When to Go

Summer is the most popular time to visit the Midwest and the Great Lakes. Prices in most places peak in July and August. Daily temperatures average in the 70s in Michigan, though July and August heat waves can push them high into the 80s. Depending on the weather, the leaves usually begin to turn in mid-September and reach their most colorful by mid-October. In winter Michigan has the only significant downhill skiing in the region. The Midwest usually gets at least one subzero cold snap every year. For the rest of winter expect temperatures in the 10s and 20s. Sudden snowstorms can make winter driving unpredictable and treacherous. Spring is damp and clammy, with erratic weather and temperatures ranging from the 30s to the 60s.

The following are the normal daily temperature ranges for Detroit:

January 16–30°F (7–18°C); February 18–33°F (7–18°C); March 27–44°F (8–19°C); April 37–58°F (11–22°C); May 47–70°F (12–22°C); June 56–79°F (14–24°C); July 61–83°F (16–28°C); August 60–81°F (16–28°C); September 53–74°F (16–28°C); October 41–62°F (13–24°C); November 32–48°F (9–22°C); December 21–35°F (8–19°C).

Holidays

Major national holidays in the United States include New Year's Day (Jan. 1); Martin Luther King, Jr., Day (3rd Mon. in Jan.); President's Day (3rd Mon. in Feb.); Memorial Day (last Mon. in May); Independence Day (July 4); Labor Day (1st Mon. in Sept.); Thanksgiving Day (4th Thurs. in Nov.); Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Dec. 24 and 25); and New Year's Eve (Dec. 31).

Canadian national holidays are: New Year's Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day (May 22), Canada Day (July 1), Labour Day (first Monday in September), Thanksgiving (second Monday in October), Remembrance Day (November 11), Christmas, and Boxing Day (December 26). In addition, Ontario celebrates a Civic Holiday (August 7).