Fall foliage forecast and influences 2024

GREENVILLE, SC (FOX Carolina) – Now that September is here, talk of fall is in the air, including when the leaves will start changing color.

Smoky Mountains provides a 2024 fall foliage forecast map. Fall color is expected to be visible first in western North Carolina, with minimal to partial coverage expected through mid-September. Partial coverage is expected in western North Carolina through the end of September, with minimal coverage expected in our northernmost counties in the Upstate.

In the Upstate, October brings more fall color changes, with partial changes expected in counties bordering North Carolina by the beginning of the month. Minimal coverage is expected throughout the Upstate by mid-October, with the peak expected in western North Carolina. Near-total or maximum color is expected throughout the Upstate by the end of October.

Below you can see the period when we typically experience peak autumnal colors in this region, which largely aligns with the 2024 predictions above.

Why leaves change color has to do with photosynthesis. Leaves normally turn green from spring through summer and into early fall because they produce chlorophyll. Millions of chlorophyll cells saturate the leaves and make them appear green.

As the days get shorter in the fall, chlorophyll production stops, allowing the true colors of the leaves to emerge. Without chlorophyll in the leaves, the yellows, reds and browns seen in the fall would be seen year-round.

The weather undoubtedly influences the change in leaf color in autumn.

Dry weather is best, as rain and wind in autumn can shed leaves in their early stages, shortening the time of colour. Wet weather can also dampen colour. Some of the most beautiful colour displays occur after a period of warm, sunny days followed by clear, cool nights.

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