Ann Arbor in February

February weather, activities, events & insider tips

February Weather in Ann Arbor

35°C (95°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is February Right for You?

Advantages

University basketball season peaks - Michigan Wolverines home games at Crisler Center create electric atmosphere with 15,000+ crowds and easier ticket availability than football season
Indoor cultural venues operate at full capacity without summer tourist crowds - University of Michigan Museum of Art and Kelsey Museum offer special winter exhibitions with 30-40% fewer visitors than peak months
Restaurant reservation availability increases dramatically - popular spots like downtown establishments that book weeks ahead in fall become accessible with 2-3 days notice
Hotel rates drop 25-40% from October levels while maintaining full amenities - downtown properties offer winter packages combining accommodation with cultural venue tickets

Considerations

Weather unpredictability requires layered packing - temperature swings of 18°C (32°F) between days mean morning frost can give way to 15°C (59°F) afternoons within 48 hours
Limited outdoor activity windows - daylight hours from 7:30am to 6:15pm restrict hiking and campus walking tours, with temperatures below 0°C (32°F) common in early mornings
Winter storm potential can disrupt travel plans - southeastern Michigan experiences 2-3 significant snow events in February averaging 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) each

Best Activities in February

University of Michigan Campus Cultural Tours

February offers ideal indoor-outdoor touring conditions with students in session creating authentic campus atmosphere. Morning tours at 10am-12pm avoid the coldest temperatures while showcasing winter architecture. The Diag and Law Quad look impressive with snow cover, and heated shuttle options connect major buildings.

Booking Tip: Book university-led tours 5-7 days ahead through official channels. Winter tours cost $15-25 per person and include indoor stops at libraries and museums. Private group tours available for $200-300 for groups of 6-8.

Downtown Ann Arbor Food Walking Tours

February's cold weather makes this perfect for restaurant-hopping tours that spend 80% of time indoors. Local food scene thrives in winter with comfort food specialties and Michigan craft beer. Tours typically cover 1.6 km (1 mile) with 6-8 stops, spending only 3-5 minutes between locations outdoors.

Booking Tip: Book 3-5 days ahead with local operators offering 3-hour tours for $75-95 per person including all tastings. Weekend afternoon tours (1pm-4pm) most popular. Look for operators providing venue partnerships rather than just walking.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens Winter Conservatory Experience

February showcases tropical conservatories at their most dramatic contrast to outdoor conditions. Indoor tropical and desert houses maintain 24-27°C (75-80°F) year-round, creating an escape from winter while outdoor prairies show winter ecology. Special winter programming includes orchid displays and desert blooming cycles.

Booking Tip: General admission $5-8 per adult, no advance booking needed for self-guided visits. Special workshops and guided tours $25-45 require 1-2 weeks advance booking. Open 10am-4:30pm daily with extended hours until 8pm on Thursdays.

Michigan Theater and Performance Hall Shows

February is peak season for indoor entertainment with Michigan Theater hosting touring Broadway productions and university performances. Smaller venues like The Ark feature intimate concerts perfect for cold evenings. University musical and theater departments present winter productions with professional-quality performances.

Booking Tip: Book major shows 2-4 weeks ahead, tickets typically $25-85 depending on venue and seating. Student rush tickets available 2 hours before curtain for university productions at $10-15. Weekend evening shows most popular but weeknight shows offer better availability.

Hands-On Museum Interactive Experiences

Perfect rainy day or cold weather activity covering 4 floors of interactive science exhibits. February often features special traveling exhibitions alongside permanent collections. Climate-controlled environment ideal when outdoor temperatures drop below -7°C (20°F). Popular with families but engaging for adults interested in science and technology.

Booking Tip: Admission $15-18 per adult with group discounts available. No advance booking needed for general admission but special workshops require 1-week notice. Visit weekday mornings for smallest crowds, avoid weekend afternoons when local families visit.

Kerrytown Market and Shops Winter Browsing

Indoor market complex perfect for February weather featuring local artisans, specialty foods, and unique Michigan-made products. Connected buildings allow warm shopping for 2-3 hours without outdoor exposure. Saturday farmers market continues year-round with root vegetables, preserved goods, and hot prepared foods.

Booking Tip: Free to browse, individual purchase costs vary widely $5-100+ for local crafts and foods. Saturday market 7am-3pm most active, weekday shopping more relaxed. Parking $2-5 per day in nearby structures, street parking limited but free on Sundays.

February Events & Festivals

Throughout February

Michigan Basketball Home Games

Crisler Center hosts multiple home games throughout February featuring the Wolverines in Big Ten conference play. Atmosphere reaches peak intensity with student sections, pep band, and 15,000+ capacity crowds. Games typically evening starts 7pm or 9pm, creating prime entertainment for cold February nights.

Mid February

Winter Art Fair and Gallery Walks

Downtown galleries coordinate monthly art walks featuring local and regional artists. Indoor venue-hopping perfect for February weather with many galleries offering wine and light refreshments. Self-guided walks cover main street galleries within 4-block radius, all heated venues.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -18°C (0°F) - sidewalks get icy and campus walking requires sure footing on varied terrain

Layering system with base layer, fleece mid-layer, and wind-resistant outer shell - temperature swings require adding/removing layers throughout the day

Warm hat covering ears and insulated gloves - heat loss through extremities significant when walking between buildings in sub-zero wind chills

Compact umbrella for mixed precipitation - February brings rain, sleet, and wet snow that regular winter coats don't handle well

Wool or synthetic blend socks - cotton becomes problematic when feet get wet from slush and takes too long to dry indoors

Scarf or neck gaiter - protects against wind when walking across exposed campus areas like the Diag and downtown Main Street

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 40-50% faster, essential for navigation and communication during outdoor activities

Moisturizer and lip balm - indoor heating combined with cold outdoor air creates very dry conditions, especially problematic for 8+ hour days

Sunglasses for bright snow glare - sunny February days with snow cover create intense reflected UV requiring eye protection even in winter

Insider Knowledge

University buildings offer free warm spaces and WiFi for extended periods - Shapiro Library, Michigan Union, and Pierpont Commons provide comfortable work areas with food courts when you need to escape cold weather

Downtown parking becomes much easier in February with many students gone for winter break - street parking availability increases 60-70% compared to fall semester peak times

Local restaurants offer special winter menus and comfort food features not available other times of year - many establishments create February-specific dishes highlighting seasonal Michigan ingredients like root vegetables and preserved items

Municipal bus system (TheRide) provides heated transportation between major destinations for $1.50 per ride - routes connect campus, downtown, and major shopping areas with buses arriving every 15-20 minutes during peak hours

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how much time outdoor walking takes in winter conditions - plan 50% more time for getting between destinations due to careful walking on potentially icy surfaces and need for warming breaks

Wearing cotton clothing as base layers - cotton retains moisture from snow and sweat, becoming cold and uncomfortable during long indoor-outdoor transitions typical of campus visits

Not checking university calendar for student break periods - some restaurants and campus attractions have reduced hours or close entirely during winter break, typically mid-February for one week