Ann Arbor in November

November weather, activities, events & insider tips

November Weather in Ann Arbor

47°C (118°F) High Temp

30°C (86°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is November Right for You?

Advantages

Peak fall foliage display - maples and oaks reach maximum color intensity in early November, creating spectacular campus views along the Diag and Nichols Arboretum
University of Michigan football season climax - November home games create electric campus atmosphere with 107,000+ fans at Michigan Stadium, plus easier parking than September games
Comfortable outdoor temperatures 10°C-18°C (50°F-65°F) perfect for walking campus, visiting outdoor farmers markets, and exploring Huron River trails without summer heat or winter snow
Pre-holiday pricing on accommodations - rates drop 20-30% after October homecoming rush but before December graduation, with downtown hotels averaging $120-180/night vs $200+ in October

Considerations

Unpredictable weather swings - temperatures can fluctuate 15°C (27°F) between days, requiring multiple clothing layers and flexible outdoor plans
Limited daylight hours - sunset by 5:30pm means outdoor activities must be planned for midday, and evening downtown exploration happens in darkness
Seasonal business closures - many outdoor attractions like Dexter Cider Mill and some Huron River kayak rentals close after Halloween weekend

Best Activities in November

University of Michigan Campus Walking Tours

November offers the perfect combination of impressive fall colors and comfortable walking weather. The campus transforms into a botanical showcase with over 400 tree species displaying peak autumn colors. Morning temperatures around 8°C (46°F) are ideal for 2-3 hour self-guided walks through the Law Quad, Diag, and Medical Campus without the exhaustion of summer heat or winter ice concerns.

Booking Tip: Self-guided tours are free year-round. Official university tours run weekdays at 2pm and require online registration 3-5 days ahead during November due to prospective student visits. Campus parking costs $15/day but downtown meters are free after 6pm for evening exploration.

Nichols Arboretum and Huron River Trail Hiking

The 123-acre Arboretum showcases Michigan's native ecosystems in full autumn glory. November's moderate temperatures and low humidity make the 4.8 km (3-mile) trail system comfortable for all fitness levels. The Peony Garden transitions to winter interest plants, while prairie grasses create golden backdrops perfect for photography. Recent trail improvements in 2024 added better signage and accessibility features.

Booking Tip: Free access dawn to dusk. Download the Arb mobile app for self-guided tour routes. Parking is limited to 2 hours on weekdays - arrive before 10am or after 3pm for guaranteed spots. Trail conditions are best 48 hours after rain when mud has dried but leaves remain busy.

Historic Downtown and Kerrytown Market Shopping

November's cooler weather makes downtown walking tours comfortable, while indoor markets provide warm refuges during temperature drops. Kerrytown's indoor vendors showcase Michigan-made crafts perfect for early holiday shopping. The Saturday farmers market (9am-3pm) features late-season produce, apple cider, and warm prepared foods ideal for November's crisp mornings.

Booking Tip: Free to explore. Kerrytown Market is busiest Saturday mornings - visit Friday afternoons or Sunday mornings for easier browsing. Downtown parking structures offer $5 all-day rates on weekends. Many shops extend hours through November for holiday shopping, staying open until 8pm Thursday-Saturday.

University Museums and Indoor Cultural Attractions

November's variable weather makes indoor cultural activities essential backup plans. The Museum of Natural History, Kelsey Museum of Archaeology, and University Musical Society performances provide world-class experiences regardless of weather. The newly renovated Michigan Theater shows both blockbusters and indie films, while multiple campus art galleries feature rotating exhibitions perfect for 1-2 hour visits between outdoor activities.

Booking Tip: Most university museums offer free admission with suggested donations of $5-10. UMS performances require advance booking - November shows typically cost $25-85 and sell out 2-3 weeks ahead. Michigan Theater tickets are $8-15 for films, $20-60 for live performances. Student discounts available with valid ID.

