Late spring · Weather & things to do
Mackinac Island in May
Mackinac Island warms up: highs climb to 54°F (12°C), from 44°F in April, with lows of 40°F (5°C) and about 3.0 in (76 mm) of rain.
Our comfort score puts it mid-table at 63/100, 5th of 12.
- Avg high
- 54°F (12°C)
- Avg low
- 40°F (5°C)
- Rain
- 3.0 in (76 mm)
- Humidity
- 82%
- Cloud cover
- 77%
- Daylight
- ~14 h 44 min
- Comfort score
- 63/100 · Good
What May feels like
It's cool, with highs near 54°F (12°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Nights cool to an average low of 40°F (5°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.0 in (76 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 77%.
Plan around May
May sits mid-table; the best months are June and September.
- Comfort improves from 47/100 in April to 63/100.
- May sits inside the May – Sep window our Great Lakes Hidden Gems route recommends.
- Our Michigan Lake Shore route recommends Jun – Sep, so May falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for May
- Insulated jackethighs only 54°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Mackinac Island in May
May is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Original Murdick's Fudge
Island fudge maker since 1887; watch it worked on marble slabs.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 54°F.
Horn's Gaslight Bar
Saloon on Main Street since 1933 with live music and Southwestern food.
Why now May scores 63/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Mackinac Island Carriage Tours
Narrated horse-drawn carriage tour of the island's sights.
Fort Mackinac
18th-century fort above the harbor with cannon firings and costumed interpreters.
Arch Rock
Limestone arch 146 ft above the water, reached by stairs or a bluff road.
Why now Highs near 54°F and 3.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in May
- Traverse City in May~89 mi · highs 56°F, 3.5 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Sleeping Bear Dunes in May~103 mi · highs 47°F, 3.5 in rain · 4°C (7°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Door County in May~138 mi · highs 57°F, 3.7 in rain · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Frankenmuth in May~179 mi · highs 65°F, 3.8 in rain · 6°C (11°F) warmer by day, wetter
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 May: quick answers
Is May a good time to visit Mackinac Island?
It's middling, scoring 63/100. The best months are June and September, at up to 83. Expect highs of 54°F (12°C) and 3.0 in (76 mm) of rain. May is inside the May – Sep window our Great Lakes Hidden Gems route recommends.
How cold is Mackinac Island in May?
Average highs are 54°F (12°C) and average lows 40°F (5°C), making it the 5th-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Mackinac Island in May?
Some: about 3.0 in (76 mm) of rain falls across May on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 34.4 in (875 mm).
What should I pack for Mackinac Island in May?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 54°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Mackinac Island
Routes in season in May
- Great Lakes Hidden Gems May – Sep
Planning Mackinac Island in May?
Share this May plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.