Michigan’s Best Time Of Year: When To View Michigan’s Fall Leaves

We're nearing the end of what has been a scorching summer of days where Michigan spent nearly half the summer over 90°F. I think I can speak for all of us when I say we are more than ready not to have the AC running all day, every day, and can begin whipping out our sweaters and enjoy the cool air (I can't wait to pull out this Detroit Lions sweater I thrifted and have been eagerly waiting to wear).

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But perhaps the most exciting thing to look forward to is seeing the leaves change, one of, if not the best part of living in Michigan. The surprising thing is that the world is about to be more red, orange, and yellow sooner than you think. Here's the rundown so you can prepare a trip up North.

When Michigan's Leaves Will Begin To Change Colors

Generally, the leaves begin to change colors in Michigan's Upper Peninsula earlier than the rest of the state, starting in mid-September. The Lower Peninsula sees the leaves change colors at the end of the month and early October.

READ MORE: Best Autumn Scenic Drives Around West Michigan

The "peak" time for leaf viewing in the UP is the week of October 13th. By the time most of the UP is past peak, the Lower Peninsula is perfectly at peak on October 25th, with the week of October 20th being when the Lower Peninsula begins seeing the peak leaves move south.

Pure Michigan created an interactive map showing day-by-day progress on the leaves that you can view here.

If you're looking for the best places to view the leaves, we have some recommendations for the best spots around the state below, or you can read about Brockway Mountain, the most scenic drive in all of Michigan (pictured above).