September in Michigan is a magical time of year. The weather has started to cool, school is back in session, and there is still plenty of time to enjoy all that our beautiful state has to offer. From exploring the great outdoors to epic scenery and fun festivals, this is an incredible time of year to visit the Wolverine State. Locals and visitors can enjoy a memorable Labor Day weekend or an early leaf peeping later in the month.
No matter what time of year you head to Michigan, our FREE Destination Guide will be a welcome planning companion. Get your copy today!
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Traveling to Michigan in early fall is a treat for everyone. Whether you are vacationing with your family or taking a solo retreat, this guide has everything you need to curate a fantastic itinerary for your trip. If you have questions about what to bring, get our handy packing list.
Southeastern Michigan in September
Weather
If you are visiting the Detroit or Ann Arbor areas, here is a quick glance at the weather during September:
- Temperature: Daytime highs usually range from mid-to-upper 70s°F, gradually cooling from about 78°F early in the month to around 67°F by the end of September. Nighttime lows drop from the low 60s°F down to the low 50s°F.
- Rainfall: You can expect between 2.6 and 3.2 inches of rain, depending on your exact location. There are approximately 6 to 12 rainy days during the month.
- Humidity & wind: Relative humidity hovers around 73%, giving the air a mild but noticeable feel. Average wind speeds typically fall between 9 and 11 mph, bringing a light breeze to the region.
Things to Do
Festivals & Events
- Art & Apple Festival – Rochester, MI
- Romulus Pumpkin Festival – Romulus, MI
- Old Car Festival – Dearborn, MI
Discover the best selection of southeastern Michigan vacation rentals and find one that is right for your September getaway.
Western Michigan in September
Weather
For those traveling to areas near Kalamazoo and Battle Creek, you can expect fair weather during your stay.
- Temperature: The region’s mid-month highs are near 73°F and cool to 69°F later in the month. The lows range between 57°F and 53°F.
- Rainfall: Areas like Grand Rapids see about 4.28 inches of rainfall during September.
- Humidity & wind: The humidity for the region ranges from low to mid 70% throughout the month. Expect a mild to moderate breeze.
Things to Do
Festivals & Events
- Witches Walk – Marshall, MI
- Kalamazoo Scottish Festival – Kalamazoo, MI
- Festival of Forks – Downtown Albion, MI
Our vacation rentals in western Michigan provide the ideal home base for your adventure.
Central & Mid-Michigan in September
Weather
September brings comfortable but cooling weather to the central part of the state. Here’s what to plan for:
- Temperature: Temperatures gradually cool throughout the month with highs dropping from around 76°F early in September to about 65°F by the end of the month. Average lows slide from the mid-50s°F to the mid-40s°F.
- Rainfall: There is an average of around 3 inches of rain for the month, with roughly 6 rain days.
- Humidity & wind: The air tends to feel moderately humid, with relative humidity around 77%, which gives the region a cool, crisp feel. The moderate breeze makes it start to feel like fall.
Things to Do
Festivals & Events
- Beer & Brat Fest – Almont, MI
- Frankenmuth Oktoberfest – Frankenmuth, MI
- Midland Antique Festival – Midland, MI
Choose from our fantastic selection of central & mid-Michigan rentals.
Northern Michigan in August
Weather
When you visit Mackinaw City, Petoskey, or other areas of the northern lower peninsula, you can expect ideal weather for outdoor fun in early fall.
- Temperatures: Average daytime highs typically range from 74°F in early September down to around 63°F by month’s end. Nighttime lows generally fall from 56°F to the mid-40s°F. Temperatures rarely drop below 35°F or exceed 82°F.
- Rainfall: September brings an average of 3.2 to 3.6 inches of rainfall, spread across roughly 10 to 11 rainy days. This makes September the wettest month of the year in some regions of northern Michigan.
- Humidity & wind: Visitors can expect moderate to high humidity, averaging around 78%.
Things to Do
Festivals & Events
- International Fireworks Championship – Traverse City, MI
- Cadillac’s Craft Beer Festival – Cadillac, MI
- Posen Potato Festival – Posen, MI
Start your search for an unforgettable stay in northern Michigan.
Upper Peninsula in September
Weather
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, August typically brings pleasant and mild weather that is perfect for outdoor adventures in the woods, exploring the shoreline, or stargazing at night.
- Temperature: Daytime highs decline from around 70°F to 59°F over the month. Morning lows start near 51°F and drop to about 41°F by month’s end. It’s really starting to feel like fall.
- Rainfall: The chance of a wet day on the UP is around 31–32%, with total monthly rainfall averaging between 2.8 to 3.1 inches.
- Humidity & wind: Typical relative humidity ranges from 69% to 78%. Plan for a mild to moderate breeze the entire month.
Things to Do
Festivals & Events
- UP Fall Beer Festival – Marquette, MI
- Yoop Fest – Hancock, MI
- Fall Festival & Great Pumpkin Roll – St. Ignace, MI
Start planning your getaway with a beautiful Upper Peninsula vacation rental.
September in Michigan is a spectacular time of year to explore our breathtaking state. From north to south, there are so many amazing things to do.
Discover more about Michigan in August and other outstanding activities to add to your itinerary on our blog! We can’t wait to see you. Let’s make it a September to remember.