Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2021]
This article contains affiliate links to Amazon and other vendors. We may earn commission from purchases made through these links. Traveling to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the following is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Important essentials for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in January: weather and what to pack
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in February: weather and what to pack
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in March: weather and what to pack
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in April: weather and what to pack
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in May: weather and what to pack
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in June: weather and what to pack
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in July: weather and what to pack
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in August: weather and what to pack
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in September: weather and what to pack
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in October: weather and what to pack
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in November: weather and what to pack
- Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in December: weather and what to pack
When to go to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the best time to go is July. See below for details.
Important esssentials for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
IMPORTANT COVID-19 PACKING ESSENTIALS
- proof of COVID-19 vaccination if you have it
- vaccine card protector
- N95 masks for top protection
- kids' KN95 masks
- hand sanitizer
- touchless thermometer
- travel disinfecting wipes (for plane, etc)
- A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most countries, but you should check with your hotel.
- A portable power bank, like this one
- A SIM card that works in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some locations you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone
- Appropriate museum wear
- Bicycle friendly attire, if you plan on biking anywhere
- Emergency water purifier
- For families with young children:
- Cedar travelers often do a lot of walking, so a lightweight backpack like this is essential
- Airplane or car necessities:
- Photography items that we like:
- cell phone photography gimbal
- camera drone for outdoor shots
- extra batteries
- extra memory cards
What to wear/what to pack for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Michigan, United States of America by month
January
January in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore can be extremely cold, somewhat snowy and very rainy. The snow can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C) to high 20s 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:
- Very heavy socks, or heated socks like these
- Thermal undergarments. Our picks:
- Pajamas
- Heavy sweaters:
- Gloves
- Insulated boots. We use:
- Scarf our favorite
- Lip balm
- Fleeces
- Coveralls; here are some of the best choices:
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is essential in this type of weather. This one is an excellent option.
February
February here is freezing, somewhat snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains about half of the time and snows 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Multiple layer jacket shell:
- Insulated boots. We use:
- Pajamas
- Lip balm
- Thermal undergarments. We suggest:
- Fleeces
- Scarf our favorite
- Gloves
- Heavy sweaters:
- Very heavy socks, or heated socks like these
- Coveralls; here are some of the best values:
- In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A windproof umbrella is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
March
March in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is pretty cool, snowy and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C).
It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time. It also snows about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Heavy jacket
- Gloves or mittens
- Sweaters
- Warm pants or jeans
- Insulated water bottle
- Lip balm
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to standard footwear, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A wind resistant umbrella is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great choice.
April
April here is pretty cool, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the 50s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Warm pants or jeans
- Light gloves or mittens
- Socks
- Jacket or coat
- Fleeces
- Lip balm
- Standard footwear
- In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, we suggest these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A windproof umbrella is vital here. This one is a great choice.
May
May is mild and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 10s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Light jacket or fleece
- Long skirts
- Pants or jeans
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Dresses
- Standard footwear
- Socks
- A rain coat to layer with a coat
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a perfect option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your bags remain dry. We like: this one
June
June in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Shorts or short pants
- Skirts
- Sandals
- Light footwear
- Sunscreen lotion
- Dresses
- Bug repellent
- If you're going to the beach,
- A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a great option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your bags don't get wet. We recommend: this one
July
July in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is pretty consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Sandals
- Light footwear
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Shorts or short pants
- Bug repellent
- Skirts
- Sunscreen lotion
- Dresses
- If you're going to the beach,
- A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is an excellent choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings don't get wet. We recommend: this one
August
August here is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. Temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day. It rains about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Shorts or short pants
- Sunscreen lotion
- Sandals
- Light footwear
- Bug repellent
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Skirts
- Dresses
- If you're going to the beach,
- A rain coat to layer with another jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We suggest these:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a perfect choice.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your things remain dry. We like: this one
September
September in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is mild and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters.
During this time, temperatures average in the low 60s F (mid 10s C) to low 70s F (low 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
- Sandals
- Light footwear
- Bug repellent
- Sunscreen lotion
- Skirts
- Long and short sleeve shirts
- Dresses
- Shorts or short pants
- If you're going to the beach,
- A rain coat to layer with a jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a great option.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings don't get wet. We like: this one
October
October in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is crisp and somewhat rainy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C).
It tends to rain a bit less than half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Long skirts
- Socks
- Light jacket or fleece
- Long sleeve shirts or blouses
- Pants or jeans
- Standard footwear
- Dresses
- A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
- Waterproof footwear. We recommend:
- A waterproof phone bag; we like this one
- Wind resistant umbrella. This one is a great one to buy.
- A waterproof luggage cover so your belongings stay dry. We recommend: this one
November
In November, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is pretty cool, snowy and somewhat rainy. Temperatures routinely are in the 40s F (single digits C) and about a third of the time jump into the low 50s F (single digits C) range. At night, lows are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C).
During your visit, you can expect extremely heavy snowfall. This is also a rainy time for Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, with several of the days of the month having rain.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Jacket or coat
- Lip balm
- Warm pants or jeans
- Fleeces
- Socks
- Light gloves or mittens
- Standard footwear
- In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A umbrella is something you need here. This one is a great option.
December
December in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is frosty, somewhat snowy and very rainy. Temperatures average in the low 30s F (single digits C) during the day.
It rains about half of the time and snows about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
- Heavy socks, such as:
- Lip balm
- Heavy jacket
- Gloves or mittens
- Warm pants or jeans
- Sweaters
- Insulated water bottle
- Cold weather footwear
- In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, a great option is these boots:
- Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
- Waterproof boots
- A windproof umbrella is vital here. This one is an excellent option.
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