Mid-summer · Weather & things to do
Sleeping Bear Dunes in July
Sleeping Bear Dunes warms up: highs climb to 67°F (20°C), from 56°F in June, with lows of 63°F (17°C) and about 2.7 in (68 mm) of rain.
It scores 69/100 for comfort, 3rd of 12, which makes it a solid shoulder-season month.
- Avg high
- 67°F (20°C)
- Avg low
- 63°F (17°C)
- Rain
- 2.7 in (68 mm)
- Humidity
- 84%
- Cloud cover
- 81%
- Daylight
- ~15 h 04 min
- Comfort score
- 69/100 · Good
What July feels like
Days are mild at around 67°F (20°C): comfortable for walking all day, with a layer for the evening.
Lows average 63°F (17°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 2.7 in (68 mm).
Expect plenty of overcast days, with cloud cover near 81%.
Long days help: there are roughly 15 h 04 min of daylight mid-month.
Plan around July
July is shoulder season: good weather, a step below the best months (September).
- The year's biggest warm-up: highs jump 6°C (11°F) from June.
- Comfort improves from 64/100 in June to 69/100.
- July sits inside the Jun – Sep window our Michigan Lake Shore route recommends.
What to pack for July
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 63°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes in July
July is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Crystal River Outfitters
Kayak and tube rentals for a slow float down the clear Crystal River.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best summer afternoon.
Dune Climb
Steep 110-foot sand climb; the full trail to Lake Michigan is 3.5 miles round trip.
Why now July scores 69/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Good Harbor Vineyards
Leelanau Peninsula family winery known for cool-climate whites.
Glen Haven Historic Village
Restored lumber-era village with the Cannery Boat Museum and a blacksmith shop.
Empire Bluff Trail
1.5-mile round trip through woods to a boardwalk on a high bluff.
Why now Highs near 67°F and 2.7 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in July
- Traverse City in July~21 mi · highs 73°F, 2.6 in rain · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Door County in July~58 mi · highs 76°F, 3.3 in rain · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, wetter
- Mackinac Island in July~103 mi · highs 72°F, 3.0 in rain · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Holland in July~137 mi · highs 75°F, 3.0 in rain · 5°C (8°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.
Sleeping Bear Dunes in July: quick answers
Is July a good time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes?
It's a good shoulder-season choice, scoring 69/100 against a best of 81 in September. Expect highs of 67°F (20°C) and 2.7 in (68 mm) of rain. July is inside the Jun – Sep window our Michigan Lake Shore route recommends.
How hot is Sleeping Bear Dunes in July?
Average highs are 67°F (20°C) and average lows 63°F (17°C), making it the 2nd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Sleeping Bear Dunes in July?
Some: about 2.7 in (68 mm) of rain falls across July on average, the 6th-driest month of the year. The annual total is about 34.0 in (863 mm).
What should I pack for Sleeping Bear Dunes in July?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 63°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Sleeping Bear Dunes
Routes in season in July
- Michigan Lake Shore Jun – Sep
Planning Sleeping Bear Dunes in July?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.