Ann Arbor in September

September weather, activities, events & insider tips

September Weather in Ann Arbor

75°C (167°F) High Temp

51°C (124°F) Low Temp

2.5 mm (0.1 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is September Right for You?

Advantages

Football season energy reaches fever pitch - Michigan Stadium fills with 107,601 fans creating an electric atmosphere you won't find any other month
Peak fall foliage timing - maples and oaks turn brilliant reds and golds, making campus walks and Huron River trails impressive for photography
Perfect outdoor weather window - daytime temperatures of 21-24°C (70-75°F) ideal for farmers market visits, outdoor dining, and campus tours before winter hits
Student energy returns - downtown restaurants, bars, and cultural venues operate at full capacity with extended hours and special programming

Considerations

Hotel prices spike 200-300% during home football weekends - a $120 hotel room jumps to $400+ and books out months ahead
Massive crowd influxes on game days - downtown streets become gridlocked, restaurants have 2-hour waits, and parking costs $50-100
Weather unpredictability - you might experience 15°C (59°F) rain one day and 27°C (81°F) sunshine the next, making packing challenging

Best Activities in September

University of Michigan Campus Walking Tours

September showcases campus at its absolute best - students are back, fall colors emerge, and the academic energy is palpable. The Law Quad looks particularly impressive with early autumn light filtering through changing leaves. Weather is perfect for the 1.6 km (1 mile) self-guided route without summer's oppressive heat or winter's bitter cold.

Booking Tip: Free self-guided tours available daily, but official guided tours (typically $15-25) book up fast during football weekends. Reserve 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend tours. Check current availability in the booking section below.

Huron River Kayaking and Canoeing

September offers ideal paddling conditions - water temperatures remain comfortable at 18-20°C (64-68°F) while air stays warm during the day. Fall colors reflect beautifully on the water, and you'll avoid summer's peak crowds and winter's harsh conditions. The 8 km (5 mile) Gallup Park to Argo Park route takes 2-3 hours.

Booking Tip: Rental rates typically $35-50 per day through local outfitters. No advance booking needed for weekdays, but reserve 1 week ahead for weekends. Weather can change quickly, so check conditions day-of.

Ann Arbor Farmers Market Food Tours

September brings peak harvest season - you'll find the year's best apples, squashes, and late-summer tomatoes that locals stock up on before winter. Saturday mornings (7am-3pm) offer the full experience with 40+ vendors. The cooler 16-18°C (60-65°F) morning temperatures make browsing comfortable without wilting produce or overheating.

Booking Tip: Market entrance is free, but guided food tours cost $45-65 per person. Tours fill up during football weekends - book 2 weeks ahead. Bring cash for vendor purchases ($20-40 typical spending).

Matthaei Botanical Gardens Nature Photography

September marks the transition period when late summer blooms overlap with early fall colors - creating unique photographic opportunities. The conservatory provides indoor backup during the 10 rainy days typical in September. Prairie trails showcase native Michigan plants at their seasonal peak, and morning light (7-9am) offers the best conditions.

Booking Tip: General admission $5-12, photography workshops $35-55. Gardens are less crowded on weekday mornings. Special fall photography sessions available - see current offerings in booking section below.

Local Brewery Cycling Tours

September's mild temperatures make the 12-16 km (7.5-10 mile) brewery routes comfortable without summer's heat exhaustion risk. Oktoberfest-style seasonal beers launch this month, and outdoor beer gardens remain open before cold weather forces everyone inside. Routes connect 4-6 breweries within the city limits.

Booking Tip: Self-guided routes free with bike rental ($25-35/day), guided tours typically $65-85 including tastings. Book bike rentals 3-5 days ahead during busy weekends. Most tours include safety gear and designated driver options.

Football Game Day Experiences

September typically features 2-3 home games including major conference matchups. The 107,601-seat Michigan Stadium creates an atmosphere unmatched anywhere else in college sports. Tailgating starts 4 hours before kickoff in perfect weather conditions - not too hot for grilling, not too cold for outdoor fun.

Booking Tip: Tickets range $150-500+ depending on opponent. Buy from official sources or verified resellers. Parking passes $30-100, but walking from downtown (1.6 km/1 mile) is popular. Book accommodation 6 months ahead for major games.

September Events & Festivals

Mid September

Ann Arbor Book Festival

Annual literary celebration featuring local and visiting authors, typically held in Kerrytown district. Multiple venues host readings, workshops, and book signings throughout the weekend.

Late September

FestiFools Community Art Event

Creative community celebration with handmade puppet processions and street performances. Weather in September makes outdoor participation comfortable for families and artists.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Layering system essential - pack t-shirts, long sleeves, and light sweater for 15°C (27°F) daily temperature swings

Waterproof jacket with hood - September rain comes in quick bursts, and you'll be walking between venues frequently

Comfortable walking shoes with good tread - campus has hills and rain makes brick walkways slippery

Sunglasses and SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 8 still requires protection during outdoor activities

Small backpack or crossbody bag - for farmers market purchases, football game essentials, and day-long campus exploring

Portable phone charger - you'll be using maps, taking photos, and coordinating meetups constantly

Cash in small bills - many local vendors, food trucks, and parking meters prefer cash payments

Light scarf or bandana - useful for changing weather and football game team colors

Closed-toe shoes for evening - temperatures drop to 10-13°C (50-55°F) and bars/restaurants prefer covered shoes

Compact umbrella - fits in bag for sudden afternoon showers that last 15-30 minutes

Insider Knowledge

Avoid booking anything during Michigan vs. Ohio State weekend - even if it's not in September, locals plan their entire fall around this rivalry and prices stay inflated

Downtown parking is free after 6pm and on Sundays - time your dinner reservations accordingly to save $10-25 per visit

Local students return around August 28th, so the first week of September offers better restaurant availability before the rush hits full swing

Many restaurants offer 'student specials' that visitors can access - ask about happy hour pricing (typically 3-6pm) even if you're not enrolled

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking accommodation without checking the football schedule - even away games affect local pricing and availability due to watch parties

Underdressing for evening activities - temperature drops 10-15°C (18-27°F) from afternoon to night, catching visitors off-guard

Planning outdoor activities without indoor backup - September's 10 rainy days often hit without warning and last just long enough to disrupt plans