When do the leaves change in Missouri?
Oak-hickory ridges and sugar maple hollows along the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and Ha Ha Tonka State Park turn color through the Ozark Plateau, generally peaking in mid-to-late October.
Peak: October 21–October 27
Color builds from October 16 · mostly bare by November 15
This window comes from 31 weather points across Missouri, checked against 1 published peak date from smokymountains.com. Against Missouri's own climatology, the 2026 weather puts the peak 7 days earlier. Missouri does not turn all at once, and the gap from the earliest corner to the latest runs about 7 days. How the forecast works
Known for
Things to do in fall in Missouri
10 iconic stops, including scenic drives, farms, haunts, and the views locals plan their October around.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
State parkPeak October 28
The stone walls of a 1905 mansion, gutted by fire in 1942, stand above a Lake of the Ozarks inlet as the centerpiece of this 3,751-acre…
Peak October 23
The longest developed rail-trail in the country runs 240 miles across Missouri, and its Rocheport segment is the showpiece: an 1892…
The Darkness
Haunted attractionColor nearby peaks October 25
In its 33rd year of fear next to historic Soulard Market, this two-floor St.
Color nearby peaks October 22
A turn-of-the-century working farmstead northwest of Kansas City that has run school tours for over 30 years and weddings for 25.
The Beast
Haunted attractionColor nearby peaks October 22
Full Moon Productions has been building fear in the West Bottoms since 1975, and its flagship walks you through voodoo curses, witch trials…
Best of Missouri Market
Fall festivalColor nearby peaks October 24
Missouri Botanical Garden's fall marketplace fills the grounds with food, crafts, and farm goods from small Missouri producers for one…
Frequently asked
- When do leaves peak in Missouri in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 21–October 27 (best estimate October 24). Color starts around October 16 and trees are mostly bare by November 15.
- How reliable is the Missouri forecast?
- The forecast blends recent-year weather normals with photoperiod and elevation; it tightens as the season approaches. Against published peak dates the model lands within a few days for most regions, but it can be a week or more out. Mountains and coastlines are the hardest. Higher elevations turn roughly one day earlier per 300 m.
- When is Missouri's autumn season?
- Missouri is in the northern hemisphere, so its color season is autumn (September to November). The turn takes roughly 30 days end to end, centered on October 24, and the last 13 of those are thinning canopy rather than color.
- What are the best things to do in fall in Missouri?
- The iconic stops: Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Katy Trail State Park (Rocheport), The Darkness, Weston Red Barn Farm, The Beast, Best of Missouri Market. Every one is mapped on this page with its peak-color timing.
Nearby & similar
Cities in Missouri
Local peak timing and things to do in fall, computed for each city.
Season by season
2026 (forecast)
Peak October 21–October 27
October 16 → November 15