What Months are Peak Fall Colors in Michigan?

Michigan fall leaf-peepers have some exciting news. You can see it on our new 2022 Michigan Fall Colour Map. Michigan’s weather predictions for September and October are for a warm September. In 2022, the potential for Michigan’s autumn leaf color change to be brighter and more vibrant is great.

This means you have more time to see the vibrant colors of the leaves as they continue to change from green to bright reds, yellows and golds.

This is a year where you will want to have your phones and cameras ready. You should be able capture amazing images this fall season.

Michigan to Experience Warm Fall Temperatures in 2022

Here’s the good news. Temperatures are a key factor in the leaf color change. Some parts of Michigan will reach 80 degrees by the end of October. This is rare. Our years of experience in Michigan’s late summer and early fall months have allowed us to make extensive observations. We have seen firsthand how northern Michigan’s warm autumn weather and color changes are a spectacular combination.

You can find the best times to book a Michigan color tour, or an autumn getaway to enjoy the spectacular fall foliage show in Michigan by reading on.

You can see the best of Michigan’s fall colors as you travel through our beautiful mitten state. We also share our top picks for places to stay, eat, and play on your Michigan fall vacation. Continue reading to see our UPDATED 2022 Michigan Fall Color Map. Scroll down to the bottom to see all the places you will want to visit during your Michigan vacations.

Get weekly predictions for peak fall colors in Michigan

The beautiful fall colors of Michigan have quickly become a legend thanks to the large number of people who visited the state last autumn.

We started our fall Michigan roadtrip from:

Upper Peninsula
Mackinac Island
Cheboygan
Petoskey
Charlevoix
Traverse city
Leelanau Peninsula (includes Suttons Bay and Leland)
Frankfort
Alpena
Oscoda

Michigan Autumn in Full Swing: What To Look For

Visitors were lining up to buy apple cider, fresh cinnamon donuts, and pumpkin patches with bright orange pumpkins in apple orchards.

We saw corn mazes that were carved into incredible shapes, such as the Motown-themed maze at northern Michigan’s Jacob’s Corn Maze (Traverse City), and farm stands bursting with fresh produce and bright mums.

We saw Michigan’s autumn in full swing with many of the best fall activities underway.

Based on our leaf peeping forecast map, we’re sharing the best times for you to go out and enjoy Michigan’s fall foliage.

Upper Peninsula Fall Color Update

As the peak of fall foliage in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is fast approaching, it is the perfect time to witness the change.
It is difficult to predict the terrain in the diverse area, which includes the Porcupine Mountains in the upper peninsula (home to the beautiful Lake of the Clouds), and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior and Tahquamenon Falls. It’s not difficult to predict the weather changes from Lake Superior, but color drives and fall road trips for leaf-peeping are ending for 2021.

PRO-TIP : Michigan has many haunted locations, and the Upper Peninsula is no exception. You might want to plan a trip around these…interesting…spots in the U.P. The Calumet Theater is located near Copper Harbor on the Keweenaw Peninsula.

Northern Michigan’s Peak Fall Color

Prediction of Fall Colors: October 15-October 29

We love the changing colors of the fall foliage in the northern lower peninsula.

Nothing is quite like hiking Leelanau County’s numerous trails, including the Sleeping Bear Dunes. You can see the best colors from one the most picturesque byways in the country. You can see peak colors from one of the most scenic byways in the country, Pierce Stocking Drive. It is seven miles long and takes you to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

This breathtaking scenic drive takes you through a tunnel of trees, including maple, maple, and quaking aspen. It opens up to stunning views of Lake Michigan and Glen Lake.

PRO-TIP : The Tunnel of Trees is a must-see in northern Michigan. It starts in Harbor Springs, and runs along the Lake Michigan coast to Mackinaw City. It is one of the most popular Michigan fall color tours.

Mid-Michigan & West Michigan Fall Color Update

Prediction of fall colors: October 22-November 5

There will be a few brightly-colored leaves visible here and there, as well as larger areas of color right now. Peak fall color in Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Holland will likely not arrive until October 22.

The same applies to places such as Bay City, Caseville and Port Austin in Michigan’s Thumb region. You should stop at Port Crescent State Park home to some unique sand dunes in southeast Michigan if you’re heading up that way for fall fun.

PRO-TIP – If you are heading to West Michigan, take a Michigan Fall Color Train Tour on the Coopersville-Marne Railway. The Famous Pumpkin Train is family-friendly fall fun at its best. It features live music, a scarecrow, and a pumpkin, all while you look out at the beautiful Michigan fall foliage. These train rides are a Michigan autumn must-see.

Southwest Michigan and Southeast Michigan Autumn Color Update

Prediction of fall colors: October 29-November 5

Charming St. Joseph is beautiful in any season, but the fall is spectacular because the entire town is decorated for Halloween and the harvest.

The Huron River, Ann Arbor , and southeast Michigan are alive with color. It looks like we might be enjoying these colors well into November, thanks to the warm temperatures.

TIP: A visit to one of the many Michigan pumpkin farms or cider mills is a must on any fall color tour.

The Michigan Fall Color Map has been updated

Michigan’s fall season is filled with fun events throughout the year. If you are looking for activities close to home, make sure to check our October events list. It includes a handy map.

Michigan Fall Color Map F.A.Q.

Q. When is the best time to view Michigan’s fall colors in 2022

A. The ideal leaf-peeping season for Michigan’s peak autumn colors is usually in September.

However, the unusually warm September/October has extended the window for peak fall colour viewing in 2022. Mid September in the Upper Peninsula’s northern and western regions is the best time of year to view fall colors in Michigan.

September 25, 2022 was the best time to view fall color in the northern parts of Michigan’s lower peninsula.

Q. Where are the best places in Michigan to see peak colors?

A. Depending on the week of the fall, the peak colors can be found all over Michigan. The Upper Peninsula is where the peak colors occur in late September 2022.

The northern lower peninsula, including places such as Leelanau County or Traverse City, is where the peak colors of Michigan’s fall season are found.

They can be found from mid-October to mid October 202e. The peak colors in southeast, mid-, southwest, and southeast Michigan begin in late October 2022.