Just about anyone who appreciates nature, will love New Englands autumn colors. The cycle all starts in late summer. The days get shorter, and the trees are able to sense the loss of light. Rainfall, and temperature also play a role. The best foliage seasons seem to be preceded by a rainy summer or early fall, followed by warm sunny days, and clear, cold nights in October.
Cold temperatures can hasten the process, but only by up to a week.
Warm temperatures will delay the latest part of the foliage season only, with a few trees holding on up to 2 weeks longer than normal. Beginning in mid September, the trees across New England's interior will start to drop hints of fall color. The second week in October including the Columbus day weekend usually shows the best colors over the widest possible area in New England. In Conneticut, and Rhode Island's interior colors are also becoming very well established. The third week in October is best for Southern New England.