Arnold Arboretum
Arboretum · Massachusetts
Harvard's 281-acre living museum in Jamaica Plain holds one of North America's great tree collections (maples, hickories, ginkgos, and conifer-framed hillsides), usually at its best from mid-October to early November.
Don’t miss
Peak: October 20–October 24
Color builds from October 10 · mostly bare by November 12
Sampled at Arnold Arboretum’s own coordinates and elevation (35 m) rather than a regional average.
This window comes from 4 weather points across Massachusetts, nudged 3 days later to match 1 published peak date from smokymountains.com and almanac.com. Massachusetts is running 2 days earlier than its own average this year. How the forecast works
When to go to Arnold Arboretum
Good color holds through about October 31, giving you roughly 21 days from the first turn to past peak. Against Massachusetts overall, that is 2 days later.
This one is within Boston itself, which makes it an easy half day.
Arnold Arboretum on the map
Drag the date slider to see when color reaches this corner of Massachusetts, or tap a pin for that stop’s own peak window.
More things to do in Massachusetts
Leaves & views
- Boston Public GardenGarden · Peak Oct 22
- Mount Auburn CemeteryGarden cemetery · Peak Oct 22
- Middlesex Fells ReservationState park · Peak Oct 21
- Walden Pond State ReservationState park · Peak Oct 21
- Mount Greylock State ReservationState park · Peak Oct 8
- Mohawk Trail (Hairpin Turn)Scenic drive · Peak Oct 10
- Bash Bish Falls State ParkState park · Peak Oct 14
Plan from a city
Frequently asked
- When does Arnold Arboretum peak in 2026?
- Peak color is predicted for October 20–October 24 (best estimate October 22). Color starts around October 10 and is mostly bare by November 12.
- How do I get to Arnold Arboretum?
- The closest city is Boston, about 6 mi away (it's right in town). It's part of Massachusetts's fall lineup.
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