When & Where to Catch Peak Fall Color in Missouri in 2025

Missouri’s fall color show is one of those moments we wait for all year — crisp air, golden light, and leaves blazing in reds, oranges, and golds. According to both the Farmer’s Almanac and the Missouri Department of Conservation, 2025 promises a gorgeous display, especially if the weather cooperates. Here’s your guide to timing it right — and some favorite places to go leaf peeping.

What the Farmer’s Almanac Says

Missouri backroad

Hempstead Street, in my neighborhood

Glenmark Farm, in my neighborhood

• For Missouri’s northern region, peak foliage is expected between October 5-21. In the southern part of the state, the most vibrant colors will arrive slightly later, from October 12-28. Homes and Gardens+1

• Fall 2025 is forecast to start off warm, especially through September, with seasonal transition happening more fully in October. Expect colors to build gradually as nights cool and daylight shortens. Farmers' Almanac+2Homes and Gardens+2

Missouri Insights: What Locals Know

• The Missouri Department of Conservation notes that fall color usually begins in mid-September with “smaller, early changers” like sassafras, sumac, and Virginia creeper. Then by late September, trees like dogwood and black gum begin to shift. Missouri Department of Conservation

• Peak color — when maples, ashes, hickories, and oaks are ablaze — often comes in mid-October. After that, through late October into early November, colors gradually fade, and trees begin dropping their leaves. Missouri Department of Conservation

• The pattern generally starts in northern and western Missouri, then moves south and east. So if you’re in southern parts of Missouri, you’ll want to plan a bit later in October for peak. Missouri Department of Conservation

Best Places & Tips to See the Color

Here are some of my favorite spots to soak up fall in Missouri — especially when fall is at its peak:

• Ozark region — hills, ridges, forested state parks with sweeping views.

• Along river-bluffs, especially scenic drives where forest meets water. The contrast really shows off the foliage.

• State parks & MDC (Missouri Department of Conservation) Conservation Areas — walking trails here are quieter and full of color.

• Interstate I-70 between Warrenton and Columbia.

• Even closer to town: older neighborhoods, arboretums, cemeteries — anywhere with mature trees offers beautiful small-scale color.

When to Go & What to Watch

Final Thoughts

University of Missouri

If you mark your calendar based on this year’s predictions, mid-October will likely be your sweet spot for seeing Missouri at its most beautiful. (Maybe take off a day or two if you’re traveling southward, to catch the colors moving down.)

And don’t forget: the weather plays a big role. A run of warm days followed by cool nights helps foliage reach its fullest brilliance. Rain or strong wind can shorten the display.

So pack your camera, some warm layers, and roads you can take slow—and get ready for a fall that’s going to be one for the books.