Ann Arbor in April

April weather, activities, events & insider tips

April Weather in Ann Arbor

13.9°C (57°F) High Temp

1.1°C (34°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is April Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect blooming season - University of Michigan campus transforms with flowering trees, peak cherry blossoms at Nichols Arboretum typically mid-April, drawing fewer crowds than DC or Japan
Ideal outdoor temperatures 10-16°C (50-60°F) for walking campus, biking the Border-to-Border Trail, and exploring downtown without summer heat or winter ice
Baseball season launch - Michigan Wolverines home games create electric campus atmosphere, tickets easier to secure than football season at $15-25 range
Spring festival season kicks off - Ann Arbor Folk Festival typically mid-April at Hill Auditorium, plus outdoor farmers markets resume full Saturday schedules

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - can drop to 0°C (32°F) overnight then reach 18°C (65°F) by afternoon, making packing challenging
Mud season aftermath - popular hiking spots like Matthaei Saint Vincent trails can be muddy and partially closed after snowmelt
University spring break timing creates inconsistent atmosphere - some weeks campus feels empty while others are packed with admitted student events

Best Activities in April

Campus Cherry Blossom Walking Tours

April is the only month to catch Ann Arbor's spectacular but brief cherry blossom season. Nichols Arboretum's peony garden and hillside blooms peak mid-April, while central campus quads showcase flowering crabapples and redbuds. Morning temperatures 4-8°C (40-45°F) are perfect for 2-3 hour walks without overheating.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided tours via University of Michigan app, or join organized botanical walks through Matthaei Saint Vincent typically $10-15 per person. Book weekend guided tours 1-2 weeks ahead as they fill quickly during bloom season.

Huron River Kayaking and Canoeing

April marks the sweet spot after ice-out but before summer crowds. Water temperature around 8-10°C (46-50°F) requires wetsuit but air temps 13-16°C (55-60°F) make paddling comfortable. Spring runoff creates ideal water levels for Gallup Park to Argo Dam routes.

Booking Tip: Rental outfitters typically charge $35-50 for half-day kayak including gear. Book weekends 5-7 days ahead. Avoid first two weeks of April if late freeze possible. Guided eco-tours run $65-85 per person.

Ann Arbor Food Walking Tours

Cool April weather 10-15°C (50-59°F) makes multi-block walking between restaurants comfortable without summer heat exhaustion. Spring menus feature Michigan asparagus, morel mushrooms, and fresh local produce. Downtown sidewalks clear of snow and ice but not crowded with summer tourists.

Booking Tip: Food tours typically run $55-75 per person for 3-4 stops over 2.5 hours. Book 7-10 days ahead for weekend tours. Self-guided options using local food apps cost nothing but require restaurant reservations during University events.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens Nature Photography

April offers unique spring ephemeral wildflowers like trilliums and bloodroot that bloom for just 2-3 weeks. Conservatory tropical plants provide indoor backup during variable weather. Golden hour lighting 7-8pm perfect for outdoor shots without summer's harsh sun.

Booking Tip: Garden admission $5-8, photography workshops run $45-65 per session. Macro lens rentals available locally $25-35/day. Weekend workshops book 2-3 weeks ahead. Free admission first Tuesday monthly.

Michigan Stadium and Athletic Campus Tours

April baseball season provides authentic sports atmosphere without football's massive crowds or winter's bitter cold. Perfect weather for walking 1.6 km (1 mile) athletic campus loop. Spring practice sessions sometimes viewable, giving insider glimpses of programs.

Booking Tip: Stadium tours $8-12 per adult, baseball tickets $15-25. Book stadium tours online 3-5 days ahead. Student rush tickets available game day for $10. Combine with nearby athletic facilities for half-day experience.

Local Brewery and Distillery Tastings

April's cool evenings 2-6°C (35-43°F) perfect for cozy indoor tastings, while mild afternoons allow comfortable brewery patio visits. Spring seasonal releases feature maple and fresh hop varieties. Walking between downtown locations manageable in moderate temperatures.

Booking Tip: Tasting flights typically $12-18, guided tours $25-35 including samples. Most breweries accept walk-ins except weekend evenings. Brewery bike tours resume in April, typically $85-95 including transportation and tastings.

April Events & Festivals

Mid April

Ann Arbor Folk Festival

Hill Auditorium hosts this 3-day acoustic music celebration featuring national and international artists. Intimate venue setting and spring timing create perfect atmosphere for folk, blues, and world music performances.

Mid to Late April

University of Michigan Campus Day

Annual prospective student event transforms campus with information sessions, tours, and demonstrations. Creates bustling atmosphere but also crowds at popular campus spots and restaurants.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - lightweight base layer, insulating fleece, and waterproof outer shell for 15°C (27°F) daily temperature swings

Waterproof hiking boots - spring snowmelt creates muddy conditions on nature trails and unpaved campus paths

Compact umbrella - April showers brief but frequent, typical downpour lasts 15-20 minutes

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 on clear days, spring sun reflects strongly off remaining snow patches

Warm hat and gloves - morning temperatures often drop to freezing, especially first half of April

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - campus hills and sidewalks can be slippery with morning frost

Light scarf or neck gaiter - wind chill factor significant along Huron River and open campus areas

Small daypack - perfect for carrying layers as you shed clothes during afternoon warming

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries faster, essential for campus navigation apps

Cash for farmers markets - many vendors don't accept cards, typical market spend $20-40

Insider Knowledge

Visit Nichols Arboretum weekday mornings for cherry blossoms - weekends draw photography crowds but Tuesday-Thursday 8-10am offers peaceful viewing and better photo opportunities

Download University of Michigan app before arriving - provides real-time campus event updates, building locations, and free WiFi access throughout campus areas

Parking strategy crucial - downtown meters free after 6pm and weekends, but campus visitor parking $2/hour. North Campus has free spots with AATA bus connection to central campus

Local farmers market vendors offer samples - Saturday morning Kerrytown market lets you taste before buying, plus vendors give cooking tips for unfamiliar Michigan produce like ramps and fiddleheads

Avoid These Mistakes

Underdressing for morning activities - many visitors pack for afternoon highs 16°C (60°F) but forget morning starts at 1°C (34°F), leading to miserable early experiences

Assuming University schedule matches typical calendar - spring break timing varies, some weeks campus feels dead while others have major admitted student events creating unexpected crowds

Booking outdoor activities without weather backup plan - April weather changes rapidly, need indoor alternatives like museums or covered markets when rain hits