When is Wildfire Season in the US?

Get detailed information on fire season in the US from the Western Fire Chiefs Association (WFCA). Learn when it starts, regions most affected, how it’s changing and more.

Over time, the duration of fire season has increased, primarily due to climate change. As conditions become drier and hotter, it’s essential for communities to prioritize fire safety and preparedness to protect against the growing threat of wildfires.

Fire Seasons Explained

Wildfire season typically starts in May and ends in November, with most fires occurring during the summer months. In the early 1950s, the season lasted about five months, but due to climate change and worsening conditions, it now stretches to around seven months. Wildfires are more likely to occur when conditions are hot and dry. In the Midwest, spring and winter are typically wetter seasons, with more rain or snow, which is why there are fewer wildfires during these times. In Northern California, fall and winter are usually wetter, which is why wildfires there are more common in spring and summer. August is the peak month for wildfires, as conditions become drier and hotter, making areas more susceptible to fires. The states with the highest number of wildfires include California, Georgia, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Arizona, and Oklahoma.¹

Why Fires Happen Outside of a Typical Fire Season

Fires are occurring outside of the typical fire season due to climate change and shifting weather patterns. Rising temperatures have led to earlier snowmelt and delayed fall rains, creating longer dry periods that increase the risk of fire ignition and spread. Prolonged drought and extreme weather events are becoming more common, while tree mortality from pests like pine beetles and invasive species like cheatgrass, which burns easily, make forests even more vulnerable. Decades of aggressive fire suppression have also allowed fuels to accumulate, leading to larger and more intense fires. What was once a four-month fire season now often stretches to six to eight months, with fires becoming more frequent in the winter across states like California, Arizona, New Mexico, Tennessee, and New Jersey.²

When and Where are Wildfires Most Common in the US

Wildfires in the United States are most common during the summer months of June through August, when conditions are typically dry and hot. The location plays a significant role in the frequency and intensity of fires. California has experienced some of the most destructive wildfires, such as the 2018 Mendocino Complex Fire, which burned over 459,000 acres, and the Camp Fire, which nearly destroyed the entire town of Paradise.

However, other states like Alaska and Idaho have historically seen more acreage burned than California. Between 1992 and 2015, Alaska alone had over 20 million acres consumed by wildfires just in June. The type of vegetation, terrain, and climate of a region also influence wildfire patterns. In the Southeast, for example, Florida’s large fires often occur in May, while Oklahoma, with its dry, grassy plains, sees most of its wildfire destruction in March. Areas with dense forests or shrublands, such as California or the Rocky Mountain states, are more prone to large fires, especially during drought conditions. While summer is the peak season nationally, wildfires can now occur nearly year-round, especially in regions like California, where climate change and short-term weather patterns have turned wildfires into a continuous threat regardless of season.³

What Does the Future Hold for Wildfire Season?

The future of wildfire season in the United States is set to worsen due to climate change, resulting in longer and more intense fire seasons. Warmer and drier conditions increase the frequency of wildfires, particularly in vulnerable regions like California and the Southwest. As a result, it’s crucial for residents to prioritize fire safety measures, including home hardening and creating defensible space around properties. By taking proactive steps to prepare for the inevitable increase in fire activity, communities can better protect themselves and their homes against the escalating threat of wildfires.