Leaves change color in the fall due to a combination of factors, including the decrease in sunlight and cooler temperatures. As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, chlorophyll production in the leaves decreases, leading to the breakdown of chlorophyll and the unmasking of other pigments present in the leaves, such as carotenoids (which produce yellow, orange, and brown colors) and anthocyanins (which produce red and purple colors). This process results in the vibrant and beautiful colors we see during the autumn season.