Northern Michigan, Michigan, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2024]

Empty Lighthouse is a reader-supported site. This article may contain affiliate links to Amazon and other sites. We earn a commission on purchases made through these links.

Ready to pack for Northern Michigan, Michigan, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Northern Michigan, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.

Contents

When to go to Northern Michigan, Michigan, United States of America

Based on the climate and weather in Northern Michigan, Michigan, United States of America, the best time to go is July. See below for details.

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Michigan, Michigan, United States of America

Already know when you're traveling?

Here are some general tips on what to wear in Northern Michigan, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.

What to wear/what to pack for Northern Michigan, Michigan, United States of America by month

January

January in Northern Michigan is unbearably cold. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Michigan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the necessary type. The majority of adapters currently available are just plugs and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could burn up. This one should work in most areas.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    What we like is this one

February

If you go to Northern Michigan in February, you will notice that it is frosty. Daytime temperatures are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Michigan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing bags these days, an AirTag can locate it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get destroyed. This one works in most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

March

March here can be extremely cold. Temperatures average in the 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines constantly losing bags nowadays, an AirTag can find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Michigan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the necessary kind. Many adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and expect your devices to change the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could burn up. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    Our favorite is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

April

April here can be very chilly. Temperatures average in the low 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Michigan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports constantly losing things recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Ensure that you find the correct kind. A lot of adapters that you can buy are just plug changers and require your electronics to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most locations.

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

May

If you are traveling to Northern Michigan in May, you will notice that it is balmy. Expect it to rain sometimes. Daytime temperatures are in the 60s F (high 10s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Michigan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you find the correct type. The vast majority of adapters on sale are just plug changers and expect your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should be sufficient for most places.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck support pillow

    Our favorite is this one

June

June in Northern Michigan is a perfect temperature. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 50s F (single digits C). It tends to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Michigan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines frequently losing luggage these days, an AirTag can find it anywhere anywhere: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge excessive penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid surcharges with this

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the right kind. Most adapters currently available are simply plugs and expect your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get destroyed. This one is sufficent for most countries.

  • Travel neck pillow

    A good option is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

July

July in Northern Michigan is hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 60s F (high 10s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports always losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Michigan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel pillow

    A versatile choice is this one

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Check that you pick the correct type. The vast majority of adapters currently sold are simply plug changers and require your devices to adjust the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get fried. This one should work in most places.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Save money with this

August

August in Northern Michigan 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 high 70s F (mid 20s C).

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Michigan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airports frequently losing luggage recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere on earth: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a bit of peace of mind, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Make sure to pick the correct type. A lot of adapters for sale now are simply plug changers and expect your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should work in most areas.

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge huge prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel pillow

    A great choice is this one

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

September

If you visit Northern Michigan during September, you may notice 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 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain once in a while.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Michigan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your belongings.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things nowadays, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Plug adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be careful to get the necessary type. The vast majority of adapters for sale now are simply plugs and expect your electronics to change the voltage themselves. If your devices can't do that they could get fried. This one works in most countries.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel neck pillow

    An excellent option is this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large prices for overweight luggage. Save money with this

October

October in Northern Michigan is relatively cool. Temperatures average in the high 50s F (mid 10s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines always losing luggage recently, an AirTag can help you find it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Michigan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large amounts for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel neck support pillow

    What we like is this one

  • Voltage step down adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Take care to choose the right kind. Most adapters available online are simply plug changers and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If your electronics can't do that they could get fried. This one should be appropriate for most places.

November

November in Northern Michigan is cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain sometimes.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Michigan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your stuff.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing things recently, an AirTag can locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Voltage adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. Be sure to get the correct kind. Many adapters available are just plugs and require your devices to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most areas.

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Save money with this

  • Travel neck support pillow

    A top rated pillow is this one

December

December in Northern Michigan is frosty. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the 10s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain occasionally.

What to wear/what to pack:

Clothes + Footwear
Health
Safety + Security

  • Money/passport pouch

    A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.

  • Voice and data SIM card

    A SIM card that works in Northern Michigan. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.

  • AirTag to track your luggage

    With airlines repeatedly losing bags these days, an AirTag can help you locate it anywhere in the world: AirTag for iPhones.

  • Anti-theft backpack

    For a little protection, an anti-theft backpack protects your things.

Comfort + Essentials

  • Airplane phone mount

    Make your flight more comfortable with an airplane phone mount

  • Travel adapter

    A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. It's important that you choose the necessary kind. The vast majority of adapters available are simply plugs and require your electronics to convert the voltage themselves. If yours can't do that they could get destroyed. This one should be appropriate for most locations.

  • Power bank for devices

    A portable power bank, like this one

  • Travel pillow

    Our fave is this one

  • Luggage scale to avoid fees

    Airlines charge large penalties for overweight luggage. Avoid penalties with this

What to do in Northern Michigan, Michigan, United States of America

Northern Michigan is a treasure trove of natural beauty and outdoor activities. Located in the upper region of Michigan, the area boasts stunning beaches, crystal clear lakes, and vast forests. Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Northern Michigan, United States of America.

1. Mackinac Island: A trip to Northern Michigan isn't complete without a visit to Mackinac Island. This island, located smack in the middle of Lake Huron between the Upper and Lower peninsulas, is a unique destination where cars are banned, and people get around on bikes, horse-drawn carriages, or on foot. Visitors can explore the charming Victorian-era architecture, experience the locals' laid-back vibe, and sample the island's famous fudge.

2. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: The Great Lakes coastline boasts some of the most beautiful natural attractions in the country, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of them. Located on Lake Michigan, the park is named after a Native American legend about a mother bear that swam across the lake with her cubs to escape a forest fire. Visitors can climb the dunes, swim in Lake Michigan, hike the park's numerous trails, and more.

3. Traverse City: Located at the base of the Leelanau Peninsula on Lake Michigan's east shore, Traverse City is a bustling city that offers cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and a wealth of culinary delights. The downtown area is home to many shops, restaurants, and art galleries that cater to all tastes. Visitors can also explore the surrounding wine country, the historic Grand Traverse Lighthouse, or nearby Torch Lake, one of the most photographed inland lakes in the country.

4. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Another slice of natural beauty, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is located on the Lake Superior shoreline. The park features multicolored sandstone cliffs towering over the lake, numerous waterfalls, and hiking trails that traverse the forested areas. Visitors should also explore the park's crystal clear streams, pristine lakes, and historic lighthouses.

5. Mackinaw City and the Mackinac Bridge: Mackinaw City is a small town at the northernmost point of Michigan's lower peninsula. The city serves as a gateway to Mackinac Island and is home to several tourist attractions such as the Mackinaw City Historic Museum, the Mackinaw City Lighthouse, and the Mackinac Bridge. The iconic bridge spans five miles across the Straits of Mackinac, connecting the Upper and Lower peninsulas.

There's something for everyone in Northern Michigan, whether you're seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or a bit of both. The area's natural beauty and charming towns make it a perfect place for a family vacation or a weekend getaway. Plan your visit today and discover why Northern Michigan is one of the top tourist destinations in the country.

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.

Check out our guides for these other locations: Northern Quebec, Quebec, Canada, Pasargad, Iran, Malnate, Italy, Fanwood, New Jersey, United States of America, Berneray, Scotland, United Kingdom, Matadi, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Noordwijk, Netherlands, Guanaja, Honduras, Bonifacio, France, Alstonville, New South Wales, Australia, and Kingston, New Zealand.