Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Mackinac Island, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Mackinac Island
- Important essentials for Mackinac Island
- Activities for Mackinac Island
- Mackinac Island in January: weather and what to pack
- Mackinac Island in February: weather and what to pack
- Mackinac Island in March: weather and what to pack
- Mackinac Island in April: weather and what to pack
- Mackinac Island in May: weather and what to pack
- Mackinac Island in June: weather and what to pack
- Mackinac Island in July: weather and what to pack
- Mackinac Island in August: weather and what to pack
- Mackinac Island in September: weather and what to pack
- Mackinac Island in October: weather and what to pack
- Mackinac Island in November: weather and what to pack
- Mackinac Island in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Mackinac Island, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important essentials for Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Mackinac Island, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently get worn. An unreadable vaccination card can have severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of protection possible.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent plane-friendly option.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Mackinac Island. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should work in most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
For families with young children
What to wear/what to pack for Mackinac Island, Michigan, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Mackinac Island is biting cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 10s F (10+ below zero C), with a few days below 0 F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Pajamas
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Mackinac Island, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent option.
February
Traveling to Mackinac Island in February, you will notice that it is biting cold. Expect it to rain or snow regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Lip balm
The best pick: this one
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Pajamas
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Mackinac Island, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is a great choice.
March
March for Mackinac Island is frosty. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains or snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
The best choice: here
-
Pajamas
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of our favorites:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Thermal undergarments
Our favorites:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Mackinac Island, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect option.
April
If you visit Mackinac Island during April, you might see that it is brisk. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 40s F (single digits C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain or snow/sleet about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best option: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Mackinac Island, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is an excellent choice.
May
May for Mackinac Island can be chilly. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
June
If you visit Mackinac Island during June, you may see that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the low 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (low 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We like:
July
If you visit Mackinac Island during July, you may notice that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 50s F (mid 10s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
August
August in Mackinac Island is a perfect temperature. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
September
September in Mackinac Island is mild. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) to high 60s F (high 10s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
Dresses
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
October
If you are traveling to Mackinac Island in October, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the 50s F (low 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Extra socks
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We recommend:
November
Traveling to Mackinac Island in November, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain or snow about a third of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: this one
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Jacket or coat
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Mackinac Island, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
December
December in Mackinac Island is frosty. The rain/snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to low 30s F (single digits below 0 C), although night temperatures can dip into the single digits F (10+ below zero C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thermal undergarments
We love:
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best choices:
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Lip balm
The best choice: here
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Pajamas
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Mackinac Island, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a great choice.
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