When to Visit
Below gives you information and a rating of the best time of year to visit.
January
January in the Great Lakes is cold, with temperatures often dipping below freezing. Snowfall is common, making it an ideal time for winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and ice fishing in places like Michigan’s Upper Peninsula or Wisconsin’s Apostle Islands. Cosy up by the fire in lakeside cabins or explore the winter beauty of Lake Superior’s icy shores.
February
As February rolls in, the winter chill continues, but so do the winter activities. The lakes are usually frozen, opening up opportunities for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. In places like Michigan and Minnesota, ice festivals showcase stunning sculptures and winter-themed events.
March
March begins to show signs of spring, but the weather can still be unpredictable. It’s a great time for winter sports lovers to enjoy the last of the snow before transitioning to early spring. Places like Chicago start to see early signs of the St. Patrick’s Day festivities, with the city’s river turning green and parades in full swing.
April
By April, spring has arrived, bringing mild temperatures that encourage outdoor exploration. Average temperatures range greatly from 5°C to 15°C. The lakes begin to thaw, and spring festivals such as the Milwaukee Film Festival or the Cleveland International Film Festival bring a cultural buzz to the region.
May
May sees temperatures warming to around the low 20°Cs, and the Great Lakes come to life with outdoor activities. This is an excellent time for hiking, biking, and birdwatching, especially in Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore or Ohio’s Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Festivals celebrating local foods and crafts also kick off in various cities.
June
June brings summer temperatures to the region, averaging 20°C to 27°C. It’s an ideal time to explore the lakes themselves, with boat tours, sailing trips, and watersports becoming popular. Chicago’s Millennium Park hosts free outdoor concerts, while the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Erie offer stunning beaches for relaxation.
July
July is the heart of summer in the Great Lakes, with temperatures reaching 25°C to 30°C, making it a fantastic time for boating, swimming, and lakeside picnics. Cities like Detroit and Milwaukee host vibrant festivals, including the famous Summerfest, while the lakeside towns of Ohio and Michigan offer picturesque views and outdoor adventures.
August
August continues the summer heat, with plenty of sunshine and temperatures around 25°C to 30°C. This is the time to explore the charming lakeside communities of places like Door County, Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Mackinac Island. The Great Lakes also offer prime fishing opportunities during this month, with many anglers flocking to the waters.
September
September marks the arrival of cooler temperatures, ranging from 18°C to 24°C. Fall foliage begins to paint the landscape in vibrant hues, making it a beautiful month for road trips along the lakes. The Lake Michigan shoreline offers stunning views of the changing leaves, and many local harvest festivals celebrate the season’s bounty.
October
October is prime time for autumn in the Great Lakes region. Temperatures drop further, with daytime averages around 10°C to 15°C. The fall foliage peaks in areas like the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and the forests of Wisconsin. Oktoberfest celebrations, cider mills, and harvest festivals make it a festive time to visit.
November
In November, the region begins to feel the chill of winter again. With temperatures averaging 0°C to 10°C, it’s an off-season time to visit. While outdoor activities are winding down, it’s a great month to explore indoor attractions like museums, art galleries, and historical sites in cities like Chicago, Cleveland, and Detroit.
December
December brings the holiday season to the Great Lakes, with temperatures typically ranging from -5°C to 5°C. The region is beautifully decorated for the holidays, and ice skating, holiday markets, and light displays in cities like Chicago and Detroit are a major draw. The winter months offer a serene atmosphere for exploring the lakes and enjoying winter sports.
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