Ann Arbor in January

January weather, activities, events & insider tips

January Weather in Ann Arbor

32°C (89°F) High Temp

16°C (61°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is January Right for You?

Advantages

University of Michigan basketball season peaks in January - catch Wolverines games at Crisler Center with passionate student crowds and reasonable ticket prices ($25-75)
Ice skating and winter sports are prime - outdoor rinks like Veterans Park stay frozen consistently, while indoor venues offer reliable backup when temperatures fluctuate
Restaurant Week occurs mid-January with 3-course meals at top restaurants for $35-45, making fine dining accessible during the typically quiet post-holiday period
Accommodation rates drop 30-40% from December peaks - downtown hotels average $95-130/night compared to $150-200 during football season

Considerations

Daylight hours are shortest of the year (9 hours) with sunset by 5:30 PM, limiting outdoor sightseeing time significantly
Sidewalk conditions vary wildly - Ann Arbor's hills create icy patches that persist even after snow removal, making walking treacherous
Many outdoor attractions like Nichols Arboretum lose their appeal with bare trees and frozen water features, while some trails close entirely

Best Activities in January

University of Michigan Campus Winter Tours

January offers authentic campus atmosphere with students back from winter break but without football crowds. The Law Quad and Diag look impressive with snow, and you can explore heated indoor spaces like the Michigan Union and Hatcher Graduate Library. Campus museums stay open with smaller crowds.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free year-round. Official guided tours resume mid-January after winter break - book 5-7 days ahead online. Indoor portions last 90 minutes, outdoor segments can be shortened in extreme cold. See current tour schedules in booking section below.

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum Indoor Activities

Perfect January escape with 4 floors of interactive exhibits in climate-controlled environment. Kids and adults stay engaged for 2-3 hours while avoiding outdoor weather. January weekdays have minimal crowds, and the space feels more intimate than summer visits.

Booking Tip: Admission typically $12-15 for adults, $10-12 for children. No advance booking needed except for special programs. Open Tuesday-Sunday with extended weekend hours. Check current exhibits and pricing in booking section below.

Downtown Ann Arbor Brewery Indoor Tours

January is prime time for brewery hopping - venues like Arbor Brewing and Jolly Pumpkin offer warm interiors, seasonal winter ales, and smaller crowds than warmer months. Walking between venues is manageable with proper layering, and each stop provides 45-60 minutes of warmth.

Booking Tip: Most breweries don't require reservations for regular tastings. Tours typically $8-15 per person including samples. Plan 2-3 breweries maximum due to shorter daylight and weather considerations. Current brewery tours available in booking section below.

Kerrytown Market Winter Shopping Experience

January brings comfort food vendors and artisan crafts perfect for cold weather. The enclosed market stays warm while offering local produce, prepared foods, and unique Michigan-made goods. Saturday mornings have the best selection with manageable crowds.

Booking Tip: Free to enter, individual vendor prices vary. Open Wednesday, Friday, Saturday year-round. Peak hours 9 AM-12 PM on Saturdays. Parking can be limited - arrive early or use nearby paid lots. Current vendor information in booking section below.

Indoor Sports and Recreation Center Activities

January maximizes the value of Ann Arbor's excellent indoor facilities. Ice skating at Veterans Memorial Park or indoor climbing at local gyms becomes essential when outdoor activities aren't feasible. Facilities are well-maintained and less crowded than peak seasons.

Booking Tip: Ice skating typically $3-7 admission plus $3-5 skate rental. Indoor climbing day passes $12-18. Most facilities offer equipment rental. Book ice time ahead on weekends - weekday visits usually available without reservation. Current schedules in booking section below.

January Events & Festivals

Mid to late January

University of Michigan Basketball Conference Games

Big Ten conference play intensifies in January with major rivalry games at Crisler Center. The atmosphere reaches season peaks with passionate student sections and competitive matchups that often decide conference standings.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Insulated waterproof boots rated to -10°C (14°F) - Ann Arbor's hills become treacherous with ice, and you'll walk more than expected

Layered clothing system with moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid-layer, and windproof outer shell - temperature swings 16°C (30°F) daily

Warm hat covering ears and waterproof gloves with phone-compatible fingertips - you'll use maps and cameras outdoors frequently

Portable phone battery pack - cold weather drains batteries 40% faster than normal

Lightweight umbrella plus rain jacket - January's 10 precipitation days include freezing rain that penetrates regular rain gear

Sunglasses for snow glare - UV index may be low at 2, but reflected light off snow causes eye strain

Indoor shoes or slippers for accommodations - many places require shoe removal and floors stay cold

Hand/foot warmers for outdoor activities - chemical warmers provide 6-8 hours of heat for extended outdoor time

Lip balm with SPF and heavy moisturizer - indoor heating combined with cold outdoor air creates severe dryness

Insider Knowledge

Downtown parking meters are free after 6 PM and all day Sunday - time your visits accordingly to save $1.50/hour during peak daylight hours

Many local restaurants participate in January Restaurant Week but don't advertise heavily - call directly to ask about special menus not posted online

The Michigan Union and Student this destination offer free WiFi, bathrooms, and warming stations - perfect for breaking up outdoor walking tours

Bus routes run less frequently in January due to weather delays - add 15-20 minutes buffer time for any scheduled transportation

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating how slippery Ann Arbor's brick sidewalks become with ice - wear appropriate footwear even when temperatures seem mild

Planning too many outdoor activities per day - daylight ends by 5:30 PM and weather changes force frequent indoor breaks

Booking accommodations too far from downtown core - walking becomes much less pleasant, and parking downtown adds $5-15 daily