It’s that time of year again in New Hampshire: When the leaves start changing color and everybody argues about whether it’s happening early or late, when it’s going to end, what the weather did or didn’t do to it, and when that magical moment known as “peak leaf-peeping” will occur.
This year’s central figure in all conversations is drought. Much of New Hampshire is in a moderate drought, although it’s not as dry and crunchy as it was at this time a year ago. Drought can stress trees, which in general leads them to drop their leaves sooner or even have them turn more brown than red and golden.
Therefore, the argument goes, this year’s leaf-peeping season will be worse and shorter than usual. It’s time to panic!
The problem with this argument is that in many parts of the state, autumn 2025 was terrific for color in maples, ash, beech and other deciduous species despite being in a more obvious drought. In my neck of the woods, it was the best autumn for color in years.
There are just too many variables involved in something as huge as a forest-wide reaction to seasonal changes and weather. It can’t be pinned down to one thing.
So take all predictions in stride about where and when “peak” will occur. It will happen soon in wet areas, where red maples tend to lead the autumnal race, and later where it’s dry. And probably it will happen at about the same time as it has in the past — peaking near Columbus Day in central New Hampshire.
As always, the main trigger to autumn color is the shrinking number of daylight hours. That tells trees to stop wasting energy making green chlorophyll, allowing the other colorful chemicals to show through.
And remember, the success of a leaf-peeping trip depends as much on the weather as the trees. Great color looks blah when it’s cloudy, while average foliage can pop when it’s bright and sunny. And, of course, foliage season can be ruined by heavy rains and windstorms at the wrong time.
So don’t fret too much about scheduling that leaf-peeping trip. Just head out and remember, for the next two months, we live in the prettiest place in the world.
