Early autumn · Weather & things to do
Traverse City in September
Traverse City cools off: highs slip to 68°F (20°C), from 74°F in August, with lows of 57°F (14°C) and about 3.4 in (87 mm) of rain.
At 86/100 for comfort (the top score of the year), it's one of the best months to visit.
- Avg high
- 68°F (20°C)
- Avg low
- 57°F (14°C)
- Rain
- 3.4 in (87 mm)
- Humidity
- 76%
- Cloud cover
- 54%
- Daylight
- ~12 h 18 min
- Comfort score
- 86/100 · Great
What September feels like
Expect mild afternoons around 68°F (20°C), good for long walks.
Lows average 57°F (14°C).
Some rain is likely, about 3.4 in (87 mm) in the month, so pack for a shower or two.
Plan around September
September is one of Traverse City's best months on the climate data.
- Inside the wettest three-month stretch, August – October.
- Last of the best-scoring months: by October, the score drops to 63/100.
- Comfort improves from 82/100 in August to 86/100.
- September sits inside the May – Sep window our Great Lakes Hidden Gems route recommends.
What to pack for September
- A warm layer for eveningsnights drop to 57°F
- Packable rain jacket or umbrellaabout 3.4 in of rain
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Traverse City in September
With conditions on your side, the picks below favor time outside.
Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive
Seven-mile loop through the dunes with overlooks 450 ft above Lake Michigan.
Why now September scores 86/100 for comfort, good conditions for being outside.
Chateau Grand Traverse
Old Mission Peninsula's pioneering winery, known for Riesling.
Right Brain Brewery
Traverse City's original microbrewery, known for oddball beers and arcade games.
Art's Tavern
Glen Arbor tavern since the 1930s, serving burgers and whitefish near the dunes.
Dune Climb
Climb a huge sand dune; the full hike to Lake Michigan is 3.5 miles round trip.
Why now Highs near 68°F and 3.4 in of monthly rain make this an easy outdoor pick.
Nearby in September
- Sleeping Bear Dunes in September~21 mi · highs 65°F, 3.4 in rain · 2°C (4°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Door County in September~79 mi · highs 69°F, 3.4 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Mackinac Island in September~89 mi · highs 66°F, 3.6 in rain · 2°C (3°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Frankenmuth in September~136 mi · highs 72°F, 2.9 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 September: quick answers
Is September a good time to visit Traverse City?
Yes. On the climate data it's one of the best months, scoring 86/100. Expect highs of 68°F (20°C) and 3.4 in (87 mm) of rain. September is inside the May – Sep window our Great Lakes Hidden Gems route recommends.
How hot is Traverse City in September?
Average highs are 68°F (20°C) and average lows 57°F (14°C), making it the 3rd-warmest month by daytime highs.
Does it rain a lot in Traverse City 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 34.3 in (872 mm).
What should I pack for Traverse City in September?
Bring a warm layer for evenings (nights drop to 57°F), packable rain jacket or umbrella (about 3.4 in of rain) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Traverse City
Routes in season in September
- Great Lakes Hidden Gems May – Sep
Planning Traverse City in September?
Bring the crew into one shared trip: vote on dates, build the day-by-day plan, split costs and share one packing list.