Leaves Are Changing – When Is Peak Fall Foliage in Michigan?

Early signs of autumn are emerging all around Michigan - a smattering of chilly nights; the occasional cool northern breeze; and fiery ember and golden leaves beginning to pop up amidst the verdant green ones.

Are you ready for fall foliage season in Michigan?

SEE ALSO: Discover the Best U-Pick Apple Orchards in Michigan This Fall

Those of us who live in the Mitten State may sometimes take for granted how beautiful autumns are here. Not every state is graced with such bountiful color.

When Is Peak Fall Foliage in Michigan?

Almanac.com has an interactive map that shows the dates during which peak fall foliage can be expected for locations all around the United States. Green on the map indicates where fall hasn't really made a significant appearance yet. Yellow shows where pops of color are beginning to appear. Peak foliage is indicated by orange and red. Brown and gray show counties where the leaves are past peak.

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As you might expect, the brightest pops of color are going to occur in Michigan's Upper Peninsula first. The nights get cooler quicker the further north you go, and that's what typically triggers the changes we see in the leaves. By September 13, significant color can be expected across the Upper Peninsula and in the northern third of the Lower Peninsula - although no counties will quite be at peak by then.

September Fall Colors in Michigan

Fall officially begins September 22, and most of Michigan will typically start to look like it by then. Colors will begin to peak in the far western portions of the U.P. and around Sault Ste. Marie by then, with touches of color throughout most of the state except several counties along the Ohio and Indiana lines.

By the final week of September, all of Michigan usually sees significant color changes in the leaves. The entire Upper Peninsula is at or near peak, as are areas from Traverse City to Mackinac Island.

The first week of October in Michigan is usually a great week to view the colors. Most areas are peaking, except for the Thumb and far southern counties.

October Fall Colors in Michigan

Most of Michigan is at peak foliage by the second week of October. Leaf peeping around the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore will typically be past peak by then.

Peak color across most of Northern Michigan typically happens during the third week of October, although some of the far western parts of the Upper Peninsula will be past peak by then.

Most of Lower Michigan will be at peak color by the week before Halloween.

If you wait until the last week of October to look for Michigan's prettiest colors, you will have waited too late. While much of the southern half of the Lower Peninsula will still be gorgeous, Northern Michigan will be past peak.

By November, the best of Michigan's fall colors are but a memory.