The question on everyone’s mind: When will Kansas City see peak fall colors?

Sweater weather is right around the corner, but we’ve still got a few weeks before Autumn officially starts on Monday, Sept. 22. Now, with help from the Farmer’s Almanac, we’re crunching the leaves — ahem, dates — ahead of time so you know the best time to take a scenic hike, drive, or weekend vacay.

Your fall forecast

It’s going to be a vibrant one in Kansas City, with some of this year’s best leaf peeping projected to be in the Midwest. Metro residents can expect peak colors at home from mid-October to early November:

The first yellow leaves may be spotted as soon as Tuesday, Oct. 7.
Orange and red leaves are expected to appear around Monday, Oct. 20-Monday, Oct. 27.
From Sunday, Nov 2 onward, you can expect to see red and brown, as the trees prepare for winter.

Sip your coffee on the porch in your coziest sweater. | Photo via Airbnb

Plan your seasonal staycation

There's no shortage of local hiking trails or metro parks to admire Kansas City in the fall — but sometimes it's best to get away. Enter your autumn Airbnb oasis.

Robber's Roost Tree House | Excelsior Springs, MO | This magical treehouse sits on a 200-acre ranch with limestone bluffs, forest trails, and a spring-fed private lake. Cozy up by the propane fireplace, paddle out on the water, or unwind lakeside in a covered lounge with couches and a view.
Farm guesthouse | Kansas City, MO | Opt for something nature-filled without ditching civilization at this working farm retreat just minutes from historic downtown Parkville.
Luxury cabin | Leasburg, MO | Experience its lush forests and riverbluffs with the whole family at this modern mega cabin. It's not really roughing it when you have an outdoor movie projector.