Early winter · Weather & things to do
Mackinac Island in December
Mackinac Island cools off: highs slip to 31°F (0°C), from 41°F in November, with lows of 23°F (-5°C) and about 2.6 in (65 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 40/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 31°F (0°C)
- Avg low
- 23°F (-5°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.6 in (65 mm)
- Humidity
- 90%
- Cloud cover
- 81%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 29 min
- Comfort score
- 40/100 · Tough
What December feels like
Highs only reach about 31°F (0°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 23°F (-5°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Expect about 2.6 in (65 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 81%.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 29 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are June and September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 23°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 29 min of daylight.
- Comfort holds steady from November (41 → 40/100).
- Our Great Lakes Hidden Gems route recommends May – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
- Our Michigan Lake Shore route recommends Jun – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 23°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Waterproof outer layerabout 2.6 in of rain or snow
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Mackinac Island in December
With highs near 31°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Grand Hotel
1887 hotel with the world's longest porch and formal gardens.
Mackinac Island Bike Shop
Bike rentals for the flat 8-mile M-185 loop around the island shoreline.
Lake Shore Boulevard (M-185)
Car-free 8.2-mile loop around the island, the only state highway with no cars.
Fort Holmes
Island's highest point with views over the Straits and the Mackinac Bridge.
Arch Rock
Limestone arch 146 ft above the water, reached by stairs or a bluff road.
Nearby in December
- Traverse City in December~89 mi · highs 34°F, 2.6 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Sleeping Bear Dunes in December~103 mi · highs 35°F, 2.5 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Door County in December~138 mi · highs 31°F, 2.1 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Frankenmuth in December~179 mi · highs 34°F, 2.2 in rain or snow · 1°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Mackinac Island in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Mackinac Island?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 40/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are June and September. Expect highs of 31°F (0°C) and 2.6 in (65 mm) of rain or snow. Our Great Lakes Hidden Gems route recommends May – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Mackinac Island in December?
Average highs are 31°F (0°C) and average lows 23°F (-5°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Mackinac Island in December?
Some: about 2.6 in (65 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 34.4 in (875 mm).
What should I pack for Mackinac Island in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 23°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days), waterproof outer layer (about 2.6 in of rain or snow) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Mackinac Island
Planning Mackinac Island in December?
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