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2023 Michigan Fall Color Map (UPDATED Latest Info)

Hand holding a red leaf - Michigan Fall Color Map

Michigan Fall Color Map UPDATE: When to See Michigan in Peak Fall Color 2022

We’ve got some great news for Michigan fall leaf-peepers, and you can see it on the new 2022 Michigan Fall Color Map. Weather predictions for Michigan call for a warm September and early October. The potential for brighter and more vibrant hues during the autumn foliage color change in Michigan is excellent in 2022.

That means even MORE time for you to get out and see some of the spectacular, vibrant colors as the leaves continue to turn from green to brilliant reds, yellows, and golds… and find them in peak conditions.

This looks like a year when you’re going to want to have your cameras and phones ready: you should be able to capture some amazing photos this fall season.

Warm Fall Temperatures Predicted for Michigan in 2022

Here’s the good news. The temperatures, which play a factor in the foliage color change, are predicted to be in near 80 degrees in some parts of Michigan the second week of October, which is very rare. We’ve spent years scouring the state in the late summer and early autumn months. We’ve discovered first-hand that warm fall weather and color change is a spectacualr mix in northern Michigan.

If you’re looking for the best times to plan a Michigan color tour or an autumn getaway to see the amazing fall foliage show happening this season in Michigan, read on to discover the best times for you to travel MI.

Want to see some pure Michigan fall colors at their best as you explore our awesome mitten state? We’re also sharing some of our favorite places to stay, play, and eat on your Michigan fall getaway. Keep reading for our UPDATED 2022 Michigan Fall Color Map, and scroll to the bottom of the page for all of the places you’ll want to visit on your Michigan travels.

10 top spots for a michigan fall road trip

Find Weekly Predicted Dates for Peak Fall Colors in Michigan

It’s clear that Michigan’s fall colors have become something of a legend. Based on the high volume of folks we saw traveling Michigan last autumn, the word on the beautiful color show has definitely gotten out.

Our fall Michigan road trip took us from:

Sleeping bear Dunes Overlook - Michigan fall color map

Michigan Autumn in Full Swing: What to Look For

We saw apple orchards filled with visitors looking for some crisp apple cider and fresh cinnamon donuts and pumpkin patches lined with bright orange pumpkins.

We also saw corn mazes carved into amazing shapes (like the Motown-themed maze at northern Michigan’s Jacob’s Corn Maze in Traverse City) and farm stands bursting at the seams with bright mums, fresh produce and more.

In short, we saw autumn in Michigan in full swing, with all of the best things to do in the fall in Michigan underway.

We’re sharing the best times to get out and explore Michigan fall foliage, according to our leaf peeping prediction map.

Upper Peninsula Fall Color Update

The time to see fall leaves change in Michigan’s upper peninsula is coming to a close as the fall foliage is near peak in many parts of the peninsula.
The diverse terrain, ranging from the Porcupine Mountains in the western Upper Peninsula (home to the stunning Lake of the Clouds) to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore along Lake Superior and Tahquamenon Falls, makes a perfect prediction map almost impossible. The changing weather from Lake Superior adds to that, but it’s safe to say that color drives and fall road trips for leaf peeping are coming to a close for 2022.

PRO-TIP: There are a lot of haunted places in Michigan, and the upper peninsula is full of them. You might want to plan a trip around these…interesting…spots in the U.P. Hint: The Calumet Theater, up near Copper Harbor in the Keweenaw Peninsula, is one of them.

glen haven in the fall

Northern Michigan’s Peak Fall Color

Fall color prediction: October 15 through October 29

The changing colors in the northern lower peninsula’s fall foliage are taking their time this year, and we love it.

There’s nothing quite like hiking Leelanau county’s many trails, including those in the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Want to see peak colors from one of the most scenic byways in the country? Try Pierce Stocking Drive, a seven-mile drive in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

This unforgettable scenic drive is a mini road trip itself, through a tunnel of trees (quaking aspen, birch, maple and other hardwoods) that opens into breathtaking vistas of Lake Michigan and Glen Lake.

