Ann Arbor in August

August weather, activities, events & insider tips

August Weather in Ann Arbor

82°C (179°F) High Temp

58°C (137°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is August Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect summer festival season - Ann Arbor Summer Festival runs through August with outdoor concerts at Michigan Theater and Top of the Park events featuring free performances nightly
Students haven't returned yet - University of Michigan campus is peaceful until late August, making iconic spots like the Diag and Law Quad perfect for photos without crowds
Peak farmers market season - Ann Arbor Farmers Market (Saturdays 7am-3pm) overflows with Michigan peaches, sweet corn, and tomatoes at their absolute best
Ideal outdoor dining weather - Restaurant patios along Main Street and in Kerrytown stay comfortable until 9pm with 24°C (75°F) evening temperatures

Considerations

Art Fair invasion mid-month - Ann Arbor Art Fair (typically July 18-21, 2025) brings 500,000+ visitors, tripling hotel prices and creating parking nightmares for 10 days
Afternoon thunderstorms disrupt outdoor plans - August storms hit 60% of days around 3-5pm, lasting 20-45 minutes with heavy downpours
Limited student energy - Campus feels sleepy without 47,000 students, reducing nightlife options and making some businesses operate on summer hours

Best Activities in August

Huron River Kayaking and Water Sports

August offers perfect conditions for paddling the Huron River from Gallup Park to Argo Cascades. Water levels are ideal after spring runoff, temperatures hit 23°C (73°F), and rental availability peaks before students return. The 3.2 km (2 mile) paddle takes 90 minutes with optional stops at Fuller Park.

Booking Tip: Reserve kayaks 3-5 days ahead through local outfitters. Full-day rentals typically cost $45-65, half-day $35-45. Look for operators including shuttle service back to parking. Avoid booking during Art Fair weekend when demand spikes.

University of Michigan Campus Walking Tours

Late August is perfect for exploring campus before 47,000 students return. The Diag lawn stays green, central campus buildings like Angell Hall offer air conditioning breaks, and you can actually photograph the iconic Michigan Union without crowds. Self-guided tours work best in morning before 32°C (90°F) afternoon heat.

Booking Tip: Official tours resume late August as students return. Free self-guided maps available at Michigan Union. Private group tours typically cost $15-25 per person. Book campus parking ($2-8/hour) through ParkWhiz to guarantee spots near central campus.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens Nature Exploration

August showcases Michigan prairie wildflowers at peak bloom - purple coneflowers, black-eyed susans, and native grasses create impressive photography opportunities. The conservatory provides climate-controlled backup during afternoon storms. Located 4.8 km (3 miles) from downtown with easy parking.

Booking Tip: Admission $5 adults, $3 students. Open 8am-sunset daily. Special photography workshops typically cost $35-50 in August. Arrive early morning or after 4pm to avoid peak heat. Members get free admission - worthwhile if visiting multiple University facilities.

Ann Arbor Ale Trail Brewery Tours

August heat makes it prime time for sampling local craft beer. With 15+ breweries within 8 km (5 miles), you can create walking routes connecting downtown spots like Jolly Pumpkin and Arbor Brewing, then Uber to outlying locations. Most offer air-conditioned taprooms and outdoor beer gardens.

Booking Tip: Self-guided trail maps free from Ann Arbor tourism office. Guided brewery tours typically $45-65 including tastings and transportation. Book weekend tours 1-2 weeks ahead. Many breweries offer $5-8 flights of 4 samples, perfect for hot weather sipping.

Kerrytown District Food and Shopping Tours

August brings peak season for Ann Arbor Farmers Market (Saturdays) with Michigan's best summer produce. The historic Kerrytown area stays walkable with covered vendor stalls and air-conditioned specialty shops. Combine with nearby Zingerman's Delicatessen for iconic Ann Arbor food experiences.

Booking Tip: Saturday farmers market runs 7am-3pm, best selection before 10am. Food tours typically $35-55 per person including samples. Parking in Kerrytown structure $1-2/hour. Walking food tours work best starting 9-10am before afternoon heat peaks.

Nichols Arboretum Prairie and Trail Walking

The 'Arb' features 123 hectares (304 acres) of rolling hills, prairie restoration, and Huron River access. August wildflower blooms peak in prairie areas, while tree-lined trails provide shade during hot afternoons. The peony garden recovery from June blooms, but native plant areas shine.

Booking Tip: Free admission and parking. Download trail maps from University website. Guided nature walks occasionally offered $10-15 per person. Bring water - limited facilities once on trails. Best visited early morning or evening during August heat waves above 32°C (90°F).

August Events & Festivals

Early to Mid August

Ann Arbor Summer Festival

Multi-week festival featuring outdoor concerts, Top of the Park free performances, and family activities throughout downtown. Evening shows take advantage of comfortable August temperatures and feature both local and touring acts on multiple stages.

Late August

University of Michigan Student Move-in

Late August brings controlled chaos as 47,000 students return to campus. While crowded, it's fascinating to witness the transformation of a sleepy summer town into a bustling college community. Traffic increases significantly around campus areas.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket or compact umbrella - August storms are brief but intense, dropping 25-50mm (1-2 inches) in 30 minutes

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8-9 during midday hours with limited shade on campus and downtown streets

Moisture-wicking clothing over cotton - 70% humidity makes cotton feel sticky and slow to dry after rain or sweating

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - Wet sidewalks around campus become slippery, and you'll walk 6-10 km (4-6 miles) daily exploring

Light layers for air conditioning - Restaurants and museums keep interiors at 20°C (68°F) while outside hits 32°C (90°F)

Portable water bottle - Dehydration happens quickly in humid heat, and campus has water fountains every 200m (650 feet)

Cash for farmers market - Many vendors prefer cash, and ATMs get long lines during Saturday peak hours 9-11am

Portable phone charger - GPS navigation drains batteries faster in heat, and you'll use maps constantly for brewery hopping

Light backpack or day pack - Essential for carrying water, rain gear, and purchases during long walking days

Insect repellent with DEET - Mosquitoes peak in August near Huron River areas and Arboretum trails, especially after rain

Insider Knowledge

Park at University structures ($8-12/day) rather than street meters - they're cheaper for full-day exploring and have covered walkways during storms

Time outdoor activities for 8-11am or after 6pm - locals avoid midday heat and afternoon thunderstorms by shifting schedules earlier or later

Hit farmers market by 9am Saturdays - best produce selection disappears by 10:30am, and crowds make walking difficult after 10am

Book restaurants with patios for 7-8pm - evening temperatures drop to comfortable 24°C (75°F) and you'll avoid the 5pm storm window

Avoid These Mistakes

Planning all outdoor activities for afternoon - August thunderstorms hit 60% of days between 2-5pm, disrupting outdoor plans

Visiting during Art Fair weekend without reservations - hotel prices triple, parking disappears, and restaurants have 90+ minute waits

Underestimating walking distances - Ann Arbor's attractions spread across 8+ km (5 miles) and public transit is limited, requiring lots of walking in humid heat