Depends, but mostly here in Northern NJ it's from late October to about mid November.

From what I have read over time is that the rut goes on at about the same time of year in a given area reguardless of weather and other variables. If it's too warm there's more activity at night, that's all.

yep you said it. if its a warmer then usuaul year then there will be a nocturnal rut. the does still come into estrous but the weather plays a huge part if the activity is going to be daytime or nighttime. the pre rut is the time of the year i look forward to. when the rut is in full swing the bucks are shacking up with the hot does and your not going to see them but the seeking and chasing phase of the pre rut is where its at.

The Va rut usually get into the breeding swing around second week of nov. the first week is when the scrapes usually start appering im my experience, though the rut timing has alot to do with your climate.
The intensity of the rut in your area will have alot to do with temperature, hunting pressure and buck/doe ratio. To name a few variables. I like to hunt the rut in a steady drizzling rain. Paradise! It's a killer time to just creep thru the woods stalking deer.

The best way to tell is tobe in the stand every day of November...but if that's not possible i'd say the 10th- 20th you have a good chance of seeing some action

-DeerHuntMo