Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Sleeping Bear Dunes in September
Sleeping Bear Dunes cools off: highs slip to 65°F (18°C), from 69°F in August, with lows of 60°F (16°C) and about 3.4 in (87 mm) of rain.
September opens the best stretch on our comfort score, at 81/100 (the top score of the year).
- Avg high
- 65°F (18°C)
- Avg low
- 60°F (16°C)
- Rain
- 3.4 in (87 mm)
- Humidity
- 79%
- Cloud cover
- 71%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 18 min
- Comfort score
- 81/100 · Great
What September feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 65°F (18°C), good for long walks.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 60°F (16°C).
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.4 in (87 mm).
It's breezy, with average winds near 12 mph (5.2 m/s) at ground level.
Plan around September
September is one of Sleeping Bear Dunes's best months on the climate data.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, August – October.
- Opens the best-scoring stretch on our comfort score: September.
- Comfort improves from 71/100 in August to 81/100.
- September sits inside the Jun – Sep window our Michigan Lake Shore route recommends.
What to pack for September
- A warm layer for eveningslows near 60°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaa shower or two is likely
- Windproof shellaverage wind 12 mph
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes in September
September is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Empire Bluff Trail
1.5-mile round trip through woods to a boardwalk on a high bluff.
Why now September scores 81/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Dune Climb
Steep 110-foot sand climb; the full trail to Lake Michigan is 3.5 miles round trip.
Why now Highs near 65°F and 3.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Good Harbor Vineyards
Leelanau Peninsula family winery known for cool-climate whites.
Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail
Paved bike path linking Empire, Glen Arbor and Glen Haven through the lakeshore.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Cherry Republic
Flagship store for tart cherry products, with free tastings and a café.
Nearby in September
- Traverse City in September~21 mi · highs 68°F, 3.4 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Door County in September~58 mi · highs 69°F, 3.4 in rain · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Mackinac Island in September~103 mi · highs 66°F, 3.6 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Holland in September~137 mi · highs 70°F, 3.2 in rain · 3°C (6°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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 81/100. Expect highs of 65°F (18°C) and 3.4 in (87 mm) of rain. September is inside the Jun – Sep window our Michigan Lake Shore route recommends.
How hot is Sleeping Bear Dunes in September?
Average highs are 65°F (18°C) and average lows 60°F (16°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Sleeping Bear Dunes in September?
Some: about 3.4 in (87 mm) of rain falls across September on average, the 3rd-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 34.0 in (863 mm).
What should I pack for Sleeping Bear Dunes in September?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (lows near 60°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (a shower or two is likely), windproof shell (average wind 12 mph) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Sleeping Bear Dunes
Routes in season in September
- Michigan Lake Shore Jun – Sep
Planning Sleeping Bear Dunes in September?
Share this September plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.