Late summer · Weather & things to do
Traverse City in August
Traverse City's warmest month brings highs averaging 74°F (23°C), lows of 64°F (18°C) and about 3.0 in (76 mm) of rain.
At 82/100 for comfort (4th of 12), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 74°F (23°C)
- Avg low
- 64°F (18°C)
- Rain
- 3.0 in (76 mm)
- Humidity
- 77%
- Cloud cover
- 54%
- Daylight
- ~13 h 53 min
- Comfort score
- 82/100 · Great
What August feels like
Highs settle around 74°F (23°C), warm enough for short sleeves.
After dark, temperatures fall to about 64°F (18°C).
Humidity averages 77%, so the air feels sticky and the heat feels stronger than the thermometer says.
Showers are part of the month, adding up to about 3.0 in (76 mm).
Plan around August
August is one of Traverse City's best months on the climate data.
- Last warm month for a while: September highs fall to 68°F.
- Start of the wettest three-month stretch (August – October), which brings about 10.8 in (274 mm) in total.
- Humidity season begins: 77% on average, up from 79% in July.
- Comfort holds steady from July (82 → 82/100).
- August sits inside the May – Sep window our Great Lakes Hidden Gems route recommends.
What to pack for August
- Light, breathable clothes74°F afternoons
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hathigh UV on clear days
- Quick-dry fabrics77% average humidity
- 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 Traverse City in August
August is good outdoor weather here, so these picks lean toward the open air.
Dune Climb
Climb a huge sand dune; the full hike to Lake Michigan is 3.5 miles round trip.
Why now August scores 82/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Seven-mile loop through the dunes with overlooks 450 ft above Lake Michigan.
Why now Highs near 74°F and 3.0 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Moomers Homemade Ice Cream
Farm ice-cream shop overlooking pastures, with dozens of flavors.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best summer evening.
Mission Point Lighthouse
1870 lighthouse at the tip of Old Mission Peninsula, with beach and trails.
Why now One to do outside while the weather is on your side.
Cherry Republic
Cherry-everything store with samples, from salsa to cherry soda.
Nearby in August
- Sleeping Bear Dunes in August~21 mi · highs 69°F, 3.0 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Door County in August~79 mi · highs 75°F, 3.3 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Mackinac Island in August~89 mi · highs 72°F, 3.3 in rain · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Frankenmuth in August~136 mi · highs 78°F, 3.3 in rain · 2°C (4°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.
Traverse City in August: quick answers
Is August a good time to visit Traverse City?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 82/100. Expect highs of 74°F (23°C) and 3.0 in (76 mm) of rain. August is inside the May – Sep window our Great Lakes Hidden Gems route recommends.
How hot is Traverse City in August?
Average highs are 74°F (23°C) and average lows 64°F (18°C), making it the warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Traverse City in August?
Some: about 3.0 in (76 mm) of rain falls across August on average, the 6th-wettest month of the year. The annual total is about 34.3 in (872 mm).
What should I pack for Traverse City in August?
Bring light, breathable clothes (74°F afternoons), sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat (high UV on clear days), quick-dry fabrics (77% average humidity), 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 Traverse City
Routes in season in August
- Great Lakes Hidden Gems May – Sep
Planning Traverse City in August?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.