As things are becoming pleasantly crisp and colorful in the mountains here, I’ve been wondering about what fall is like in far northern places (Alaska, Sweden, Norway, etc). I’ve heard about the long, dark winters, of course, and I’ve been to Scandinavia during the summer, but I’ve never heard much about spring or fall in these places. How long does the autumn season last? Is there dramatic foliage? Any Dopers want to share their autumn experiences in the far north?
Huh. I spent years in Yellowknife and Iqaluit, and I’ve got to say that “spring” and “autumn” are pretty much meaningless in my memory, which is basically of the long winter, and the pathetically short summer. In Iqaluit, there were no trees, so no spectacular foliage, and in Yellowknife I don’t remember the tiny trees putting on much of a show.
In my opinion, there is no more beautiful place on earth than New England in Late September and October. Absolutely spectacular! I was up in Maine (Camden) last weekend, and it is just starting to turn nice and colorful…My wife and I had a hot cup of cider on top of Mt. Battie. Absolutely breath taking !
Think Seattle.
While we’re far up north, the Gulf Stream keeps the climate (so far) at a very bland (or comfortable) level. This means mild summers (normally 70-80F, daytime, low 60’s nighttime) and mild winters (low 30’s to high 40’s). It’s only very far up north that the concept of Fall becomes meaningless. They go from summer to too cold in a matter of a few weeks. If you’re far enough north, there won’t be any trees to speak of.
Now the latitude doesn’t change, so yes, winters are dark. Very dark. And the absence of anything remotely looking like winter, means it’s wet, dark, rainy and windy for about four months each year with maybe 4-6 weeks of what could be called winter (below 32F, some snow, but not always).
Back to your question. So far so good this year. Minimal rain, crisp air, mid day temp around 60F, leaves are changing color.
The bad season starts at the last weekend of October, when we change from daylights saving back to normal (which is only five months a year nowadays in the EU - Go Figure). Suddenly, sunset is about 5p.m. but no one sees it, because chances are it’s been overcast and rainy. In mid December sunrise is about 8.30 and sunset 3.30 here in the south end. Of course, up north, they don’t have a sunrise at all. It’s just one long night for about 1 month, depending on how far north you are.
Did you ever wonder why this part of the world is called the vodka belt? Now you know.
BTW - This might be better suited for IMHO.