When to Visit Mackinac Island, Michigan - Weather & Other Travel Tips

January is the coldest month on Mackinac Island with freezing temperatures for both average high and average low temperatures. The average high temperature hovers at 25°F (-4°C) while the average low temperature is at 9°F (-13°C).

In February, Mackinac Island sees the least amount of rain annually with about 34 mm of expected rainfall. The average high temperature goes up a few degrees to 27°F (-3°C). In contrast, the average low temperature drops to 8°F (-14°C).

March sees warmer weather on Mackinac Island as the average high and average low temperatures range between 36°F (2°C) and 17°F (-8°C) for the first month of spring.

Mackinanc Island Weather in April: The average high temperatures for April sees a significant increase to 50°F (10°C). Congruently, the average low temperature also makes a steep rise to 30°F (-1°C). Despite the sharp increases, the weather remains quite cold.

In May, the average high temperature and average low temperature is 63°F (17°C) and 40°F (4°C) respectively.

Mackinac Island Weather in June: Summer comes to Mackinac Island in June bringing with it average highs in the 70s. The average low temperatures still get quite chilly but increase ten degrees to 50°F (9°C).

July is the hottest month on record for Mackinac Island with the average high temperatures nearing the 80s at 78°F (25°C). The average low temperature increases to 55°F (13°C).

In August, Mackinac Island’s second warmest month, the average high temperature goes down to 75°F (24°C). The average low temperature drops by one degree to 54°F (12°C).

Mackinac Island Weather in September: Mackinac Island gets a lot of rain in September with an average precipitation of 98 mm – the highest in the whole year. The average high temperature drops to 70°F (19°C) while the average low temperature decreases to 48°F (9°C).

October sees a sharp drop in average temperatures as fall goes into full swing. The average high temperature sinks to 56°F (13°C) and the average low temperature goes down to 38°F (3°C).

In November things get even colder as the average high and average low temperatures drop down to 42°F (6°C) and 30°F (-2°C) respectively.

December is the third coldest month of the year and the start of the winter season on Mackinac Island where the average low temperature is at a frigid 30°F (-2°C). The high temperatures average at 31°F (-1°C).

The best time to visit Mackinac Island to avoid the hordes of tourist is during the month of June. However, weather can be quite unpredictable at this time. If you seek a combination of the best weather and manageable crowds, plan your visit in the first half of July. To catch the sailboat races, an action packed time in Mackinac Island, make sure to come in the second half of July.

Travel Tips:

There are several ways to get to Mackinac Island. The closest airport to the island is the Pellston Regional Airport located 15 miles south of Mackinac City. To get from the airport to Mackinac Island there are car rentals, the Mackinaw Shuttle, and taxis and limousines. There is a runway on the island for charter service. Traveling by car you must drive to Mackinac City or St. Ignace, park your car, and take the ferry to the island: there are no cars on Mackinac Island. There are two ferry companies with daily sailings to the island: they are the Star Line Ferry and Shepler’s Ferry.

Mackinac Island retains its Victorian charm because no cars are allowed on the island. Most visitors arrive by ferry and then use a variety of ways to get around the island. One way is to walk: it is easy to see many of the beautiful places that Mackinac Island has to offer by walking. Renting a bike is a very popular way to get around the island: in fact, there are over 1,400 bikes to rent here including mountain bikes, tandems, fat tire bikes, bikes for children, and more. There are more than 70 miles of paved and natural trails on the island. There are also electronic scooters for rent. Horse drawn carriages are another way to see the island.

Mackinac Island offers a wide variety of restaurants and other eateries. There are world-renowned chefs creating new dishes in the island’s historic hotels. Two fine dining restaurants are the 1852 Grill Room and Chianti. On Mackinac Island casual dining means a relaxed atmosphere where good food is served in a friendly manner. Some of the casual restaurants are Bistro on the Green, Jessie’s Chuck Wagon, Pancake House, Woods Restaurant, and many more. There are several cafes on the island: these include Seabiscuit Cafe and Starbucks. For nightlife, visitors can spend the evening with friends at places such as Mary’s Bistro Mackinac Island, the Mustang Lounge, and the Pink Pony.

Mackinac Island is a fun place to do some shopping. There are many shops in the downtown area, on Market Street, in some of the island’s hotels, and at Surrey Hill. There are also four small shopping malls. Art is popular on Mackinac Island and there are small art galleries that feature the works of regional artists: some of these galleries include Artistic Mackinac Gallery and Studio, Oil Paintings by Marlee, and Photos on Mackinac. If you are interested in books, you can browse at the Island Bookstore. The Grand Hotel and Mission Point Resort contains boutique shops and an outlet store. Other gift shops sell clothing, jewelry, souvenirs, and more.

Mackinac Island is known for its natural beauty so it is a popular place for weddings. If you are interested in a church wedding there are several churches on the island such as the Historic Mission Church, the Little Stone Church, St. Anne’s Catholic Church, and Trinity Episcopal Church. Inn at Stonecliffe offers several quiet and secluded locations for weddings including the Grotto, Sunset Beach, and the Verandah. The Bay View is a bed and breakfast where you have a choice of the Sun Deck or the Verandah. Visitors can get married on the Front Porch or in the Tea Garden at the Grand Hotel.

There are many types of accommodations on Mackinac Island such as hotels and resorts, bed and breakfasts and inns, and rental cottages, condominium, homes, and suites. The Grand Hotel is one of the best hotels on the island: it is a good place for families and children to stay. Mission Point Resort has guest rooms and suites, the Chianti Italian restaurant, and a waterfront location with a spectacular view. Island House Hotel is a historic hotel that was built more than 150 years ago. Chippewa Hotel Waterfront is located in the downtown area of Mackinac Island and has great harbor views. Other accommodations include the Lake View Hotel, Harbour View Inn, Sunset Condominiums, and many more.