Michigan’s 2024 fall foliage forecast: When to see peak colors in your area

Early October will be the best time to see peak colors in most of Michigan.

Many Michiganders’ favorite aspect of the fall is the change in scenery throughout the season. But sometimes, it feels like those striking red leaves are gone before we even get the chance to fully appreciate them.

We’ve used smokymountains.com’s Fall Foliage Prediction Map in past years and have found it to be a reliable tool for figuring out when colors will be at their peak. They even include a section on their site where you can report fall foliage in your area to help improve their predictions.

If you’re trying to figure out when to head out on your next color tour, read on for the details.

Week of Sept. 16

(Screenshot via smokymountains.com)

This is the week when we start to see some real changes across the state, with most of the Lower Peninsula seeing yellowing leaves.

In the Upper Peninsula, the Marquette area is getting a head start on fall colors with partial leave changes.

Week of Sept. 23

(Screenshot via smokymountains.com)

We’ll really start noticing a difference this week as most of the Lower Peninsula is at partial peak, while the west side and northern Lower Peninsula stay a bit behind on the color change.

Again, Marquette and the surrounding areas will be ahead of the curve as they hit near-peak fall colors.

Week of Sept. 30

(Screenshot via smokymountains.com)

You’re sure to see vibrant colors during this time, as much of the state is either at near-peak or in the partial stage. According to the map, this should be the best time to see the fall leaves around Marquette as they hit peak color.

Week of Oct. 7

(Screenshot via smokymountains.com)

For much of the Lower Peninsula, this should be the very best time to head on that color tour as everywhere besides West Michigan and the northern Lower Michigan will be at peak color (though things should still be pretty vibrant around now in those areas).

In the UP, the Marquette area will have passed its peak at this point. East of Marquette will be near the peak, while the western UP will be at the peak fall colors.

Week of Oct. 14

(Screenshot via smokymountains.com)

While much of the state has already passed peak fall colors by mid-October, this should be a perfect time for a color tour along the Lake Michigan coast, as well as in the eastern UP.

Why do leaves change color in the fall?

Every Michigander knows that our leaves undergo a dramatic change in the fall, sometimes seemingly overnight. But why does this happen?

According to the US Forest Service, the science of it all comes down to three main factors: nighttime length, weather, and certain pigments in leaves.

As nights grow longer in the fall, leaves slow the production of a certain pigment called Chlorophyll. This compound gives leaves a bright green color during their growing season. Then, as less and less chlorophyll is produced due to less sunlight, the other pigments in the leaves are able to show their colors.

And, of course, weather also plays a significant role. The US Forest Service says warm sunny days coupled with cool—but not freezing—nights lead to the most vibrant fall colors. Certain factors, like several warm fall days in a row, can affect how vibrant fall colors end up being.

You can learn more about the science behind the changing colors of leaves here.