Autumn is officially here!
Thursday, Sept. 22 marks the autumnal equinox—or the official start of the fall season in the Northern Hemisphere, according to the Farmer’s Almanac.
D.C. kicked off the week with warmer weather, with daily highs ranging from the high 80s to the low 90s going into Thursday. Then the District will begin to cool down heading into the weekend, seeing highs in the low-to-mid 70s Friday and Saturday—the first true hints of autumn!
According to the National Weather Service, the average September temperature in D.C.—based on data from 1991-2021—is approximately 72.4 degrees.
As the weather begins to cool, the leaves around D.C. will slowly begin to change hues from greens into vibrant shades of golds, reds, purples, and oranges!
You can use this interactive fall foliage prediction map to see when D.C.’s leaves will reach peak hues and use it to plan your favorite fall activities around it: the best places to witness the changing leaves, apple-picking, pumpkin patch trips, and more!