I perused several notes from Fodorites about fall foliage and Massachusettes. Would someone straighten me out here on this? Is it more rain in the summer=fall foliage comes sooner in the year or more rain in summer=later fall foliage, as in end of October. Any native Bostonians or ones who live there can advise? Thank you.

there are plenty of well-informed folks in this forum that will be able to answer your questions. Hang in there.

There are as many explanations as weather conditions. No constants, only variables. Last year, a "dull" fall was predicted which turned out to glorious and longer than most.

Appreciate it Donna. Do you remember if they had MORE or LESS rain in the summer. I completely understand about the variables, though. I heard from someone who said the color would arrive early due to lots of rain, then I read the opposite here, so...variables...

I meant, do you know if it rained more or less LAST YEAR.sorry about that.

It has rained much more this summer in the Northeast than last. I think the number/quality of sunny days and cool nights in September has much more to do with the colors than precipitation.
Yankee Magazine's website, newengland.com, has a foliage section.

I see that your question hasn't specifically been answered. You want to know whether more or less rain means more or less foliage? Again, one thing Donna said mades sense, no constants, just variables. That may not answer your question, but take it into consideration. I'd say given the weather IN GENERAL that we've had in the NE this year, your best best for color in the southernmost part of Massachusetts would be somewhere between Oct 9 and 18. If you wait until 25th, it may be too late. That's just my opinion. I'm not an expert or forecaster.

Well, here's one theory: the more water to turn cold, the more brilliant the swamp maples will be. However, last summer was very dry here in New England, and yet, as Donna says, we had a glorious fall.

Since we haven't really answered your inquiry, I'd add the following comments. We've "weekended" all over New England during foliage season for 20 years. Generally speaking, the best time for the prettiest foliage is October 1 - 15. But, you just never know. And, it all depends upon where you go. I've watched the map at www.newengland.com for many years. Sometimes it's correct for some areas and sometimes it's not. But, then, it's too unpredictable to really predict accurately. And, the definition of "peak" varies wildly. What some refer to as "peak", I'd refer to as "past". And, what others refer to as "peak" I'd call "not yet". Not only do weather conditions determine the time and length of the colors, the leaves can be dramatically different in appearance on one side of a hill or mountains than another. Even the direction you travel is significant. Our habit now is to drive one direction, then turn around and travel the same road in the other direction. On the same day, the difference can be dramatic. Regardless of conditions, the leaves begin to change around the end of September. Depending on the type of tree, they may turn yellow, then gold, then brown, and drop. Others change to red, then bronze, then brown, then drop. It's the rate of change, along with wind and rain, that determines low long the colors "last". One year, my husband and I drove out the Mohawk trail from I-95 to Williamstown. I wanted to stop for photos along the way, but my husband kept saying "the colors will be better on the way back". It was rainy and windy the entire three days we stayed in Williamstown, and it wasn't worth getting the camera out on the way back.

Excellent way to put it Donna. You're right on. Got that Mike?