Michigan’s Fall Colors Are Already Starting and Here’s When They’ll Peak

We haven’t even hit the official start of fall yet, but Michigan’s annual color show is already getting started.

I’ve noticed more and more leaves piling up around the trees in my yard lately, and the colors are slowly starting to change. Nothing too crazy yet, but you can definitely tell fall is on the way.

According to Explore Fall, the first signs of color could be visible in parts of the Upper Peninsula as early as September 10. That doesn’t mean the U.P. is exploding with color just yet, but the change is officially underway.

When Will Fall Colors Peak in Michigan?

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By September 21, leaves should be changing across most of the Upper Peninsula, with some color also creeping into the northern Lower Peninsula.

Most of the U.P. could hit peak color around October 7. By October 21, the best color is expected across the northern Lower Peninsula, while southern Michigan should be seeing moderate to high color.

For those of us in the southern part of the state, Halloween weekend could be the sweet spot. Peak color is predicted around October 31, with Detroit’s mid-peak currently expected around November 2.

Michigan Weather Could Change the Timing

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Obviously, Mother Nature could care less what any map says.

Warm weather can slow things down, while chilly nights may speed up the process. Heavy wind and rain can also knock leaves down before they ever reach their best color.

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Explore Fall updates its interactive map daily, so if you’re planning a fall color drive, check it before heading out. Timing is everything because peak color never seems to hang around long enough.