Why Fall Foliage Really Changes Color — And What Makes One Year Better Than Another

Why are fall colors brighter some years? Learn how sunshine, cool nights, rain, drought, frost, and temperature determine how brilliant autumn foliage becomes.

Sturgeon Moon 2026: When It Peaks & What the Name Really Means

August’s full Sturgeon Moon arrives on August 27–28, 2026—and this year it comes with a spectacular bonus. Discover when the next full Moon peaks, why August’s Moon is called the Sturgeon Moon, and how to get the best view of a dramatic partial lunar eclipse.

It’s Not Too Late! Vegetables & Flowers You Can Still Plant in Late August

Think your garden season is winding down? Think again. Late August can be the start of a surprisingly productive second…

Long Range Weather Forecast

Get ready for your next adventure. Check our Long Range Weather Forecast and plan accordingly.

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Weather History Database

Sunday 23rd August 2026

At a glance

Best day to

Today is Day 235 of 2026

30 days until autumn begins

Gardening

A good time to plant aboveground crops.

Fishing

Fair – Morning

Moon phase

Waxing Gibbous (84% of Full)

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Farmers’ Almanac Gardening, Weather & Seasonal Living Guide

For over two hundred years, the Farmers’ Almanac has been a trusted companion through every season of American life. First published in 1818, it has arrived faithfully, year after year, offering time-tested wisdom on weather, gardening, and living well with nature. Few publications in history can claim that kind of unbroken dedication to their readers — and fewer still have remained as relevant, as loved, and as useful with every passing generation. Check frost dates, gardening calendars, weather forecasts, moon phases, and seasonal advice.

Summer’s Calling Your Garden

Find the best planting days on the Gardening Calendar.

Gardening Calendar

Coming Up in the Sky and Garden

The dates worth putting on the calendar between now and Halloween, with the full guide behind each one.

Wednesday, August 12 to Thursday, August 13: Perseid meteor shower peaks under a new moon, the darkest conditions in years.
Friday, August 28: the Sturgeon Moon rises into a deep partial lunar eclipse.
Through August and September: what to plant now for a fall harvest, region by region.
Monday, September 7: Labor Day weekend, and the unofficial end of summer.
Tuesday, September 22: the fall equinox, the first day of fall.
Saturday, September 26: the Harvest Moon, the full moon closest to the equinox.
Saturday, October 24: Mercury turns retrograde until November 13.
Saturday, October 31: Halloween, and the folklore behind it.