I'm planning a trip to Cotswolds, UK, and am curious when about the colors usually start to change?? I'm not asking about when peak colors usually are; I want to know about when the colors first start to change. I ask because I'm looking to avoid any color! I was thinking about coming from mid August to mid September (I unfortunately can't come earlier than that), and wanted to get all of the summer green without any color change.
Thanks very much!
When we walked the Cotswold Way National Trail in September 2014 the colors were just starting to change then, we walked from 11th-21st of September. So we saw 98% green.
The true answer is - - nobody knows.
It all depends on Mother Nature and the Weather Gods.
In 2017, for example, we had an early cold snap and I saw colour here in August. Sometimes it is late September or even later. Nobody has a crystal ball for this year, I'm afraid.
It also has a lot to do with altitude and microclimates. The higher the sooner, likely. There are some protected areas where autumn comes much later.
Good luck with achieving your goals. Happy travels.
Thanks for the replies.
Nigel, I realize one can't know for sure... but my question is when do the colors typically start to come. I'm sure there's an average??
You would be unlucky if you saw leaf colour change before the end of September. There certainly won’t be any in August, although this will be a busy time with schools on holiday.
The first ones to start are always Horse Chestnuts and in the south of England they'll typically start to change mid-to late- September. Usually into October before you really start to notice anything.
Thanks Jennifer and Pete!!
