Ann Arbor in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Ann Arbor

36°C (97°F) High Temp

22°C (71°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Crisp winter air perfect for outdoor activities - daily highs around 36°C (97°F) make walking tours comfortable from 10am-4pm without the summer humidity extremes
University of Michigan winter break means easier campus exploration - parking is free in most lots, libraries stay open extended hours, and student crowds thin out after December 15th
Holiday season transforms downtown with the Ann Arbor Winter Festival (mid-December), outdoor ice skating at Campus Martius, and extended shopping hours until 9pm through December 23rd
Hotel rates drop 30-40% compared to football season (September-November) - luxury properties downtown average $120-180/night versus $300+ during game weekends

Considerations

Daylight hours shrink to just 9 hours 15 minutes - sunrise at 7:50am, sunset at 5:05pm limits outdoor photography and sightseeing time
Occasional lake-effect snow from nearby Great Lakes can disrupt travel plans - 10 precipitation days typically include 2-3 snow events that may impact flight schedules
Many outdoor farmers markets and some seasonal attractions close for winter - the popular Ann Arbor Farmers Market moves indoors with reduced vendor participation

Best Activities in December

University of Michigan Campus Winter Tours

December offers the ideal campus experience with students away but facilities open. The Diag looks impressive with light snow dusting historic buildings, and you can explore the Law Quad, Michigan Union, and museums without undergraduate crowds. Indoor attractions like the Museum of Natural History stay comfortably heated while outdoor walking is pleasant during midday 36°C (97°F) temperatures.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free year-round, or book guided tours 5-7 days ahead through the visitor center. Tours typically run $15-25 per person for 90-minute experiences. Indoor museum components make this weather-proof.

Downtown Ann Arbor Holiday Shopping and Food Tours

December transforms downtown into a winter wonderland with holiday decorations, extended store hours, and seasonal menus at local restaurants. The mild 22-36°C (71-97°F) range makes walking between venues comfortable, and brief showers are easily managed by ducking into the many bookstores, cafes, and shops along Main Street and State Street.

Booking Tip: Food tours run $45-75 per person and should be booked 1-2 weeks ahead as December is popular for holiday visitors. Look for tours that include indoor stops at Zingerman's Delicatessen and other local institutions.

Huron River Winter Recreation

The Huron River maintains perfect temperatures for kayaking and riverside hiking in December. Water temperatures around 4°C (39°F) make kayaking feasible with proper gear, while riverside trails offer excellent bird watching as waterfowl concentrate before full winter. The 70% humidity actually helps prevent dry winter air discomfort during outdoor activities.

Booking Tip: Kayak rentals available for $35-50 per day through outfitters who provide winter gear. Book 3-5 days ahead and confirm weather conditions. Guided eco-tours run $60-90 and include warm beverages.

Metro Detroit Museum and Cultural Center Tours

December's shorter days and occasional precipitation make this perfect for exploring Detroit's world-class indoor attractions just 64 km (40 miles) east. The Detroit Institute of Arts, Henry Ford Museum, and this destination offer climate-controlled environments while providing rich cultural experiences that complement Ann Arbor's college town atmosphere.

Booking Tip: Day trips to Detroit typically cost $80-120 including transportation and admission. Book 7-10 days ahead for group tours, or purchase individual museum passes for $15-25 each. Allow 8-10 hours for full Detroit cultural experiences.

Great Lakes Winter Photography Tours

December offers dramatic winter light and storm systems rolling off the Great Lakes, creating exceptional photography conditions. Lake Michigan beaches 80 km (50 miles) west provide ice formations and winter lake effects, while local Huron River areas offer frost-covered landscapes during the 22°C (71°F) morning lows.

Booking Tip: Photography tours run $75-125 for half-day experiences and should be booked 1-2 weeks ahead. Look for guides who provide weather updates and alternative indoor locations. Early morning tours (8-11am) capture the best winter light.

Ann Arbor Brewery and Indoor Entertainment Tours

December's cooler weather makes it prime time for exploring Ann Arbor's craft brewery scene and heated indoor venues. With over a dozen breweries within 8 km (5 miles) of downtown, the weather encourages cozy indoor tastings, while venues often feature seasonal winter ales and extended holiday hours through December 31st.

Booking Tip: Brewery tours cost $35-55 per person including tastings and typically run 3-4 hours. Book 1 week ahead for weekend tours. Many breweries offer self-guided options with flight packages for $18-25.

December Events & Festivals

Mid December

Ann Arbor Winter Festival

Downtown transforms into a winter celebration with outdoor ice sculptures, heated vendor booths, live music on covered stages, and holiday markets. Local artisans sell handcrafted goods while food vendors offer warm seasonal treats. The festival works perfectly with December's mild temperatures and creates a authentic local experience.

Early to Late December

University of Michigan Holiday Concert Series

The School of Music presents free and ticketed performances throughout December in heated venues like Hill Auditorium and Rackham Auditorium. These concerts showcase everything from classical orchestras to jazz ensembles, providing elegant indoor entertainment during the shorter daylight hours.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layered clothing system - mornings at 22°C (71°F) require light jackets, but afternoons at 36°C (97°F) call for t-shirts, so pack removable layers

Waterproof jacket or umbrella - 10 rainy days means 33% chance of precipitation, typically brief afternoon showers lasting 20-30 minutes

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - occasional wet surfaces and potential light snow require non-slip soles for campus exploration

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 combined with potential snow reflection increases sun exposure risk during midday outdoor activities

Portable phone charger - shorter 9-hour daylight days mean more indoor time and increased device usage for navigation and photography

Light gloves and warm hat - morning temperatures at 22°C (71°F) with winter wind off the Great Lakes can feel much cooler

Breathable cotton or linen shirts - 70% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during indoor museum and restaurant visits

Small backpack for day trips - Detroit excursions 64 km (40 miles) away require carrying layers and weather gear for temperature changes

Cash for local vendors - many holiday market stalls and food trucks during winter festivals prefer cash transactions

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated is important in 70% humidity, and many venues offer free water refill stations

Insider Knowledge

University parking becomes free in most campus lots after December 15th when students leave for winter break - save $10-15 per day by parking on campus rather than downtown meters

Zingerman's Delicatessen offers winter soup specials only available December through February - locals know to order the seasonal soups that aren't on the regular menu

The Ann Arbor District Library downtown stays open until 9pm Monday-Thursday in December with free WiFi, heating, and restrooms - perfect for warming up between outdoor activities

Detroit Metro Airport is actually closer to Ann Arbor (40 minutes) than flying into smaller regional airports, and December flight prices drop significantly after the 15th when business travel slows

Avoid These Mistakes

Assuming all outdoor activities are cancelled due to winter weather - December temperatures averaging 22-36°C (71-97°F) make most outdoor pursuits comfortable with proper clothing

Booking accommodations at football season rates - December prices are 30-40% lower than fall game weekends, so don't panic-book at summer pricing

Planning only indoor activities - December's mild temperatures and brief rainfall make outdoor exploration very feasible with weather-appropriate gear and flexible scheduling