When do the leaves change in Nebraska?

Nebraska typically peaks Oct 8 – Oct 16, centered on Oct 12. Mid-to-late October along the eastern river corridors. These are typical dates from a latitude and elevation model, not a live reading of this year's canopy.

Does elevation change when fall color peaks in Nebraska?

Yes, by about 13 days. High ground around 3,700 ft peaks near Oct 3, while valleys near 0 ft wait until Oct 16. Peak moves roughly 3.5 days earlier for every 1,000 feet you climb, so if you miss it low you can often drive up and find it.

What trees turn color in Nebraska?

Mainly cottonwood, oak, ash, sumac. Yellows and oranges come from carotenoids that are already in the leaf, so they show up every year. Reds are made fresh each autumn and need warm sunny days with cool, frost-free nights, which is why a dry summer or a warm September produces a duller year.

Nebraska Fall Foliage 2026

No change 0–10% Peak in about 71 days

Eastern river corridors along the Missouri typically show cottonwood and oak color mid-to-late October. The Pine Ridge escarpment in the northwest peaks earlier, around the first week of October at 3700 feet. Cottonwood, oak, ash and sumac provide the limited palette across a state dominated by prairie grassland.

When Nebraska peaks

Oct 8 – Oct 16

Centered on Oct 12. Mid-to-late October along the eastern river corridors.

low confidence. Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.

Where peak usually lands. Drought or an early freeze moves it by a few days. Method

What turns here

cottonwood
oak
ash
sumac

Yellows show up every year. Reds need sunny days and cool, frost-free nights. A bad year takes those first.

Color progression

Typical peak Oct 12

typical peak

Color starts around Sep 21.

Peak by elevation

13 days between the ridges and the valleys. County maps average this away, which is how you miss peak at the right place.

Elevation band	Approx. elevation	Typical peak	Today
High ridges & passes	3,700 ft	Oct 3	No change
Mid elevation	1,200 ft	Oct 12	No change
Valleys & lowlands	0 ft	Oct 16	No change

Foliage stages

No change 0–10%
First color 10–25%
Approaching peak 25–60%
Peak 60–90%
Past peak 40–70%, dropping
Bare <20%

Light at peak

Nebraska on October 12, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.

Solar event times for Nebraska on October 12
Event	Time
First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon	7:05 AM
Sunrise Rises E · 99°	7:32 AM
Morning golden hour ends 37 min of low, warm light	8:10 AM
Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light	1:11 PM
Evening golden hour starts 37 min before sunset	6:11 PM
Sunset Sets W · 261°	6:48 PM
Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon	7:16 PM

Times in America/Chicago · day length 11h 16m · computed from NOAA solar equations

Which way to point the camera

Sun rises E, sets W.

Aim within 45° of those and the canopy glows translucent. Turn your back to them for flat, accurate color.

Location pages name the light directly.

Where to shoot in Nebraska

No verified locations here yet. We'd rather show none than guess at coordinates. See the states already covered.

Recent reports from Nebraska

Report what you saw

Common questions

When do the leaves change in Nebraska?: Nebraska typically peaks Oct 8 – Oct 16, centered on Oct 12. Mid-to-late October along the eastern river corridors. These are typical dates from a latitude and elevation model, not a live reading of this year's canopy.
Does elevation change when fall color peaks in Nebraska?: Yes, by about 13 days. High ground around 3,700 ft peaks near Oct 3, while valleys near 0 ft wait until Oct 16. Peak moves roughly 3.5 days earlier for every 1,000 feet you climb, so if you miss it low you can often drive up and find it.
What trees turn color in Nebraska?: Mainly cottonwood, oak, ash, sumac. Yellows and oranges come from carotenoids that are already in the leaf, so they show up every year. Reds are made fresh each autumn and need warm sunny days with cool, frost-free nights, which is why a dry summer or a warm September produces a duller year.