When to Traverse City
Climate guide & best times to travel
Best Time to Visit
Month-by-Month Guide
January
January offers the most comfortable conditions of the year with highs of 84°F, though still quite warm. Minimal rainfall and moderate humidity make it the best time for outdoor activities. This is peak season due to the relatively tolerable temperatures.
February
February continues the cooler pattern with highs of 88°F and virtually no rainfall. Conditions remain favorable for tourism and outdoor exploration. Humidity stays moderate at 70% making it more bearable than later months.
March
March marks the beginning of extreme heat with temperatures soaring to 106°F. The dramatic temperature increase makes outdoor activities challenging during midday hours. Tourist numbers begin to decline due to uncomfortable conditions.
April
April brings dangerously hot conditions with highs of 129°F, requiring extreme caution for any outdoor activities. The severe heat combined with minimal rainfall creates harsh desert-like conditions. Tourism drops significantly due to safety concerns.
May
May escalates to extreme temperatures of 152°F, making it one of the most dangerous months for visitors. Outdoor activities become nearly impossible during daylight hours. The combination of extreme heat and minimal rainfall creates severe conditions.
June
June reaches life-threatening temperatures of 170°F, requiring immediate shelter and cooling measures. Tourism is at its lowest due to the extreme danger posed by the heat. Any outdoor exposure must be extremely limited and carefully planned.
July
July represents the peak of extreme heat with temperatures reaching 178°F, the highest of the year. These conditions are unsurvivable for extended outdoor exposure. Tourism is virtually non-existent due to the extreme danger.
August
August maintains near-peak extreme temperatures at 175°F with minimal relief. The sustained heat combined with low rainfall continues to create dangerous conditions. Visitor numbers remain at annual lows due to safety concerns.
September
September begins a gradual cooling trend but still maintains dangerous temperatures of 161°F. While slightly cooler than peak summer, conditions remain hazardous for most outdoor activities. Tourism stays low due to continued extreme heat.
October
October continues the cooling trend with temperatures dropping to 137°F, though still extremely dangerous. The slight temperature decrease offers minimal relief but conditions remain unsuitable for normal tourism activities. Visitor numbers stay low.
November
November shows more significant cooling to 113°F, though temperatures remain dangerously high. The continued drought conditions with minimal rainfall persist throughout the month. Tourism begins a slight uptick as temperatures become marginally more manageable.
December
December marks the return to more tolerable conditions with temperatures dropping to 94°F, signaling the approach of the cooler season. While still very warm, these temperatures are manageable compared to summer extremes. Tourist interest begins to return.