PRO-TIP: A little farther north, the Tunnel of Trees, which starts in Harbor Springs and winds along the Lake Michigan coast towards Mackinaw City, is a northern Michigan fall must. It’s one of the top Michigan fall color tours.

Mid-Michigan and West Michigan Fall Color Update

Fall color prediction: October 22 through November 5

You’ll see bits of brightly colored leaves peeping through here and there and larger patches of colors, too, right now. However, peak fall color in places like Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, and Holland will most likely hold off until October 22.

It’s the same for places like Bay City, Caseville, and Port Austin in Michigan’s Thumb region. If you head up that way for some fall fun, be sure and stop by Port Crescent State Park, home to some of the only sand dunes in southeast Michigan.

PRO-TIP: If you’re heading to west Michigan, do a Michigan Fall Color Train Tour along the Coopersville-Marne Railway. The Famous Pumpkin Train is fall family fun at its best, with live music, a “live” scarecrow and pumpkin to keep you bust as you gaze out at the bright Michigan fall foliage. These train rides are an autumn in Michigan must.

Southwest Michigan and Southeast Michigan Fall Color Update

Fall color prediction: October 29 through November 5

Any season is the perfect season to visit charming St. Joseph, but in the fall the whole town is decorated for the fall harvest and Halloween and the effect is spectacular.

In southeast Michigan, Ann Arbor and the Huron River come alive with color. Thanks to the warm temps, it looks like we may be enjoying those colors all the way into November.

PRO-TIP: Fall color tours in Michigan are not complete without a stop at one of the many cider mills or Michigan pumpkin patches dotting the countryside.

Use the Updated Michigan Fall Color Map

Michigan in the fall is full of fun events, too, all season long. Be sure to check out our list of October events, which includes and handy map if you’re looking for things to do close to home.

Michigan Fall Color Map F.A.Q’s

Q.What is the best time to see Michigan fall colors in 2022?

A. While the perfect leaf-peeping time for Michigan’s peak fall colors usually starts in early September in the Upper Peninsula, an unusually warm September and October have extended the window for peak fall color viewing in 2022. In 2022, the best time to see fall color in Michigan begins in mid September in the northern and western regions of the Upper Peninsula. The best time to see fall color in the northern portions of Michigan’ lower peninsula began around Setpember 25, 2022.

Q. Where are the peak colors in Michigan?

A. The peak colors in Michigan can found throughout the state depending on the week in the fall. In late September 2022, the peak colors are in the Upper Peninsula.
In early to mid-October 2022, the peak fall colors in Michigan can be found in the northern lower peninsula in places like Leelanau County and the Traverse City area. In mid, southwest and southeast Michigan, the peak color begin in late October 2022.

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Lorraine Rice

Saturday 23rd of July 2022

Hello, is this part of the article referencing 2021 OR 2022? Thank you.

"Southwest Michigan and Southeast Michigan Fall Color Update Fall color prediction: October 29 through November 5

Any season is the perfect season to visit charming St. Joseph, but in the fall the whole town is decorated for the fall harvest and Halloween and the effect is spectacular.

In southeast Michigan, Ann Arbor and the Huron River come alive with color. Thanks to the warm temps, it looks like we may be enjoying those colors all the way into November."

My Michigan Beach Team

Tuesday 26th of July 2022

Hi Lorraine! Thanks so much for reaching out. You have perfect timing! We just posted our latest predictions for peak Michigan fall colors viewing and our updated 2022 Michigan Fall Color Map. While the forecasts call for a warm autumn, there may be an increase of precipitation. This might force the leaves from the trees earlier. We'll be watching this closely and making adjustments as necessary. Please reach back out if you have more question. Be sure to check out all of our other fall content for some amazing spots to catch Michigan beautiful fall color show, too!

Bob

Sunday 17th of July 2022

Where is the 2022 color map?

My Michigan Beach Team

Wednesday 20th of July 2022

Hi Bob! Thanks for reaching out. We're watching the weather predictions as we move into August for the most accurate information that we can provide on when the Michigan fall colors will be at their peak. We hope to have it up very soon. Please keep checking back!