The climate of Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island, located in
Michigan in the United States, classifies as a Humid Continental climate, per the Köppen Climate Classification system. Also known as Dfb, this climate type describes regions without a dry season, but a warm summer. The geographical position of Mackinac Island, in the northern climes of the United States, contributes to its experience of the Dfb climate.
Throughout the year, there is a stark difference in temperatures. The island witnesses the highest average temperatures from
June to
August, peaking in
July at 71.4°F (21.9°C). The lowest temperatures are recorded in
January and
February. Similarly, a distinct variation exists in the average minimum temperatures. The lowest average low temperatures are found in January and February, dipping to a chilly 14.4°F (-9.8°C), and soaring to a balmy average low of 58.6°F (14.8°C) in August.
Regarding precipitation, rainfall is observed throughout the year. The greatest rainfall occurs in
April, with an average of 2.36" (60mm), and also sees scattered showers in
October, with 2.72" (69mm) of rainfall. Contrarily, the lowest precipitation happens in January with average rainfall of 1.3" (33mm). As expected in this climate type, snowfall is predominantly prevalent in the winter months, with
December through February experiencing considerable snowfall.
The best time to visit Mackinac Island
Based on the favorable weather conditions, the ideal period to visit
Mackinac Island extends from
June to
August. During these months, the temperatures range from 63.5°F (17.5°C) to 71.4°F (21.9°C), creating comfortable conditions to explore the island's outdoor attractions. The daylight hours peak during these months, with approximately 15 hours of daylight available per day, augmenting the enjoyment of outdoor activities. The relative humidity during this period ranges from 77% to 78%, which is comfortable for most people.
The worst time to visit Mackinac Island
The least agreeable time to plan a visit to
Mackinac Island is during the peak of winter, between
December and
February. During this period, the average high temperature stays below freezing, ranging from 23.4°F (-4.8°C) to 32.7°F (0.4°C). Minimum temperatures drop significantly, going from 14.7°F (-9.6°C) to 22.3°F (-5.4°C). Additionally, the island experiences heavy snowfall, measuring on average from 3.54" (90mm) to 5.91" (150mm), coupled with limited daylight hours — an average of between 8.7 hours to 9.1 hours.
Spring weather in Mackinac Island
The arrival of spring, from
March to
May, brings a gradual rise in temperatures. The average high temperature increases from 42.3°F (5.7°C) to 55°F (12.8°C), whereas the average low rises from 31.8°F (-0.1°C) to 41.4°F (5.2°C). Rainfall also escalates, with precipitation starting from 1.5" (38mm) in March to 1.69" (43mm) in May. In terms of daylight hours, there is a significant increment from 12 hours to 15 hours.
Summer weather in Mackinac Island
Summer on
Mackinac Island, from
June to
August, is marked by warm temperatures and extended daylight hours. The average high temperatures hover between 63.5°F (17.5°C) and 71.4°F (21.9°C), whereas the low averages from 49.5°F (9.7°C) to 58.6°F (14.8°C). While rainfall occurs in these months, it falls as low as 1.46" (37mm), ensuring a largely clear and sunny weather.
Autumn weather in Mackinac Island
The autumn season, from
September to
November, witnesses a decline in temperatures, moving from a high of 64.8°F (18.2°C) to 40.3°F (4.6°C). During the same period, the average low also falls from 53.1°F (11.7°C) to 32.9°F (0.5°C). Notably, rainfall is the highest in
October, with an average of 2.72" (69mm), making it the wettest month on
Mackinac Island.
Winter weather in Mackinac Island
Winters on
Mackinac Island, from
December to
February, are cold and snowy. During this time, the highest temperatures drop down from 30.2°F (-1°C) in December to as low as 23.4°F (-4.8°C) in
January. The average low temperatures range between 14.7°F (-9.6°C) and 23°F (-5°C). Snowfall reaches its peak during these months, going as high as 5.91" (150mm) in December.
Weather in January
January brings a decidedly winter pattern to
Mackinac Island,
Michigan as the first month of the year. A characteristic cold, with temperatures dropping to an average lower limit of 14.7°F (-9.6°C), dominates this month. Despite the chill in the air, the island is shrouded in considerable cloud cover, significantly reducing the available daylight.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Moving into
February, the weather on
Mackinac Island remains in the firm grip of winter. Cold temperatures persist, albeit slightly more moderate compared to
January. Daylight lengthens to about 10.4 hours, but clouds often mute its presence.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March brings a noticeable change in the
Mackinac Island weather narrative. Average temperatures rise to a high of 32.7°F (0.4°C) signalling a gradual transition towards spring. The snowfall decreases correspondingly, but a greater frequency of rainy days ensures maintainance of humidity levels.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Mackinac Island is characterized by a significant rise in temperature to a high of 42.3°F (5.7°C) as spring solidifies its hold. The weather becomes noticeably wetter with a rainfall average of 2.36" (60mm), marking it the start of the rainier half of the year.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May brings a harmonious blend of moderate temperatures and rainfall to
Mackinac Island. Warming trends continue and the island is transformed by abundant flora. The rains, average of 1.69" (43mm), work in concert with the sun to nurture the sprouting greenery.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June marks the start of summer on
Mackinac Island with higher temperatures reaching an average high of 63.5°F (17.5°C). The extended daylight hours from 15 to 15.7 hours work hand in hand with the warm weather to invigorate the island's amenities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July signifies the height of summer on
Mackinac Island. The Island experiences its warmest weather, an average high reaching up to 71.4°F (21.9°C). The days are the longest and the sunshine reaches its zenith. Despite the scorching sun, generous rain ensures the greenery remains hydrated and in full bloom.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Mackinac Island in
August maintains the summer vibes and high temperatures of 71.1°F (21.7°C). Despite being in the warmer scale, frequent rain and the highest sea temperature of 61°F (16.1°C) balance the heat. The days slowly start to shorten but are still reasonably long providing ample sunlight.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September ushers in autumn on
Mackinac Island. There is a slight dip in temperatures, setting the stage for the fall. The days start to become shorter and the leaves begin to change their colour. Sunshine hours decrease gradually and the weather becomes more variable.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October on
Mackinac Island features a pronounced shift in weather. The fall sets in earnest with an average high temperature decreasing to 52.3°F (11.3°C). Progressive shortening of the daylight hours and a simultaneous increase in rainfall add to the overall chill.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November brings the first taste of incoming winter to
Mackinac Island. The temperatures dip further averaging to a high of 40.3°F (4.6°C), making November cooler than the preceding months. The shorter days and longer nights make the winter near tangible.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December seals the onset of winter in
Mackinac Island with temperatures dropping to an average high of 30.2°F (-1°C). The daylight hours reach their yearly minimum while the cloud cover increases reciprocally. Snowfall intensifies, typically covering the island in a beautiful layer of white.
Weather in December »