While every season in Michigan has something to appreciate, fall color changes are truly one of the state’s most beautiful attractions.
Spending time in nature in green spaces is associated with cognitive benefits, better mood and improved emotional well-being, so planning a fall color tour this year could be a great way to give your mental health a boost. And when you do start planning, you’ll want to know what kind of color changes you should expect at your destination. This article is from A Healthier Michigan, brought to you by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
When do the leaves change in Michigan?
Starting in the western upper peninsula and moving down to the most southern point of the lower peninsula, the bulk of Michigan trees begin to see low color in mid-to-late September, according to Explore Fall, with peak color-changing times coming a few weeks later.
Although the timing of the most vibrant fall colors varies from year to year, this Michigan fall color map graphic gives you a look at the estimated start of color changes throughout the state in 2025, followed by projected moderate, peak and past peak color times:
Upper Peninsula
- Start of color change: Sept. 15.
- Moderate color: late September through early October.
- Peak color: mid-October.
- Past peak color: late October.
Northern Michigan
- Start of color change: Sept. 22.
- Moderate color: early October through mid October.
- Peak color: mid-to-late October, beginning around Oct. 18.
- Past peak color: late October, beginning around Oct. 28
Mid/Southern Michigan
- Start of color change: Sept. 26.
- Moderate color: mid October.
- Peak color: late October, beginning around Oct. 22.
- Past peak color: late October through early November.
*Color change in Great Lakes shoreline areas is typically 1-week behind inland areas.
Color develops as the trees break down the chlorophyll to prepare for winter. Pigments of the red, yellow, orange, and purple colors you see in the fall are always present in the leaves, but are overpowered by the green of the chlorophyll. As the green goes away with the chlorophyll, we’re left with beautifully vibrant landscapes before the leaves drop.
The fall equinox — which marks the end of summer and start of fall in 2025 — takes place at 2:19 p.m. on Sept. 22, according to the Old Farmer’s Almanac. So, what are you waiting for? This breathtaking Michigan scenery isn’t going to look at itself!
