Depending on the weather, the larches in the Engadin turn golden sometime between early and late October. The colour explosion in the Upper Engadin usually reaches its peak around mid-October, though the exact timing varies from year to year: according to MeteoSwiss, the larches in St. Moritz were already showing their autumn colours by 6 October in 2007, whereas in 2020 this wasn't the case until 24 October.
As the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, the larch breaks down nutrients and stores chlorophyll – the green pigment in its needles – in its roots, trunk, and branches. Once no green remains in the needles, yellow pigments emerge. Shortly after, the larch sheds its golden cloak, preparing itself for winter. Source: MeteoSwiss
The golden larches are especially beautiful to see along Lake Sils or on a hike into Val Roseg. The best view over the golden Upper Engadin can be found from the Muottas Muragl lookout.
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