The northernmost state is starting to cool down, and the fall foliage is expected to be beautiful this year with bold and bright colors throughout the state. The arctic and the interior have already dressed in their golden fall colors, and south central shouldn’t be too far behind. Enjoy the beauty of Alaska during the fabulous, and brief, period of autumn colors and crisp air. The snow will fall all too soon, so enjoy the fall colors while they last. This year, they should be bold, bright and beautiful like the state itself.
The late, cool spring saw the leaves popping later than usual with many trees remaining leafless until May. Plants have been on a growing schedule 1-2 weeks later than average all summer in the interior and northern regions.
According the the National Weather Service, this has been a slightly rainier than average summer for Alaska, making the leaves lush and robust. They should be able to explode with color and the healthy foliage will stay on the trees a bit longer.
Birch and ash leaves have already turned the signature Alaskan gold in the interior and northern regions. Snow should should falling in early October and the leaf peeping will be over, so enjoy fall hiking and scenic drives before winter sets in.
In south central, the ocean keeps the temperatures cool and rainy year-round, and colorful autumn days should be just around the corner. Peak season should be late September though early November in southcentral and on the Kenai Peninsula.
The next few months in Alaska look to have about average precipitation and above average temperatures. These are the ideal conditions for a beautiful fall season.
Southeastern Alaska should have an above average rainfall this autumn and maintain the lush greenery of the forests through out the next month, succumbing to autumn a little later than average.
No matter where where you head in Alaska, you are in for a fabulous fall season filled with beautiful leaf peeping and crisp autumn days. Fall in Alaska is brief, so soak in the strikingly color and picturesque views while you can.
