Bellaire has four real seasons: warm summers, crisp falls, snowy winters and a slow spring. Being close to the Great Lakes keeps summers mild and brings plenty of lake-effect snow in winter.
Bellaire weather at a glance
| Month | Typical high | Typical low | What it's like |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | Upper 20s °F | Low to mid teens | Coldest month, steady snow |
| February | Around 30 °F | Low teens | Cold and snowy, prime ski season |
| March | Upper 30s | Around 20 | Late-season skiing, spring thaw begins |
| April | Low 50s | Around 30 | Cool, muddy, quiet |
| May | Mid 60s | Low 40s | Green and mild, cold lakes |
| June | Mid 70s | Low 50s | Warm days, cool water |
| July | Around 80 | Mid 50s | Warmest month, peak lake season |
| August | Upper 70s | Mid 50s | Warm, the best swimming water |
| September | Around 70 | Upper 40s | Mild days, cool nights |
| October | Upper 50s | Upper 30s | Fall color, crisp |
| November | Mid 40s | Around 30 | Gray and chilly, first snow |
| December | Low 30s | Around 20 | Snow returns, ski season starts |
These are approximate averages from regional climate data. Any given week can be warmer or colder.
Snow season
Antrim County gets a lot of snow, much of it lake-effect snow off Lake Michigan. Climate sites estimate Bellaire's average at roughly 100 inches or more a season, falling mostly from December through March. That's great for Schuss Mountain and the Nordic trails, and it means winter driving takes care. See getting to Bellaire for winter travel tips.
Lake swimming season
Torch Lake is one of the deepest lakes in Michigan, so it warms slowly. Expect cold water in June, and the best swimming from mid-July through August. Shallower water, like the Torch Lake sandbar and the smaller Chain of Lakes, warms up first.
What to pack
- Summer: swimsuits, water shoes, sunscreen, a light jacket for evenings, bug spray
- Fall: layers, a warm jacket, rain gear, hiking boots, blaze orange for trails during hunting season
- Winter: a full ski kit, insulated boots, hat and gloves, and a swimsuit for the hot tub
- Spring: waterproof boots, layers, and a rain jacket
Where to stay
Every home we host has a private hot tub or sauna and a fireplace or wood stove for cool nights, so the weather never ruins the trip.
Alm Haus
A renovated Northwoods chalet 5 minutes from Schuss Mountain, with a hot tub under the pines, triple-queen bunk room, game room and stargazing dome.
Check dates and book direct →
Overlook Bellaire
A 2021 modern home on 10 private acres above Bellaire, looking out over Intermediate Lake. Sauna, cold plunge, hot tub and a game room.
Check dates and book direct →
Northwoods Treehaus
A 1960s A-frame in the pines at Schuss Mountain Resort, with three kings, a stone fireplace, a bunk room with arcade and a treetop hot tub.
Check dates and book direct →Frequently asked questions
How cold does Bellaire get in winter?
January highs are typically in the upper 20s °F, with lows in the teens, and colder snaps are common.
How much snow does Bellaire get?
Roughly 100 inches or more in an average season by most estimates, much of it lake-effect snow.
What is the warmest month in Bellaire?
July, with typical highs around 80 °F.
Sources
Approximate monthly averages and snowfall from regional climate data sites (MyPerfectWeather, Plant Maps, BestPlaces), which differ slightly. Checked October 2026. For official figures, see NOAA's climate normals.