Ann Arbor has a continental climate with four distinct seasons. Summers are warm and pleasant, with highs in the low 80s F (27-30 C) and long days perfect for outdoor dining and walking. This is when the city is most relaxed — fewer students, more space, and the farmers' market at its peak.
Autumn is arguably the best time to visit. September through mid-November brings crisp weather, spectacular fall color in the Arb and around campus, and the energy of football season. Home game weekends transform the city — expect crowds, noise, and a charged atmosphere.
Winters are cold and gray, with temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from December through February. Snowfall is moderate but persistent. The upside is that indoor attractions — museums, bookshops, restaurants, music venues — are at their most appealing when it is miserable outside.
Spring arrives slowly, usually by late April. The Ann Arbor Film Festival in March and the Ann Arbor Summer Festival in June are the two major cultural events worth timing a visit around.