Field notes · 2026 estimate
When to see peak color at Winterthur Museum & Gardens
Peak fall color is predicted around October 29. Plan for the strongest viewing window from October 24 to November 3.
The prediction comes from 14 years of fall color records at this spot, checked against what observers on the ground saw. Where state foliage spotters report peak (New York, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Missouri), it has landed inside our ±5-day window about two years in three. An unusual summer or autumn can still move it further. Explore fall color around Wilmington and across Delaware.
That is 1 day later than usual (October 28): the six weeks to October 13 ran 1.1°F warmer than the 2001–2025 average, and a warmer run before peak delays the color. This will settle about ten days before peak, as the weather comes in.
Nearby locales
Other places to see color near Winterthur Museum & Gardens
Under 30 minutes
- Brandywine Creek State Park3.1 mi · 10 minPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color
- Alapocas Run State Park4.8 mi · 13 minPeak: Oct 31Status: Moderate color
- Wilmington & Western Railroad6.0 mi · 13 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Mt. Cuba Center4.8 mi · 15 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Nemours Estate4.3 mi · 15 minPeak: Oct 29Status: Moderate color
- Longwood Gardens7.3 mi · 15 minPennsylvaniaPeak: Oct 30Status: Moderate color