Hibernating animals, such as hamsters, squirrels, and marmots, start preparing for winter hibernation. As temperatures drop, leaves change color from green to spectacular shades of red, orange, and yellow. Atlantic salmon head from the ocean back to the streams where they were born to spawn. Many flowers, such as chrysanthemums, asters, and cyclamens, bloom. The harvest of grapes begins in September in many vineyards.
Late fall is a good time to visit vineyards for a taste of their nouveau wines.