Franconia - Painted Sky - New England, USA

This forecast predicts when New England's autumn skies will add another dimension to the region's legendary fall colors. We track atmospheric conditions, cloud formations, and particulates to identify when pastel sunrises and vivid sunsets will complement the foliage below.

While New England is famous for its fall foliage, the autumn sky often steals the show. Cool, dry air masses moving in from Canada create exceptionally clear conditions, while lingering summer humidity can generate dramatic morning and evening colors. The combination of painted skies above and painted leaves below creates compositions unique to New England autumn.

What makes New England painted skies exceptional:

• Autumn color complement - Pink and purple skies above red and orange foliage create color harmonies found nowhere else
• Harbor reflections - Coastal New England harbors mirror colorful skies with lobster boats and sailboats as subjects
• Lake mirrors - Hundreds of lakes across six states double painted skies when winds are calm
• Mountain backdrop - Presidential Range, Mount Katahdin, and Green Mountains silhouette against vivid dawn and dusk

Best conditions occur during stable autumn weather patterns with high pressure, typically September through October. Morning skies often show pastel pinks and purples, while evening brings warmer oranges and reds. Locations like Lake Winnipesaukee, Moosehead Lake, and coastal harbors combine sky reflections with regional character.