Pumpkin steps: orange and creamOrange pumpkins, one cream pumpkin, green stems, khaki straw, dark brown steps.#F77518 · #F9F0D7 · #309139 · #B6AB72 · #302017
Bare orchard: pale gray and brownPale gray sky, brown branches, white snow, dark brown trunks, dusty blue shadows.
Cabin under snow: white and amberWhite snow, amber window, brown logs, forest green pines, dusty blue shadows.
Cocoa by the window: brown and creamBrown cocoa, cream foam, scarlet mug, pale blue window, tan sill.
Fresh calendar: white and navyWhite paper, navy numbers, red circle, silver spiral, pale gray shadow.
Frost on the pane: pale blue and silverPale blue frost, silver glass, white ice ferns, dusty blue dawn sky, navy window frame.
Icicle row: sky blue and whiteSky blue sky, white icicles, pale blue shade, gray gutter, rust brick.
Midnight confetti: gold and hot pinkMidnight blue sky, gold confetti, silver streamers, white sparks, hot pink paper horn.
Red bird in the snow: scarlet and whiteScarlet bird, white snow, dark gray branch, pale gray sky, forest green needles.
Skaters at dusk: pale blue and scarletLavender sky, pale blue ice, scarlet scarf, white snow bank, charcoal trees.
Sledding slope: white and redWhite hill, red sled, pale blue sky, forest green pines, mustard hat.
Sun on a snow field: peach and pale bluePeach low sky, pale blue snow field, lilac cloud, white sun, dark gray fence.
Wool blanket: cream and burgundyCream wool, burgundy stripe, navy stripe, gray fringe, tan chair.
Show all 144 palettes (132 more)
February 12
Candy box: red and brownRed lid, brown chocolates, pale pink paper cups, gold ribbon, cream filling.
Crocus tips: violet and whiteViolet buds, white snow, green shoots, gold centers, dark brown soil.
Fishing shack on ice: white and orangeWhite ice, orange shack, pale blue sky, dark gray stove pipe, dusty blue shadows.
Gray day sweater: gray and mustardGray sweater, mustard scarf, cream collar, charcoal coat, pale gray sky.
Hearts on a string: pink and whitePink hearts, white wall, red hearts, pale pink hearts, tan string.
Mittens on a line: scarlet and creamScarlet mittens, cream cuffs, gray line, pale blue sky, white snow.
Pancake stack: gold and amberGold pancakes, amber syrup, butter yellow pat, white plate, sky blue cloth.
Red lanterns: red and goldRed lanterns, gold tassels, midnight blue sky, amber glow, black roofs.
Short-day sunset: plum and pinkPlum sky, pink horizon, navy hills, white snow, amber lit window.
Snowdrop clump: white and greenWhite petals, green stems, pale gray snow, dark brown soil, pale green buds.
Thaw on the lane: gray and pale blueGray slush, pale blue puddles, brown mud, white snow patches, dusty blue sky.
Winter citrus: orange and yellowOrange fruit, yellow lemons, green leaves, white bowl, dusty blue cloth.
March 12
Boots in a puddle: yellow and grayYellow boots, gray puddle, pale blue reflections, lime grass, brown mud.
Clover cookies: green and tanGreen icing, tan cookies, white sprinkles, cream plate, mint napkin.
Clover patch: green and emerald greenGreen clover, emerald green shade, lime new leaves, white flowers, dark green gaps.
Daffodil bank: yellow and greenYellow petals, green stems, orange trumpets, pale blue sky, brown soil.
Early blossom: pale pink and brownPale pink blossom, brown twigs, sky blue sky, lime buds, white petal edges.
Kite weather: sky blue and scarletSky blue sky, scarlet kite, white clouds, gold tail, emerald green hill.
Melting stream: teal and whiteTeal water, white ice edge, gray stones, khaki bank, pale blue sky.
Mud season: brown and khakiBrown mud, khaki old grass, gray sky, pale green first shoots, dark brown ruts.
