Things to Do in Ann Arbor in November
November weather, activities, events & insider tips
November Weather in Ann Arbor
Is November Right for You?
Advantages
- Football season peaks in November with Michigan home games creating an unmatched atmosphere - the entire town transforms on game days with 110,000 fans filling The Big House, tailgates starting at 8am, and local bars packed by noon. Even if you're not a sports fan, the energy is worth experiencing at least once.
- Fall colors linger into early November with peak foliage typically lasting through the first week. The Arboretum's 123 acres (50 hectares) show brilliant reds and golds, and you'll actually have the trails mostly to yourself compared to the October crowds. By mid-month, bare trees create different but equally photogenic landscapes.
- Restaurant reservations become dramatically easier after Halloween as student traffic drops during Thanksgiving break (November 23-30, 2026). Places like Zingerman's Roadhouse and Frita Batidos that normally require week-ahead booking often have same-day availability during this window.
- Hotel rates drop 30-40% on non-football weekends compared to September and October. A room at the Graduate that costs $350 in October might run $180-220 in November, except for the two home game weekends (check the 2026 Michigan football schedule before booking).
Considerations
- Weather becomes genuinely unpredictable in November - you might see 18°C (65°F) and sunny one day, then 2°C (35°F) with sleet the next. The 10 rainy days aren't the issue so much as the temperature swings that make packing frustrating. Locals joke that November is when Michigan reminds you winter is coming.
- Daylight shrinks fast with sunset around 5:15pm by mid-November and 5pm by month's end. This compresses your sightseeing window significantly, and outdoor activities like Nichols Arboretum walks or Huron River trails feel rushed if you start after 3pm. The early darkness also means downtown feels quieter on weeknights.
- Two football home game weekends (dates vary yearly - check 2026 schedule) cause hotel prices to triple and traffic to become nightmarish. If your dates accidentally overlap with a game weekend and you're not attending, you'll find a very different, much more crowded and expensive Ann Arbor than you expected.
Best Activities in November
University of Michigan Campus Walking Tours
November is actually ideal for exploring campus because the student energy is still high but October's parent weekend crowds are gone. The Law Quad looks particularly striking with fall leaves (early November) or gothic architecture against grey skies (late November). The Museum of Art is free and makes a perfect indoor pivot when weather turns. Campus is walkable but spread out - budget 3-4 hours to see highlights like the Diag, Law Quad, Michigan Stadium exterior, and museum.
Kerrytown and Farmers Market Exploration
The Ann Arbor Farmers Market shifts to winter mode in November with root vegetables, squash, Michigan apples, and artisan goods replacing summer produce. It runs year-round on Saturdays 8am-3pm and Wednesdays 8am-3pm (weather permitting). November is perfect because you'll find seasonal items like cider, preserves, and baked goods without the summer tourist crush. The adjacent Kerrytown district has the Spice Merchants, Monahan's Seafood, and Zingerman's Deli within a 3-block radius.
Huron River Water Trail Kayaking
November kayaking is for the adventurous - water temperatures drop to 7-10°C (45-50°F) and air temps are unpredictable, but outfitters rent through mid-November if weather cooperates. The river is nearly empty of other paddlers, fall colors reflect beautifully in the water early in the month, and wildlife is more visible. The Argo Cascades to Gallup Park section is 3.2 km (2 miles) and takes 1-2 hours depending on current.
Brewery and Distillery Tasting Tours
Ann Arbor has a dense craft beverage scene perfect for November weather - when it's grey and 7°C (45°F) outside, tasting rooms feel especially welcoming. The downtown area alone has 6-7 breweries within walking distance. November often sees special releases of winter and barrel-aged beers. Most tasting rooms are small operations where you can talk directly with brewers, not corporate taprooms.
Matthaei Botanical Gardens Indoor Conservatory
When November weather turns miserable, the Matthaei Conservatory becomes Ann Arbor's best indoor escape - tropical, desert, and temperate houses maintain 21-27°C (70-80°F) year-round. The tropical house is particularly welcome when it's sleeting outside. November is actually great timing because holiday displays start appearing late in the month. Budget 1-2 hours inside plus another hour for outdoor gardens if weather permits.
Detroit Day Trip via Michigan Theater Film Screenings
November is prime time for film festivals and special screenings at the historic Michigan Theater in downtown Ann Arbor, and it's also an excellent month for day trips to Detroit (45 minutes west). The Detroit Institute of Arts is world-class and free for Michigan residents, while the Detroit Historical Museum offers context for understanding the region. November's cooler weather makes urban walking more comfortable than summer, and Detroit's riverfront is surprisingly pleasant even in late fall.
November Events & Festivals
University of Michigan Football Home Games
Two home games typically fall in November (exact dates vary - check the 2026 schedule). Game day is a full cultural experience even if you're not attending - campus transforms with 110,000 fans, elaborate tailgates start 4-5 hours before kickoff, and the marching band performs. If you're not going to the game, downtown restaurants and bars are packed with viewing parties. This is Ann Arbor at its most energetic and most crowded.
Ann Arbor Film Festival Submissions and Planning
While the actual festival happens in March, November is when the film community gears up and the Michigan Theater runs preview screenings and filmmaker workshops. Worth noting if you're interested in independent film - you'll see posters and events building momentum. The Michigan Theater also typically runs special Thanksgiving weekend programming.