids, which produce yellow, orange and brown colors. In the autumn, they begin to produce more anthocyanin, which gives them red and purple hues.
As the nights get longer, chlorophyll production slows down and eventually stops, according to the U.S. Forest Service. The carotenoids and anthocyanin can now give off those spectacular fall colors.
When and how the leaves change color depends on tree species – some have leaves that just turn brown and fall.
Weather and temperature also impact fall foliage. Warm, sunny days accompanied by cool nights make for prime conditions. Extreme drought, excessive rainfall or warm periods, however, can negatively impact the range of fall colors. The latest forecast from the Climate Prediction Center predicts a warmer-than-average fall for nearly the entire U.S.
What is leaf peeping?
Leaf peeping is the term used for traveling to see the changing, colorful foliage during the autumn months.
There’s some etiquette involved – for the sake of fellow leaf peepers and the wildlife. The National Parks Service warns to stay alert for crossing wildlife when driving, keeping your eyes on the road and only pulling over for photos when it’s safe.
If you’re looking for a place to spot fall foliage near you, we've got you covered. Check out our guide to the best national parks to visit in the fall, try one of our top New England destinations or visit one of the places USA TODAY readers voted as the best for a fall getaway:
Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Allegany County, Maryland
Mackinac Island, Michigan
Branson, Missouri
Stowe, Vermont
Greenville, South Carolina
Bayfield, Wisconsin
Cody, Wyoming
Taos, New Mexico
Asheville, North Carolina
2024 Fall foliage predictions: These maps show when to see peak colors
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Contributing: Doyle Rice, Janet Loehrke
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: What are fall colors? The science behind changing autumn leaves
