It’s that time of year again, when the air gets a little cooler and we start thinking about pumpkin spice everything! While Florida might not be famous for its autumn explosion of reds and golds like some of our northern neighbors, that doesn’t mean we miss out on the season’s beauty entirely. In fact, if you know where to look, you can find some lovely fall colors right here in the Sunshine State. We’re going to explore where and when to catch these charming displays, and what kind of weather to expect as we head into the cooler months.
When to Expect Fall Colors in Florida
For those trees that do decide to put on a show in Florida, you’ll typically see changes happening in October and November. While palm trees remain green year-round, our northern regions boast a variety of trees, such as Florida maples, sweetgums, crape myrtles, blackgums, and cypress trees, that offer a delightful, albeit more subtle, display of fall colors before they shed their leaves for the cooler season.
Top Spots for Fall Foliage Viewing
When it comes to the best spots to witness Florida’s fall foliage, the Panhandle and North Florida are your prime destinations. Consider areas around Bristol, such as Torreya State Park, which is often regarded as the most famous spot in Florida for fall colors. You can also find beauty along Interstate 10 as you travel towards Ocala, especially in rural stretches, and within parks like Falling Waters State Park near Chipley or Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park. Other excellent locations include Three Rivers State Park in Snead, Blackwater River State Forest near Milton, the Ormond Scenic Loop and Trail, Flying Eagle Preserve in Inverness, and Paynes Prairie Preserve State Park in Micanopy.
Mark your calendars for early to mid-November for the peak viewing experience in these northern regions, though some color might start appearing as early as late October. As the season progresses, remember that Daylight Saving Time will end on Sunday, November 2, 2025, when we “fall back” an hour. This can make those early morning strolls feel even more delightful. As for the weather, predictions from sources like the Old Farmer’s Almanac suggest a warmer-than-normal autumn, potentially a bit drier than usual, but with a cooler finish to October. NOAA’s forecasts are a bit more varied, with chances for above-normal precipitation in the early fall, which could bring some refreshing cooler periods.