Seed trays: dark brown and limeDark brown soil, lime sprouts, tan trays, white labels, sky blue watering can.
Storm to sun: dark gray and butter yellowDark gray storm cloud, butter yellow sun break, pale blue clear sky, white cloud edge, green field.
Willow catkins: silver and brownSilver catkins, brown stems, pale blue sky, cream vase, pale gray wall.
Windy laundry: white and sky blueWhite sheets, sky blue sky, coral shirt, green grass, tan pegs.
April 12
April shower: gray and sky blueGray cloud, sky blue rain, pale gray mist, gold umbrella, green lawn.
Blossom over the path: pale pink and pinkPale pink blossom, pink buds, brown branch, sky blue sky, gray path.
Bluebell wood: violet and greenViolet bluebells, green leaves, lime canopy, brown trunks, pale green light.
Chick and shell: yellow and whiteYellow chick, white shell, orange beak, tan straw, pale blue sky.
Garden gloves: coral and dark brownCoral gloves, dark brown soil, green seedlings, tan trowel handle, silver trowel.
Painted eggs: lilac and butter yellowLilac egg, butter yellow egg, mint egg, pale pink egg, tan basket.
Planet poster: cobalt blue and greenCobalt blue oceans, green land, white clouds, navy space, yellow lettering.
Puddle sky: dusty blue and whiteDusty blue puddle, white clouds, gray pavement, lime grass edge, yellow dandelion.
Speckled blue eggs: aqua and brownAqua eggs, brown nest, tan straw, green leaves, cream down.
Sun after rain: pale blue and limePale blue sky, lime wet grass, dark gray cloud, butter yellow sun patch, dark green hedge.
Tulip rows: red and greenRed tulips, green leaves, yellow tulips, pink tulips, dark brown soil.
Umbrella crowd: red and navyRed umbrella, navy umbrella, yellow umbrella, dark gray street, pale gray sky.
May 12
Bearded irises: violet and yellowViolet petals, yellow beards, green leaves, lavender buds, dark brown soil.
Bee in the clover: amber and pinkAmber bee, pink clover, black stripes, green leaves, white wings.
Bouquet in paper: tan and pinkTan paper, pink roses, white daisies, green stems, lilac ribbon.
Buttercup field: yellow and greenYellow buttercups, green grass, pale blue sky, white clouds, forest green hedge.
Hose on the lawn: green and aquaGreen hose, aqua spray, lime lawn, yellow nozzle, brown fence.
Lilac hedge: lilac and greenLilac flowers, green leaves, purple buds, sky blue sky, brown branches.
Morning market: coral and greenCoral awning, green lettuce, red radishes, tan crates, cream signs.
Peony bowl: pink and pale pinkPink petals, pale pink outer petals, green leaves, white bowl, gold centers.
Picnic gingham: scarlet and whiteScarlet checks, white checks, lime grass, tan basket, butter yellow lemonade.
Ribbon dance: cream and roseCream pole, rose ribbon, gold ribbon, cobalt blue ribbon, lime lawn.
Strawberry rows: red and greenRed berries, green leaves, white flowers, khaki straw, brown soil.
Uncurling fern: lime and dark greenLime fronds, dark green shade, emerald green older fronds, tan stems, pale green light.
June 12
Beach bag: turquoise and coralTurquoise bag, coral towel, white hat, yellow bottle, sand beach.
Cherry bowl: red and whiteRed cherries, white bowl, maroon shade, lime stems, sky blue cloth.
Firefly lawn: midnight blue and limeMidnight blue sky, lime fireflies, dark green lawn, navy hedge, amber porch light.
First swim: aqua and whiteAqua pool, white ripples, cobalt blue tiles, yellow float, coral towel.
Garden peas: green and limeGreen pods, lime peas, white flowers, tan canes, forest green leaves.
Graduation day: navy and goldNavy gown, gold tassel, cream scroll, scarlet ribbon, lime lawn.
Hay bales: gold and sky blueGold bales, sky blue sky, forest green hedge, tan stubble, white clouds.
