Michigan Fall Foliage Color

Predictions 2021

Fall in Michigan is one of the best times to visit the Mitten State.  Finding the exact time to go on a scenic drive can be tricky.  There are a lot of factors involved in seeing the perfect fall colors including precipitation, wind and temperatures.  So these are pretty good estimates of when peak colors will be, but are subject to change if we get a wind storm or heavy rain.  Foliage predictions are definitely not exact science, but is a guide based on weather factors and information from previous years.  However, even if you happen to miss the “peak” colors, it will still be beautiful.  With the remaining leaves on the trees and the beautiful colored leaves on the ground, it is still worth the trip!

Week of September 20th

Pack up the car and head for the U.P. and the northern Lower Peninsula.  Some middle areas will be nearing peak while the rest of the state will start to have minimal areas of color.

Week of September 27th

The Upper Peninsula and the very northern counties of the Lower Peninsula should be in their peak season while central and northern Michigan will start to turn.

Week of October 4th

The U.P and tip of the Lower Peninsula are now past peak. Mid-Michigan and the north should be nearing peak to look beautiful.

Week of October 11th

Mid-Michigan should be full of brilliant color.  West Michigan, Northern Michigan and Central Michigan will be nearing  peak colors.  The U.P. will be past peak and you can stay in the lower to see the fall foliage.

Week of October 18th

Nearly all of the state of Michigan will be past peak.  There should still be plenty of color in the bottom of the Lower Peninsula , including the Detroit area and towns of the southern border of Michigan.

Week of October 25th

The entire state will be past peak conditions