Climate and monthly weather forecast
Mackinac Island, MI

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A tranquil neighborhood with homes and a church in a scenic natural park in Mackinac Island, Michigan
A tranquil neighborhood with homes and a church in a scenic natural park in Mackinac Island, Michigan

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 »
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Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest in Mackinac Island?

In Mackinac Island, the average lowest temperatures are observed in January, with a high of 23.4°F (-4.8°C) and a low of 14.7°F (-9.6°C).

What is the most humid month in Mackinac Island?

The months with the highest humidity are January and February, with an average relative humidity of 89%.

What is the driest month in Mackinac Island?

The month with the least rainfall is January, when the rain falls for 5.8 days and typically collects 1.3" (33mm) of precipitation.

How many days does it rain in Mackinac Island?

In Mackinac Island, Michigan, during the entire year, the rain falls for 131 days and collects up to 21.22" (539mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Mackinac Island?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Mackinac Island.

When does it snow the most in Mackinac Island?

The month with the most snowfall in Mackinac Island, Michigan, is January, when snow falls for 21.9 days and typically aggregates up to 5.91" (150mm) of snow.

How many days does it snow in Mackinac Island?

In Mackinac Island, Michigan, during the entire year, snow falls for 93.6 days and aggregates up to 27.91" (709mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Mackinac Island?

January has the least sunshine of the year in Mackinac Island, Michigan, with an average of 1.9h of sunshine.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Mackinac Island?

January through March, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Mackinac Island, Michigan.

What months are the ocean coldest in Mackinac Island?

February through April, with an average ocean temperature of 35.6°F (2°C), are months with the coldest seawater.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Mackinac Island?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Mackinac Island, Michigan, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.

What is the least humid month in Mackinac Island?

The least humid month is May, with an average relative humidity of 75%.

When it does not snow in Mackinac Island?

June through September are months without snowfall in Mackinac Island, Michigan.

When are the longest days in Mackinac Island?

With an average of 15h and 42min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Mackinac Island, Michigan.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Mackinac Island?

The months with the highest UV index in Mackinac Island, Michigan, are June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 5.

What time of the year is the hottest in Mackinac Island?

In Mackinac Island, July is identified by the average highest temperatures, reaching a peak of 71.4°F (21.9°C) and a low of 57.6°F (14.2°C).

What month has the most sunshine in Mackinac Island?

July has the most sunshine of the year in Mackinac Island, Michigan, with an average of 10.1h of sunshine.

What is the month with the warmest ocean in Mackinac Island?

The month with the warmest seawater is August, with an average ocean temperature of 60.8°F (16°C).

What is the wettest month in Mackinac Island?

October is the month with the most rainfall in Mackinac Island, Michigan. Rain falls for 16.5 days and accumulates 2.72" (69mm) of precipitation.

What is the month with the shortest days in Mackinac Island?

December has the shortest days of the year in Mackinac Island, with an average of 8h and 42min of daylight.

Average temperature
Mackinac Island, MI

Average temperature - Mackinac Island, MI

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (71.4°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (23.4°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (58.6°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is February (14.4°F).

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Average pressure
Mackinac Island, MI

Average pressure - Mackinac Island, MI

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is March (30.09"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.92"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Mackinac Island, MI

Average wind speed - Mackinac Island, MI

The windiest months (with the highest average wind speed) are November and December (10.9mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are June and July (7.6mph).

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Average humidity
Mackinac Island, MI

Average humidity - Mackinac Island, MI

The months with the highest relative humidity are January and February (89%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is May (75%).

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Average rainfall
Mackinac Island, MI

Average rainfall - Mackinac Island, MI

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is October (2.72").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (1.3").

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Average rainfall days
Mackinac Island, MI

Average rainfall days - Mackinac Island, MI

The month with the highest number of rainy days is October (16.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (5.3 days).

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Average snowfall
Mackinac Island, MI

Average snowfall - Mackinac Island, MI

The month with the highest snowfall is January (5.91").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

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Average snowfall days
Mackinac Island, MI

Average snowfall days - Mackinac Island, MI

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (21.9 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

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Average sea temperature
Mackinac Island, MI

Average sea temperature - Mackinac Island, MI

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (61°F).
The coldest months (with the lowest average sea temperature) are February, March and April (36°F).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Mackinac Island, MI

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Mackinac Island, MI

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 42min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 42min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 1h and 54min).

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Average sunshine days
Mackinac Island, MI

Average sunshine days - Mackinac Island, MI

The month with the most sunshine days is September (16.9 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is January (7.1 days).

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Average UV index
Mackinac Island, MI

Average UV index - Mackinac Island, MI

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, March, November and December (UV index 1).

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Average visibility
Mackinac Island, MI

Average visibility - Mackinac Island, MI

The months with the highest visibility are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March and December (5mi).

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Mackinac Island, Michigan, USA

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