Oklahoma Fall Foliage 2026
The Ouachitas in the southeast offer the state's most reliable foliage, with oak, hickory, and sweetgum peaking late October into early November. Color spreads over two weeks from higher ridges down to valleys and cypress-lined waterways. The western plains produce minimal fall interest.
When Oklahoma peaks
Oct 23 – Oct 31
Centered on Oct 27. The Ouachitas peak late October into early November; the western plains barely register.
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
- oak
- hickory
- sweetgum
- sumac
- bald cypress
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 27Typical color progression for Oklahoma. No change from Sep 19 to Oct 6. First color from Oct 6 to Oct 15. Approaching peak from Oct 15 to Oct 23. Peak from Oct 23 to Oct 31. Past peak from Oct 31 to Nov 10. Bare from Nov 10 to Nov 24.
Color starts around Oct 6.
Peak by elevation
15 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 | 4,300 ft | Oct 18 | No change |
| Mid elevation | 1,800 ft | Oct 27 | No change |
| Valleys & lowlands | 0 ft | Nov 2 | 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
Oklahoma on October 27, the day it typically peaks. Knowing when color arrives is one thing. Knowing where the sun will be is another.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 7:09 AM |
| Sunrise Rises ESE · 105° | 7:34 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 35 min of low, warm light | 8:09 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 1:02 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 35 min before sunset | 5:55 PM |
| Sunset Sets WSW · 255° | 6:30 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:56 PM |
Times in America/Chicago · day length 10h 56m · computed from NOAA solar equations
Which way to point the camera
Sun rises ESE, sets WSW.
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 Oklahoma
No verified locations here yet. We'd rather show none than guess at coordinates. See the states already covered.
Recent reports from Oklahoma
Report what you sawCommon questions
- When do the leaves change in Oklahoma?
- Oklahoma typically peaks Oct 23 – Oct 31, centered on Oct 27. The Ouachitas peak late October into early November; the western plains barely register. 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 Oklahoma?
- Yes, by about 15 days. High ground around 4,300 ft peaks near Oct 18, while valleys near 0 ft wait until Nov 2. 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 Oklahoma?
- Mainly oak, hickory, sweetgum, sumac, bald cypress. 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.