I purchased my ticket to be in boston Oct 13 through the 21st. I just read in an article by Patricia Rodirguez, from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, she quoted "foliologist" Scotty Johnston as saying that peak in Mass would be second week in October.
What does this mean? That there won't be any orange on the trees when I go?? Second week in october this year is the week of the 8th through the 15th. :```(

Relax, Missy,

Foliage normally lasts about 4 weeks from first "blush" to last leaf drop and different trees turn at different rates -- and even a single tree can take several days to turn from top to bottom. In addition, in Mass. the trees turn more or less from west to east, depending on weather and altitude -- e.g., where there have been overnight frosts, etc. Trees in Boston "Proper" will probably turn a little later because the ocean keeps it warm -- the leaf-turning frosts come later than in the Berkshires.

So, if projected "peak" is 8th -14th, that means that the largest number of trees will have leaves that have turned over most of the tree surface. In other words, when you arrive on the 13th there may still be about 50-75% of the foliage to enjoy, and I assure you that when you leave on the 21st, there should still be some lovely trees unless there has been some unusual weather -- hard freeze and/or driving wind and rain.

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Missy:

Having grown up in MA, I know that it's an "art" to forecast exactly when the peak color will be. There's several factors that impact the timing - primarily, rain (it's been a very rainy season)and heat (this summer overall has been cool). Generally that means "peak" season will be in earlier part of October.

If the "prime" season is early this year, you will still have color on the trees during your visit. Because I now live in Dallas, I know what you are used to seeing in the area - assuredly, you will be pleased with Boston's display, even if others tell you 'shoulda seen it last week'.

And putting the whole color thing aside for a moment, October is a great time to get out of Texas and go to Boston - you'll experience that cool, crisp, wonderful New England air. It's a great time of year to visit there.

Thank you to everyone.

Let me be sure I have this straight. From what Exxexx says, going the week of the 13th will have me seeing (again, providing no wind or frost, etc.) some beautiful colors in some areas (I'm thinking Cambridge, boston near longwood inn (nice park there) or other areas maybe Worcester or Cape?

But from what Robin was nice enough to offer, the best color might be the week of the 8th.

I totally understand this is a science, an art and unpredictable. But long as I see bright orange, red and yellow in some trees, I'll be one very, very happy camper. Maybe the week i go, it'll be that way in New Haven. Thanks again to all.

Missy...I too grew up in MA but lived in Dallas for ages so had to smile at Robin's comment. So true! gt; You will be delighted with what you see even if you miss 90% of it!

I grew up in the Berkshires, far western MA, and the "norm" was for peak to fall around Columbus Day weekend...around the 10th. You are arriving only 3 days after that point so it should be beautiful still and that area is about the best there is in MA for foliage. The villages are beautiful and it has mountains wheareas the Boston area is flat. You could spend a couple of days in the Berkshires first then work your way back east. The state is so small you can practically drive from Boston to the Berkshires in the time it'd take to drive from Weatherford to Mesquite! The MA Pike travels the distance so it's an easy drive and as you get west of Springfield the highway begins to climb enough for your ears to pop, and even the area surrounding highway is beautiful!

Personally, I'd skip the Worcester area and concentrate on the Berkshires, Boston, and the Cape if time allows.

For what it's worth, some of the maples are already starting to turn. I think foliage season will be early this year because of the cool summer. But that's just an unscientific guess.

Also for what it's worth, the colors are supposed to be extraordinary this year because of all the rain. What little I've seen so far tends to prove this out.

I've lived in New England and "weekended" all over during foliage season for almost 30 years. The "colors", along with the weather, are completely unpredictable. "Optimal" foliage is usually, but not always for sure, the second week of October in Boston. But, you just never know. Could be earlier, could be later. Last year, for example, EVERYONE, predicted a short, dull, fall. It arrived a bit late, but was just brilliant and lasted weeks longer than expected. If it's "orange" you want to see, you will probably not be disappointed. Although, most folks are after the brilliant yellow, red, gold. Orange comes later, so you're likely to be lucky. If your chosen "foliologist" (nut) is correct, you'll be richly rewarded the 13th, 14th, and 15th days of your stay. The reality is, no one knows, and it's entirely unpredictable. NO matter what. Be advised that, anyone wishing to be blown away by breathtaking and eye-popping foliage experiences is accomplished by driving all over. Through the White Mountains of NH, the Green Mountains of VT, the Berkshires in MA. Those in the know realize that the views change considerably all along the way due to the variable conditions (sunshine, proximity to water, previous weather conditions). If you're going to be in Boston from the 13th to the 21st, best be is to know the 800 numbers for each of the New England states foliage "hotlines" and drive to where the colors happen to be best during that particular time. More often than not, you'll have missed the glorious colors by those dates, but not "orange".

Relax. You will be here at the perfect time. the Boston Globe did a front page story recently about it and mid-October will be stunning. Have fun. bring two cameras, be sure they are working and develop pictures before leaving to be sure you have something before going back, in case you want to re-take photos.