Illinois’ Fall Colors: Almanacs Predict When They’ll Be Best

We've all heard about Illinois' two seasons: winter and road construction.

And, while it's easy to think only about those two because both winter and construction seem to last forever, there is that one little slice of seasonal joy we sometimes forget about until it starts getting close.

The changing of the leaves every fall.

There are lots of people who spend some serious money to go on a fall foliage tour in New England, and while the colors are absolutely stunning, taking the drive down Route 2 from Rockford to Dixon (and even farther) along the Rock River in the fall is every bit as spectacular as anything you'll see in Vermont and Connecticut.

But when is the absolute best time to see Illinois' fall colors? It depends on who you ask.

The Two Most Well-Known Almanacs Have Two Different Predictions

The Farmer's Almanac says that a good chunk of the country will be experiencing a warmer-than-normal fall, but not necessarily here in Illinois. The Old Farmers Almanac suggests Illinois might be warm, too.

NBCChicago.com:

The Farmer's Almanac is calling for cooler and drier conditions this fall in the lower Great Lakes region, including a wide swath of Illinois. The expectation is for periods of rain in the early parts of September and October, though monthly rainfall totals will likely be half an inch below normal and one inch below normal, respectively.

The difference between warmer than normal and cooler and drier when it comes to leaf colors is a warmer than average fall could delay peak color and lessen vibrancy. First frost dates may be pushed back two to three weeks, especially here in Northern Illinois, which could push peak color later into October. Cooler and drier conditions can enhance foliage coloration and can affect the timing of the first frosts.

Based on those predictions, Northern Illinois colors should peak around the first week of October. In the southern part of the state, it should be around the third week.