Best time to visit Mackinac Island

Guides don't agree on one best time. Month by month below, with the weather, what's on and what it costs to fly there from your city.

Guides don't agree on one best time

“June is a lovely month on Mackinac Island.” mackinacisland.org

Mackinac Island month by month

Average high and low in Mackinaw City

January27°F / 5°FChecking fares…Winter season is quiet; the island is open but only a few visitors come.Twilight Turtle Trek runs on January 9 in the 2026-2027 season.
February31°F / 5°FChecking fares…Twilight Turtle Trek runs on February 6 in the 2026-2027 season.
March41°F / 15°FChecking fares…Twilight Turtle Trek runs on March 6 in the 2026-2027 season.
April55°F / 27°FChecking fares…Businesses begin to open at the end of April.
May68°F / 38°FChecking fares…Temperatures begin to rise into the 60s, but snow is possible and mornings and evenings are cool.More businesses are open the later in May you go; by Memorial Day all are running.May is described as one of the quietest and most budget friendly months.
June77°F / 47°FChecking fares…Everything is open and crowds are picking up but it is not too busy.Average highs are around 70 degrees with lows of 50.Lilacs usually bloom in the second week of June, with a 10-day Lilac Festival.Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
July81°F / 52°FChecking fares…July has an average high of 76 and low of 57, with over 15 hours of sunlight.One of the warmest and busiest months; water activities are popular.Two major yacht races finish at the island, and rooms get hard to find on race weekends.
August79°F / 50°FChecking fares…One of the warmest, most popular and busiest months, with an average high of 74.Just about everything is open seven days a week; weekdays are a way to beat crowds.
September70°F / 42°FChecking fares…Many outdoor and water attractions close from late September into early October.
October58°F / 32°FChecking fares…Slower pace and lodging and retail discounts as the season winds down.Average high is 53 and low is 39; pack layers.Most shops, attractions and restaurants begin to close at the end of October.
November44°F / 24°FChecking fares…
December32°F / 13°FChecking fares…Christmas Bazaar Weekend is December 4 to 6 in the 2026-2027 season.Some lodging opens only for Christmas Bazaar Weekend and New Year's Eve.

Weather: Mackinaw City averages (long-term averages), as listed in its climate table on Wikipedia.

Every date to Pellston from your city

Live fares from your airport. Watch them and we alert you when they drop.

What's on in Mackinac Island

Festivals and seasons through the year

Mackinac Island Lilac FestivalMackinac Island, MichiganEvery June

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

May to OctoberMain tourism season.
July and AugustWarmest and busiest months.

Quietest

WinterOpen year round but very quiet, with limited dining and lodging.

Watch for

Late October to AprilMost businesses are open only from May to October.
WinterThe ferry runs only as long as the ice is not too thick.
Late MayThe Mackinac Policy Conference makes rooms scarce for three days.

Questions people ask

What is open on Mackinac Island in the winter?: Some dining, a few lodgings, the ferry while ice allows, air taxis and State Park trails are open.
How crowded is Mackinac Island in October?: Slower pace, with most shops and restaurants closing at month end.

Best time to visit Mackinac Island

Guides don't agree on one best time

Mackinac Island month by month

Every date to Pellston from your city

What's on in Mackinac Island

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places

Best time to visit Mackinac Island

Guides don't agree on one best time

Mackinac Island month by month

Every date to Pellston from your city

What's on in Mackinac Island

Busy, quiet and what to watch for

Busiest

Quietest

Watch for

Questions people ask

Best time to visit other places