Ann Arbor in June

June weather, activities, events & insider tips

June Weather in Ann Arbor

29°C (84°F) High Temp

17°C (63°F) Low Temp

79 mm (3.1 inches) Rainfall

65% Humidity

Is June Right for You?

Advantages

Peak university graduation season creates busy energy - downtown buzzes with celebrations, outdoor patios are packed, and the entire city feels alive with accomplishment and festivities
Perfect weather for exploring on foot - comfortable 17-29°C (63-84°F) range means you can walk the 2.4 km (1.5 miles) from campus to downtown without overheating or freezing
Ann Arbor Art Fair season begins with vendors setting up installations - you'll catch early previews and setup activities before the massive July crowds arrive
University museums and libraries offer extended hours for summer programs - Kelsey Museum stays open until 8pm on weekdays, giving you extra time to explore collections without tourist crowds

Considerations

Graduation weekend (typically second weekend of June) creates hotel price spikes of 200-300% and requires bookings 3-4 months ahead - avoid June 13-15 unless you're part of the celebration
Thunderstorms arrive suddenly in late afternoons with 15-25 mm (0.6-1 inch) downpours that can last 45-60 minutes - always carry waterproof protection after 3pm
Student departure creates a transitional atmosphere - many campus-area restaurants reduce hours or close temporarily, and the iconic college town energy diminishes significantly by month's end

Best Activities in June

University of Michigan Campus Walking Tours

June offers the perfect window to explore campus architecture and museums without academic year chaos. The weather is ideal for the 3.2 km (2 miles) self-guided route, and graduation displays throughout campus create photo opportunities. The Kelsey Museum of Archaeology and Museum of Natural History both extend summer hours.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided tours available daily. Premium guided options through visitor services cost $15-25 per person. Book campus tours 1-2 weeks ahead during graduation season. Check current availability in booking section below.

Huron River Kayaking and Paddleboarding

June water temperatures reach perfect 18-21°C (64-70°F) for paddling, and recent spring rains ensure optimal water levels. The 8 km (5 mile) stretch from Argo Park to Gallup Park offers gentle currents ideal for beginners, with multiple exit points if afternoon storms approach.

Booking Tip: Rental equipment costs $35-50 per day from outfitters along the river. Book 3-5 days ahead for weekend rentals. Guided tours typically $60-85 per person. Weather-dependent cancellation policies are standard.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens Photography Tours

Peak peony and rose blooming season creates spectacular photography opportunities across 121 hectares (300 acres). June's extended daylight until 9pm provides perfect golden hour lighting, and the conservatory offers climate-controlled backup during thunderstorms.

Booking Tip: General admission $5-10 per person. Photography workshops cost $45-65 and fill quickly - book 2-3 weeks ahead. Private group tours available $150-200 for up to 15 people. See current workshop schedules in booking section.

Downtown Ann Arbor Food Walking Tours

Restaurant patios reopen for summer dining, and June's comfortable evening temperatures make food walking tours particularly enjoyable. You'll cover 1.6 km (1 mile) sampling everything from Zingerman's legacy items to new farm-to-table establishments that source from Michigan's early summer harvest.

Booking Tip: Tours typically cost $55-75 per person and last 3-4 hours. Book 7-10 days ahead as June fills with graduation visitors. Most tours include 5-7 stops with substantial tastings. Dietary restrictions accommodated with advance notice.

Kerrytown Farmer's Market and Artisan Shopping

Saturday morning markets (7am-3pm) showcase Michigan's early summer produce - asparagus, strawberries, and spring greens at peak freshness. The adjacent artisan shops in historic Kerrytown offer locally-made goods without the July Art Fair markup and crowds.

Booking Tip: Market browsing is free, but bring $20-40 cash for vendors (many don't accept cards). Artisan workshop experiences cost $35-60 per person. Food tours of the market area run $40-55. Book food-focused experiences 1 week ahead.

Michigan Stadium and Athletic Campus Tours

Off-season access to 'The Big House' provides unique behind-the-scenes experiences impossible during football season. June's pleasant weather makes the 1.2 km (0.75 mile) athletic campus walking tour comfortable, and you'll avoid the massive crowds that arrive in fall.

Booking Tip: Stadium tours cost $10-15 per person and run twice daily in summer. Athletic facility tours $20-30 per person. Book 1-2 weeks ahead as graduation season creates additional demand. Group discounts available for 10+ people.

June Events & Festivals

Mid June

University of Michigan Spring Commencement

The city's biggest celebration brings 40,000+ visitors for graduation weekend. Downtown fills with family celebrations, restaurants extend hours, and the entire community participates in the festivities with special menus and events.

Late June

Ann Arbor Summer Festival Preview Events

Early programming for the city's major summer festival includes outdoor concerts in West Park and food vendor previews. These smaller events offer a taste of the main festival without overwhelming crowds.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - June thunderstorms produce sudden downpours of 15-25 mm (0.6-1 inch) in 45-60 minutes, especially after 3pm

Comfortable walking shoes with good grip - you'll cover 3-5 km (2-3 miles) daily on varied surfaces from brick sidewalks to garden paths

Layering pieces for 12°C (22°F) temperature swings - start with t-shirt for 29°C (84°F) afternoons, add sweater for 17°C (63°F) evenings

SPF 30+ sunscreen for UV index 7 conditions - Michigan's latitude creates surprisingly strong sun exposure during long June days

Small umbrella that fits in daypack - more practical than bulky rain gear for brief afternoon storms

Cash in $20 bills for farmer's markets and food trucks - many vendors don't accept cards or have minimum purchase requirements

Portable phone charger - extended daylight until 9pm means longer photo sessions and navigation needs

Light scarf or shawl for air-conditioned museums and restaurants - indoor spaces can feel cold after warm outdoor activities

Insider Knowledge

University parking becomes free and abundant after June 15th when students leave - use campus lots instead of expensive downtown meters ($2-3/hour savings)

Local restaurants offer 'graduation specials' throughout June with prix fixe menus $15-20 cheaper than regular pricing - ask specifically about these deals

Thunderstorms typically hit between 4-7pm - plan indoor museum visits or shopping during this window and save outdoor activities for mornings

Ann Arbor Art Fair vendors begin setting up installations in late June - walk State Street after 6pm for sneak previews without July's overwhelming crowds

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking hotels during graduation weekend (typically June 13-15) without realizing rates triple and availability disappears 3-4 months ahead

Planning all-day outdoor activities without checking afternoon thunderstorm forecasts - storms are brief but intense with little warning

Expecting full college town energy after mid-June when most students depart - many campus-area bars and restaurants reduce hours significantly