U.S. National Arboretum
Northeast DC, Washington, D.C. · 53 ft
The 446-acre arboretum includes Japanese maples in the Asian Collections. For a wider frame, the Capitol Columns place 22 sandstone columns in an open meadow.
Seasonal model estimate. Timing remains uncertain; check recent reports before traveling. Source: seasonal timing model. Calculated .
Typical peak
Oct 19 – Oct 27
Long range. Treat as a planning estimate only.
Best light
Works at both ends of the day
Crowds
low
Usually quieter, especially around dawn.
Getting there
Enter off New York Avenue NE or R Street NE, 8am to 5pm, free. Roads run through the grounds, so the far collections are a two-minute drive rather than a hike.
What turns here
- japanese maple
- ginkgo
- black gum
- sweetgum
Color progression
Typical peak Oct 23Typical color progression for U.S. National Arboretum. No change from Sep 15 to Oct 2. First color from Oct 2 to Oct 11. Approaching peak from Oct 11 to Oct 19. Peak from Oct 19 to Oct 27. Past peak from Oct 27 to Nov 6. Bare from Nov 6 to Nov 20.
Color starts around Oct 2.
Light at peak
U.S. National Arboretum on October 23, the center of its typical peak window.
| Event | Time |
|---|---|
| First light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:58 AM |
| Sunrise Rises ESE · 104° | 7:25 AM |
| Morning golden hour ends 37 min of low, warm light | 8:02 AM |
| Solar noon Highest sun, flattest light | 12:52 PM |
| Evening golden hour starts 37 min before sunset | 5:42 PM |
| Sunset Sets WSW · 256° | 6:19 PM |
| Last light (blue hour) Sun 6° below horizon | 6:46 PM |
Times in America/New York · day length 10h 54m · 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.
Shooting conditions
Glassy water, wind blur, and what the cloud will do to your light.
Recent reports
What people actually saw here. Been recently? Add yours.