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The Four Seasons of Michigan

Lying in the Midwestern Region of the U.S., Southeastern Michigan has an average annual temperature of around 57° and gets about 36 inches of snow annually on average. In Michigan, unlike in many areas of the country, you can truly enjoy all four seasons.

Here’s more of what you need to know about the seasons in Michigan:

Spring

Michigan’s state bird, the American robin, has been considered the herald of spring and generally returns from winter migration in March, the official start of spring in Michigan. But, sometimes spring doesn’t happen until April or, on occasion, later.

Here’s what to do in Michigan during springtime:

  • Tee-off at Michigan’s many golf courses
    With over 800 golf courses boasting lakeside vistas and lush forests, Michigan is the perfect destination for a golf getaway when the flowers are in full bloom.
  • Feel the breeze
    Whether the weather’s a little cool or just right, spring time in Michigan is a great time to go for a long walk or pull the bikes out of the garage and go for a long ride. There’s no more welcome site after a cold winter than seeing the beauty of spring color returning to the landscape up close. Enjoy the pinks and whites you see as neighborhood trees bloom, not to mention the sunshine and rainbow of colors forsythias, azaleas, and perennials provide to beckon everyone outdoors.

Summer

Summer usually lasts for 3 to 4 months, from June to September. The average temperature is 75-80°, with July usually the hottest month. Unlike some other states, the Great Lakes cool the air and make the weather pleasant, so Michigan summers aren’t usually blistering hot.

Here’s a list of things to do during Michigan summers:

  • Enjoy water sports
    When the ice melt sand the temperatures rise, Michigan’s lakes and rivers come alive. The refreshing blue of the waters of the Great Lakes and Michigan’s many inland lakes become playgrounds for all sorts of water sports. Whether you like motor boats, fishing boats, or jet skis, or the quiet enjoyment of kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards, Michigan lakes can become your playground.
  • Take a trip to the U.P.
    Any Michigander knows that the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) is perfect if you want gorgeous forest trails, pristine stretches of the Great Lakes, and a diverse array of wildlife. Go hiking or swimming, or explore this beautiful region.
  • Cool off with ice cream
    Michigan ranks fifth in the country for ice cream production; eating ice cream is a quint essential summer time pastime in the state. Enjoy a visit to Traverse City’s own Moomers Homemade Ice Cream, which won Good Morning America’s “Best Scoops” contest and topped a poll by USA Today as the best ice cream shop in the country. Or sample Michigan inspired classic flavors like Mackinac Island Fudge, with chunks of the famous Mackinac Island treat mixed into vanilla ice cream; Moose Tracks, introduced by Michigan based Denali Flavors Inc. and now a national favorite. No Michigan summer is complete without plenty of ice cream treats.

Autumn

As the days grow colder towards the end of September, the trees transform into warm, burnt colors of red and gold. The average autumn temperature is around 47°.

Here are things you can do in the fall:

  • Visit a cider mill
    For many Michiganders, visiting a nearby apple orchard or cider mill is an autumn tradition. Pick apples with the family and enjoy a hay ride with your kids. Most cider mills also have tours and serve spiced donuts, candied apples, apple pie, and of course fresh apple cider. Many have a pumpkin patch to enjoy, as well.
  • Go for a hike
    With the brisk temperatures and stunning views, there’s no better time to go for a hike in Michigan than the fall. Or take a tour around the state to admire the autumn hues while visiting the many lighthouses scattered all over Michigan’s 3,200 miles of shoreline. Climb one of those open to the public for an even better view of the vibrant fall colors.

Winter

Winter weather generally begins around Thanksgiving and remnants of it usually last until sometime in March or maybe April. As fall slowly turns to winter, adults and children alike look forward to the many activities a Michigan winter offers:

  • Sledding and skiing
    Feel the wind in your face as you speed down a slope on a sled, luge or tube, or ski down the slopes at one of Michigan’s many ski resorts. You can ski within minutes of Birmingham, Bloomfield, Royal Oak, and Troy at day resorts like Alpine Valley, Pine Knob, and Mount Holly. Or head up north to resorts with lodging where Michiganders and others go to take full advantage of Michigan’s terrain and winter weather, such as Boyne Highlands, Boyne Mountain, Nub’s Nob, Shush Mountain, Crystal Mountain, and The Homestead, to name just a few.
  • Snowmobiles
    Specially maintained snowmobile trails and snowshoeing paths make trekking through the woodland of Michigan a wintery adventure, particularly up north and in the Upper Peninsula. If you love winter and would rather follow a race than snowmobile yourself, head to the International 500 Snowmobile Race in Sault Ste. Marie.
  • Ice fishing and ice skating
    Given the right weather conditions, the many frozen lakes in Michigan can provide an excellent opportunity to drill a hole in the ice and enjoy the tradition of ice fishing. Be sure to check that the lake is frozen enough first, though, before you head out. Fishing not your thing? Strap on some skates and glide across pristine ice, or enjoy the great northern sport of ice hockey with a group of your friends.

Living in Michigan

Enjoy the ever-changing landscape of Michigan. Call Vanderhoef Properties at (248) 953-3305 or email Sales(at)VanderhoefProperties(dotted)com to find your ideal home in Oakland County, MI.