Bright Fall Foliage Expected in Georgia with Wet Summer

While we're just past the halfway mark of our Georgia summer, the weather we're experiencing in North Georgia may help produce bright, colorful fall foliage in the Georgia mountains. At least that's the early outlook given the amount of rain that's fallen across North Georgia in July and is predicted to continue through the summer and early fall.

Wet summer weather in North Georgia may set up a fall full of brilliant colors.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

According to sources including the Georgia Forestry Division and Old Farmer's Almanac, the ideal scenario for a colorful fall includes a relatively wet summer, a sunny fall with cool nights, and minimal severe weather events.

And July 2024 has been a wet month in North Georgia when compared to rainfall averages tracked by the National Weather Service. According to NWS and other sources, North Georgia averages approximately 4.5 inches of rain in July. Those totals range from 3.9 inches in Gainesville, to 4.9 inches in Blairsville and 5.6 inches in Helen, based on weather data collected from 1991 to 2020 for the US National Centers for Environmental Information.

Fall colors will appear first at Georgia' higher elevations beginning in late September, with peak colors appearing in mid-November.Photo byDeanLand / OurTravelCafe.com

While final monthly rainfall totals haven't yet been compiled for July at all stations, some of North Georgia seems to have received above-average rainfall for the month. According to United States Geological Survey data, weather stations near Helen and Elijay recorded nearly half of the month's average rainfall just in the final seven days of July, with both stations reporting over 2.5 inches of rain. And in Atlanta, Channel 11 meterologists reported that Atlanta had received over 12 inches of rain near the airport, the fourth highest total ever recorded for July.

Looking ahead, the Old Farmer's Almanac predicts that rainfall in August and into the fall will remain at or above average, while temperatures will be slightly below average. And that's a good combination for potential bright fall foliage.

While its early for prediction, The Old Farmers Almanac's leaf map expects fall colors to best in Georgia beginning in early November.Photo byOld Farmer's Almanac

As to when peak colors will arrive in Georgia, it's too soon to tell with pinpoint accuracy. The Georgia Forestry Division won't issue it's first predictions until September. The Old Farmer's Almanac's early prediction map shows color change starting at Georgia's highest elevations in late September. But the brightest colors will appears in late October through mid-November, the Old Farmer's Almanac predicts.

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