When Is the Best Time to Visit Michigan?
Part of the Great Lakes region in the Upper Midwest, Michigan is arguably one of the most scenic states, featuring 103 state parks and five national park-run sites. Every season of the year offers diverse attractions, with the winter months promising snow-covered terrain, skiing, and snowmobiling and the summer months featuring perfect temperatures and endless opportunities to explore the state’s many parks. The spring and fall feature a variety of unique festivals and activities as well, such as an annual mushroom festival in the spring and nationally-loved county fairs in the fall. Ready to plan your Michigan getaway but not sure when to go? This guide breaks down the key seasonal highlights to help you choose the perfect time!
Winter Tourism
Michigan, averaging temperatures between 20℉ and 32℉ in the winter months, is the perfect vacation destination for those who enjoy winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobile racing, and fat tire biking. Ski resorts in Michigan are abundant, some of the most popular including Boyne Mountain Resort, Crystal Mountain, and Highlands Resort at Harbor Springs. For those who prefer cross-country skiing, a number of trails are scattered around the state as well, such as the Noquemanon Trail Network, near the lakeside town of Marquette.
Michigan also has a lovely selection of winter events to get visitors into the winter spirit. Winterfest, for example, takes place annually in Grand Haven, Michigan, in January and features a variety of winter sports competitions, a cozy pancake breakfast, and a festive bonfire bash. To get into the holiday spirit, Frankenmuth, nicknamed “Michigan’s Little Bavaria,” hosts an annual Christmas experience, which includes a driving light tour, a giant, lit Christmas tree, an ice rink, and a Letters to Santa program for the kids.
Spring Tourism
Visiting Michigan in spring promises a dynamic experience, ranging from periodic snowy days in March to warm, sunnier days in April and May, with blooming tulips and cherry blossoms to enjoy. April, for example, is a prime time to visit the remote Isle Royale National Park, perfect for wildflower hikes and paddleboarding in Lake Superior. The state’s botanic gardens are also a great place to catch the blooming flowers and blossoms, such as the Dow Gardens in Midland, Michigan, which feature Japanese bridges, spring blossoms, and pine forests.
Those who enjoy a nice glass of wine must visit Michigan in May, the state’s official wine month. To celebrate, Detroit hosts a 3-day event called “Taste Michigan Invades the D,” featuring a tasting festival, wine expo, and more. Wineries across the state also host special discounts and events. Every May, the annual Mesick Mushroom Festival is another unique and quirky festival that will give visitors a taste of small-town Michigan. During the festival, travelers can expect a mushroom hunt, a live concert, lots of food, and sports such as volleyball and baseball.
Summer Tourism
Between the months of June and August, Michigan boasts extremely comfortable temperatures, averaging from around 50℉ to 74℉. These warm and mild temperatures make it the perfect escape for those from hotter southern states and the ideal opportunity to explore its parks, lakes, islands, and dunes. While many people are familiar with paddling or kayaking along one of the great lakes in Michigan, visitors can also snorkel to explore shipwrecks! Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours, in Munising, is also a great way to enjoy the lake while learning about the shipwrecks below the waters of Lake Superior. Along Lake Michigan, visitors can enjoy a trip out to the Manitou Islands, home to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a popular site for hiking, camping, and bird watching for great bird species such as eagles and hawks.
Michigan also hosts some wonderful summer festivals, such as the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. Here, visitors can enjoy festival parades an air show, try the town’s delicious pancakes and fresh fruit, watch a concert or race series, and more. In addition to its winter festivities, Frankenmurth also hosts a summer Bavarian Festival, where visitors can appreciate traditional German food, traditional German dance and music, and German beers.
Fall Tourism
Fall is arguably one of the best times to visit Michigan. The month of September continues to boast warm weather, but the summer crowds begin to thin as children return to school. Around October, fall foliage peaks in Michigan, great for those who want to appreciate the state’s vibrant and colorful leaves. The state has several state parks that are perfect for hiking, camping, and enjoying the beautiful foliage, such as Hartwick Pines State Park, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Michigan also has farmers markets scattered throughout the state, offering fresh, seasonal produce, such as apples. Eastern Market, a public covered market in Detroit, is guaranteed to have lots of interesting finds, while Fulton Street Farmer’s Market is a good option for those looking to enjoy the laid-back atmosphere of Grand Rapids.
As fall rolls around in Michigan, county fairs liven the state’s cities and towns. Allegan County Fair is one of the largest and most popular, perfect for enjoying a rodeo performance. The Grand Rapids International Wine, Beer & Food Festival is a culinary festival offering an abundance of ciders, wines, and beers to enjoy, as well as specially prepared plates by chefs to taste.
Seasonal Travel Considerations
Michigan's popularity for skiing and winter sports during December, January, and February typically increases hotel prices. Similarly, the summer months see higher lodging costs, as visitors are drawn by the state's mild temperatures and abundance of lakes, parks, and forests. For those seeking more affordable accommodations while still enjoying pleasant weather for outdoor activities such as hiking, spring and fall are the most ideal seasons to visit. For off-season campers, late spring (like May) and early fall (such as September) offer the best conditions, allowing visitors to avoid the chill of colder nights.
Conclusion
No matter if you are a skier, camper, or hiker, Michigan has something special to offer in every season. For county fairs, fall foliage, and more affordable accommodations, fall is a great choice. If you are drawn to holiday festivities and snow-filled adventures, winter is your time to visit. Spring won’t disappoint with its vibrant wildflowers, wine festivals, and off-season hotel deals. And for families planning around school breaks, summer offers ideal temperatures and access to Michigan’s state parks and lakes.