Lawn sprinkler: sky blue and limeSky blue spray, lime lawn, white mist, yellow sprinkler, coral swimsuit.
Lemonade stand: yellow and whiteYellow lemonade, white sign, scarlet lettering, tan table, green lawn.
Long evening: peach and lavenderPeach sky, lavender clouds, dark green trees, amber sun, navy hills.
Rose arbor: rose and greenRose blooms, green leaves, white arbor, pale pink buds, sky blue sky.
Wildflower verge: scarlet and cobalt blueScarlet poppies, cobalt blue cornflowers, white daisies, avocado grass, yellow buttercups.
July 12
Blueberry pail: navy and silverNavy berries, silver pail, dusty blue bloom, green leaves, red handle.
Bunting on the porch: red and whiteRed bunting, white rail, navy bunting, sky blue sky, green fern.
Corn on the cob: yellow and limeYellow kernels, lime husk, butter yellow pat, white plate, red cloth.
Fireworks night: midnight blue and scarletMidnight blue sky, scarlet burst, white sparks, cobalt blue burst, gold trails.
Heat haze: butter yellow and orangeButter yellow sky, orange sun, tan road, khaki grass, dusty blue far hills.
Lake dock: teal and tanTeal lake, tan dock, sky blue sky, white towel, dark green far shore.
Parade drum: scarlet and whiteScarlet drum, white drumhead, navy rim, gold hoops, tan sticks.
Pool among the rocks: turquoise and coralTurquoise water, coral starfish, sand floor, gray rock, green weed.
Sparklers: navy and goldNavy night, gold sparks, white core, amber glow on hands, gray smoke.
Sunflower row: yellow and brownYellow petals, brown seed disk, avocado stalks, sky blue sky, gold petal shade.
Three-color ice pop: red and whiteRed tip, white middle, cobalt blue base, tan stick, sky blue sky.
Watermelon wedge: rose and greenRose flesh, green rind, white inner rind, black seeds, dark green stripes.
August 12
Afternoon storm cloud: white and dark grayWhite cloud top, dark gray cloud base, dusty blue rain, gold wheat, sky blue sky.
Blackberry lane: plum and greenPlum berries, green leaves, red unripe berries, brown canes, cream flowers.
Dry meadow: gold and sky blueGold grass, sky blue sky, khaki seed heads, brown path, white clouds.
Lavender rows: lavender and avocadoLavender flowers, avocado stems, purple shade, butter yellow sky, tan earth.
Melon stand: lime and coralLime melons, coral cut melon, white sign, brown table, emerald green awning.
New pencils: yellow and pinkYellow pencils, pink erasers, silver bands, tan wood, navy case.
Peach crate: peach and coralPeach fruit, coral blush, avocado leaves, brown crate, white paper.
Ring float: turquoise and hot pinkTurquoise water, hot pink float, pale blue ripples, yellow ball, navy shadow.
Shooting stars: midnight blue and whiteMidnight blue sky, white streaks, purple haze, dark green hills, butter yellow stars.
Sunburnt lawn: khaki and tanKhaki lawn, tan patches, avocado shade, sky blue sky, white chair.
Tent and campfire: orange and navyOrange fire, navy sky, amber sparks, dark brown logs, forest green tent.
Tomato vine: scarlet and greenScarlet tomatoes, green vines, lime unripe fruit, tan canes, dark brown soil.
September 12
Apple basket: red and tanRed apples, tan basket, avocado leaves, gold apples, brown handle.
Backpack row: cobalt blue and redCobalt blue pack, red pack, yellow pack, gray hooks, cream wall.
Bus at the corner: amber and blackAmber bus, black lettering, gray road, green hedge, red sign.
Chalk and apple: forest green and whiteForest green board, white chalk, tan frame, yellow chalk, red apple.
Corn shocks: tan and goldTan stalks, gold corn, orange pumpkins, dark brown field, sky blue sky.