Local Brewery and Distillery Tours

Ann Arbor's craft beverage scene thrives in November's cooler weather, with indoor venues providing perfect respite from variable outdoor conditions. Multiple breweries within walking distance of downtown offer tours showcasing Michigan ingredients and brewing techniques. November features seasonal releases like winter ales and holiday spirits, with many locations offering tasting flights paired with local cheese and charcuterie.

Booking Tip: Most brewery tours cost $10-20 including tastings, available Friday-Sunday without advance booking. Distillery tours require reservations and cost $15-25. Groups of 6+ should book 1-2 weeks ahead. Many locations offer package deals combining tours with food pairings for $35-50 per person.

Football Game Day Experiences

November typically features 1-2 home games at Michigan Stadium, creating unmatched college sports atmosphere. Pre-game tailgating starts 4 hours before kickoff with elaborate setups throughout campus. The 107,601-capacity stadium creates incredible energy, while November's cooler temperatures make 3+ hour outdoor events comfortable with proper layering. Post-game celebrations continue downtown for hours after final whistles.

Booking Tip: Single game tickets range $75-400 depending on opponent and weather forecasts. StubHub prices drop significantly 2-3 hours before kickoff but risk sellouts for rivalry games. Parking costs $40-60 and must be reserved in advance. Consider walking 1.6 km (1 mile) from downtown parking for free alternatives.

November Events & Festivals

Variable - typically 1-2 Saturday games in November

University of Michigan Football Home Games

November typically hosts crucial Big Ten conference games with playoff implications, creating maximum crowd energy and campus excitement. Tailgating culture reaches peak intensity with elaborate spreads and alumni gatherings throughout campus neighborhoods.

Various dates throughout November

Ann Arbor Film Festival Preparation Events

Pre-festival workshops and filmmaker meetups occur throughout November, leading up to the March main event. Local venues host documentary screenings and experimental film discussions, providing insider access to the festival's avant-garde culture.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack lightweight base layers, medium-weight sweaters, and waterproof outer shell for 20°C+ (36°F+) daily temperature swings

Waterproof walking shoes with good tread - campus limestone paths become slippery when wet, and you'll walk 8-12 km (5-7.5 miles) daily exploring downtown and campus

Compact umbrella - November rain tends to be light but frequent, lasting 15-30 minutes with little warning

Warm hat and gloves for early morning/evening - temperatures can drop to 2°C (36°F) during clear nights, especially near the Huron River

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index reaches 8 on clear days, and autumn sun reflects strongly off wet pavement and remaining snow patches

Portable phone charger - cold weather drains batteries 30-40% faster, and you'll use GPS extensively navigating campus and downtown

Cash for parking meters - many campus-adjacent spots don't accept cards, and meter rates are $1.50/hour in downtown core

Comfortable day pack - you'll carry layers as temperatures change, plus purchases from farmers markets and campus bookstores

Light scarf - practical for temperature regulation and matches Ann Arbor's casual-academic dress culture

Insulated water bottle - staying hydrated is important in dry indoor heating, and refill stations are abundant across campus

Insider Knowledge

University parking enforcement is strictest Tuesday-Thursday 8am-5pm - use downtown structures for $5-8/day instead of risking $45 campus tickets

Football game weekends triple accommodation prices within 16 km (10 miles) of campus - book by September or consider staying in United Kingdom or Jackson with 45-minute drives

State Street businesses offer 'student pricing' to anyone who asks politely - works especially well at bookstores, cafes, and casual restaurants

The Diag's diagonal walkways save significant time crossing central campus, but avoid during 10-minute class changes when 40,000 students create pedestrian traffic jams

Avoid These Mistakes

Underestimating walking distances - campus spans 3.2 km (2 miles) end-to-end, and popular attractions are spread throughout the city requiring 5+ km daily walking

Assuming football tickets are readily available - major games sell out months ahead, and secondary market prices can exceed $300 for rivalry games

Not checking university calendar - campus dead weeks and exam periods in late November mean reduced dining hours, limited student-led tours, and quieter nightlife scene