Petoskey is primarily is a summer getaway destination however, the area is close to great skiing and has plenty of winter activities to partake in, if you can bare the cold. In the 1800s Petoskey built up as a summer getaway and visitors arrived by steamship to relax on the lake under the sun. It is located in the very north-middle part of the main section of Michigan, right on Lake Michigan and Traverse Bay.

Summer weather in Petoskey has average temperatures in the high 60s. But this doesn't mean temperatures don't climb up, they have been known to reach the 90s, yet in general they remain slightly lower. July is officially the sunniest month.

Lake Michigan controls the climate here. The cold air mass from the lake makes for a late spring arrival and chilly early summer. On the other end of this however, it holds the warmth to extend summer a bit and making for a warm early fall.

Winters can be quite cold and brutal this far north and on the lake, temperatures average around 10 degrees and dip lower very often during the peak of winter. This doesn't stop the tough folks with a love for winter sports coming; for those who like the snow in warmer weather, consider March as oftentimes snow remains but the temperature is significantly better than in January.