First yellow leaf: green and yellowGreen leaves, yellow first leaf, dark brown branch, pale blue sky, amber sun spots.
Goldenrod verge: gold and greenGold flowers, green stems, violet asters, tan grass, pale blue sky.
Grape arbor: purple and greenPurple grapes, green leaves, brown vine, plum shade, gold sun.
Harvest moon: amber and navyAmber moon, navy sky, gold stubble, dark brown barn, peach haze.
Honeycomb and jar: amber and goldAmber honey, gold comb, cream label, brown dipper, white cloth.
Plaid shirt: red and navyRed checks, navy checks, cream buttons, forest green line, charcoal shadow.
Seed heads: brown and mustardBrown heads, mustard petals, khaki stalks, pale blue sky, black seeds.
October 12
Bats at dusk: purple and blackPurple sky, black bats, orange horizon, plum clouds, butter yellow moon.
Candy by the door: orange and yellowOrange candy, yellow candy, white wrappers, brown bowl, plum cloth.
Carved lantern: orange and amberOrange pumpkin, amber glow, black night, yellow candle, dark green stem.
Cider and donuts: amber and tanAmber cider, tan donuts, cream sugar, red apples, brown table.
Crow on the fence: black and grayBlack crow, gray fence, gold field, pale gray sky, rust leaves.
Field bonfire: orange and midnight blueOrange flames, midnight blue sky, amber sparks, dark brown logs, gray smoke.
Fog in the maze: pale gray and khakiPale gray fog, khaki stalks, tan path, gray sky, orange flag.
Ghost in the window: white and purpleWhite ghost, purple curtains, black frame, amber lamp, orange pumpkin.
Maple drift: scarlet and goldScarlet leaves, gold leaves, orange leaves, brown trunk, pale blue sky.
Pumpkin steps: orange and creamOrange pumpkins, one cream pumpkin, green stems, khaki straw, dark brown steps.
Raked leaves: rust and goldRust leaves, gold leaves, maroon leaves, brown rake, khaki lawn.
Wool scarf: mustard and burgundyMustard sweater, burgundy scarf, cream cuffs, brown boots, forest green bench.
November 12
Acorn caps: brown and tanBrown acorns, tan caps, olive moss, rust oak leaves, khaki grass.
Bare maple: gray and dark brownGray sky, dark brown branches, rust last leaves, tan grass, pale gray mist.
Cranberry bowl: red and whiteRed cranberries, white bowl, maroon shade, green sprig, tan table.
Dried corn bundle: maroon and goldMaroon kernels, gold kernels, tan husks, cream door, brown twine.
Early dark: navy and amberNavy sky, amber windows, plum horizon, charcoal roofs, pale gray smoke.
Frost on the grass: silver and khakiSilver frost, khaki grass, rust fallen leaves, pale blue sky, brown fence.
Geese going south: pale gray and dark grayPale gray sky, dark gray geese, peach low sun, khaki marsh, navy water.
Pie on the sill: orange and sandOrange filling, sand crust, cream whipped cream, dark brown sill, pale blue window.
Squash and candles: rust and goldRust cloth, gold squash, cream candles, brown bread, forest green leaves.
Wet ride home: gray and amberGray glass, amber street lights, navy dusk, scarlet tail lights, pale blue drops.
Woodpile: brown and sandBrown logs, sand cut ends, dusty blue sky, khaki grass, dark brown shadows.
Wool socks: gray and scarletGray socks, scarlet stripe, white toes, dark brown floor, amber firelight.
December 12
Bells on a strap: silver and maroonSilver bells, maroon strap, gold buckle, white snow, dark green bough.
Evergreen wreath: forest green and redForest green wreath, red bow, gold bells, white door, brown cones.
Gingerbread tray: brown and whiteBrown cookies, white icing, scarlet candies, silver tray, mint sprinkles.
Longest night: midnight blue and whiteMidnight blue sky, white stars, navy hills, pale blue snow, amber lit window.
Orange and cloves: orange and dark brownOrange peel, dark brown cloves, red ribbon, forest green sprig, cream cloth.
Paper flakes: white and pale blueWhite snowflakes, pale blue window, midnight blue night, silver thread, lavender shadows.
Peppermint twist: red and whiteRed stripes, white stripes, mint wrapper, silver tin, pink crumbs.
Pine and plaid: forest green and redForest green boughs, red plaid, cream wool, brown cones, black lines.
Roofline lights: midnight blue and goldMidnight blue night, gold bulbs, red bulbs, green bulbs, white snow.
Scarf on a snowman: white and scarletWhite snow, scarlet scarf, orange nose, black buttons, sky blue sky.
Window candle: amber and midnight blueAmber flame, midnight blue night, cream candle, pale blue frost, mustard holder.
Wrapped gifts: red and goldRed paper, gold ribbon, emerald green paper, white tags, tan twine.
How this list was compiled: Own work, written for Draw This Next on 2026-10-08: palettes of five colors for each of the twelve months, twelve to a month. Every palette, name, color word, hex code and part is our own choice; none is sampled from a photograph or taken from a calendar, a brand or a published palette, and no color is said to belong to a month. How a strip is ordered: each color is named for its part of one small scene, and the name carries the two colors that matter most. The scenes follow the seasons of the temperate northern hemisphere. Facts in the page copy, checked on 2026-10-08 against English Wikipedia, Season, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Season: meteorological seasons are groupings of three whole calendar months; by that reckoning, in the temperate north the seasons start on the 1st of March (spring), June (summer), September (autumn) and December (winter); the northern and southern hemispheres always experience opposite seasons. Our own tests, not a standard: no two colors of a palette are closer than 8 in CIE Lab; no two palettes share four codes. Color names are plain English words with no paint maker, pencil brand or color-matching system, and one word is one code everywhere on this list. Checked on 2026-10-08: every code is #RRGGBB, each color word fits the hue and lightness of its code, no palette, name or line repeats, and no palette is on another palette list of this site or of its sister sites. The hex codes are for a screen; with paint or pencils, take the nearest color. Licence: own work
How it works
An October color palette here is orange with brown, black, amber and gold: pumpkins on the steps, a carved lantern, raked leaves, bats at dusk. The other eleven months each have a set, so one list colors a whole calendar.
Read the full guide
One small scene each
Every palette is one small scene of its month, and its name carries the two colors that matter most: Fireworks night, in July, is midnight blue and scarlet; Frost on the pane, in January, is pale blue and silver.
Whose seasons these are
The northern hemisphere's. Counted in whole months, as meteorologists do, spring there starts on 1 March, summer 1 June, autumn 1 September, winter 1 December. The southern hemisphere always has the opposite season, so south of the equator take the set six months away: January's for a July page.
Questions and answers
What colors are in a July color palette?
White, red, navy and sky blue, with gold, green and tan: fireworks, porch bunting, a three-color ice pop. On this list red is #C5202E, navy #182853 and sky blue #75C1F0. The rest of July is watermelon, sunflowers and a lake dock.
What is a June color palette?
Lighter than July's. White, yellow #FAE22E and lime #A2DD2C lead, then sky blue, coral and navy. The scenes are a long evening, a rose arbor, a lemonade stand, hay bales and a first swim.
What makes a good April color palette?
Rain and new growth. Green #309139 and yellow lead the April set, with gray for the showers and tan, brown and lime under them: tulip rows, painted eggs in lilac and butter yellow, an umbrella crowd, a bluebell wood.
How does a September color palette differ from an August color palette?
August is still summer: white, sky blue and the tan of dry grass, with peaches, a ring float and rows of lavender. September turns to gold #DCAB18, apple red, amber and brown: an apple basket, a harvest moon, a grape arbor.
What is a December color palette, or a January color scheme?
December here is white, red and gold with midnight blue and forest green: a wreath, roofline lights, wrapped gifts. January is cooler, mostly white, pale blue, silver and dusty blue: frost on a pane, an icicle row, a bare orchard.