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Contents
- The climate of Detroit
- The best time to visit Detroit
- The worst time to visit Detroit
- Spring weather in Detroit
- Summer weather in Detroit
- Autumn weather in Detroit
- Winter weather in Detroit
- Weather in January
- Weather in February
- Weather in March
- Weather in April
- Weather in May
- Weather in June
- Weather in July
- Weather in August
- Weather in September
- Weather in October
- Weather in November
- Weather in December
- Frequently asked questions
- Average temperature
- Average pressure
- Average wind speed
- Average humidity
- Average rainfall
- Average rainfall days
- Average snowfall
- Average snowfall days
- Average sea temperature
- Average daylight
- Average sunshine
- Average sunshine days
- Average UV index
- Average cloud cover
- Average visibility
The downtown city of Detroit, Michigan viewed from a bird's eye angle
The climate of Detroit
Detroit, a city in the U.S. state of Michigan, lies within the zone categorized by the Köppen climate classification as Dfa. This classification represents a humid continental climate typified by hot summers with no dry season. In such an environment, four distinguished seasons each portray a different weather persona - balmy summers, crisp autumns, freezing winters, and blossoming springs.
The annual temperature range witnesses a significant fluctuation from 65.8°F (18.8°C) in the coldest month of January to above 79.9°F (26.6°C) in the warmest month of July. Despite these variations, the city experiences a consistent level of relative humidity, averaging 75% throughout the year. Nevertheless, the city's location near Lake Erie moderates the climate, preventing weather extremes.
Rainfall also changes quite noticeably with the swing of seasons, with total monthly averages varying from 1.22" (31mm) in February to 2.87" (73mm) in May. A constant of 16% is seen in the annual rainfall days, thus the city receives precipitation throughout the year. Likewise, snowfall marks the city from November to April, with the most substantial accumulation of 4.29" (109mm) in January.
Unique aspect of Detroit's climate is the intense daylight that the city enjoys, particularly in summer. The daylight hours peak at 15.2 hours in June, while the shortest day length is 9.1 hours in December. Correspondingly, the sunshine hours fluctuate from 10.6 hours of sunshine in July to 3.6 hours in December.
The annual temperature range witnesses a significant fluctuation from 65.8°F (18.8°C) in the coldest month of January to above 79.9°F (26.6°C) in the warmest month of July. Despite these variations, the city experiences a consistent level of relative humidity, averaging 75% throughout the year. Nevertheless, the city's location near Lake Erie moderates the climate, preventing weather extremes.
Rainfall also changes quite noticeably with the swing of seasons, with total monthly averages varying from 1.22" (31mm) in February to 2.87" (73mm) in May. A constant of 16% is seen in the annual rainfall days, thus the city receives precipitation throughout the year. Likewise, snowfall marks the city from November to April, with the most substantial accumulation of 4.29" (109mm) in January.
Unique aspect of Detroit's climate is the intense daylight that the city enjoys, particularly in summer. The daylight hours peak at 15.2 hours in June, while the shortest day length is 9.1 hours in December. Correspondingly, the sunshine hours fluctuate from 10.6 hours of sunshine in July to 3.6 hours in December.
The best time to visit Detroit
May to September stands out as the most preferential time to visit Detroit, Michigan, primarily due to the favorable temperature. Avg highs during this period range around 65.3°F (18.5°C) in May to 79.9°F (26.6°C) in July. Additionally, sunshine hours are at their peaky during these months, with May and September providing approximately 8.9 and 8.3 hours of sunshine per day, respectively, thereby making outdoor activities more enjoyable.
The worst time to visit Detroit
Visiting between November and March could pose some challenges. During these months, temperatures remain far below comfortable ranges, hovering from 19.6°F (-6.9°C) in January to 41.7°F (5.4°C) in March. Furthermore, the specter of snowfall, reaching its peak with an accumulation of 4.29" (109mm) in January, negatively impact regular day-to-day activities and sightseeing.
Spring weather in Detroit
Spring in Detroit, occurring from March to May, showcases improvement in the temperature. Days grow longer with increasing daylight hours, and temperatures ascend from 41.7°F (5.4°C) in March to 65.3°F (18.5°C) in May. The city welcomes increased rainfall during spring, peaking at 2.87" (73mm) and 16.8 rainfall days in May, indicating the season of growth and renewal in the city.
Summer weather in Detroit
Summer, extending from June through August, is the warmest season in Detroit. Temperatures soar to about 74.5°F (23.6°C) in June and peak at 79.9°F (26.6°C) in July. Precipitation is relatively consistent, logging between 2.32" (59mm) and 2.76" (70mm), ensuring a moist atmosphere. On balance, longer daylight hours and consistent temperatures make summer an appealing time for tourists and locals alike.
Autumn weather in Detroit
Detroit experiences a mild autumn from September through November. The temperatures begin to dip from 72.3°F (22.4°C) in September to a more relaxed 45.7°F (7.6°C) in November. The daylight hours likewise reduce, from 12.5 hours in September to 9.8 hours in November. Rainfall experiences a slight decrease, with an average of approximately 1.38" (35mm) in November.
Winter weather in Detroit
The advent of winter from December to February introduces Detroit to its coldest months, with temperature sinking from 35.2°F (1.8°C) in December to a low of 19.6°F (-6.9°C) in February. Snowfall becomes a regular affair during these months, peaking at 4.29" (109mm) in January. Daylight hours are noticeably shorter in winter, with the shortest day length of the year recorded in December at approximately 9.1 hours.
Weather in January
January in Detroit, Michigan is characterized by a crisp winter scene. The chilly temperatures, which range from 19.6°F (-6.9°C) to 29.3°F (-1.5°C), make for a period of freezing conditions. This season sees frosty mornings, often developing into cold, overcast days due to high cloud coverage of 67%. Weather in January »
Weather in February
The transition from January to February in Detroit welcomes slightly warmer temperatures, although one should still expect cold conditions. While the weather in February largely mirrors that of January, the city begins experiencing longer daylight hours. Weather in February »
Weather in March
March brings a sigh of relief with warmer temperatures, reaching up to 41.7°F (5.4°C) during the day. There is a substantial decrease in snowfall compared to February, indicating a clear transition to spring. March suggests the end of the long and frigid winter nights in Detroit. Weather in March »
Weather in April
April is the start of mild weather for Detroit with pretty high rainfall of 2.64" (67mm). With temperatures ascending toward 53.1°F (11.7°C), the city starts to warm up considerably. Residents are eager to take advantage of the dissipating cold and increased daylight hours. Weather in April »
Weather in May
May brings a real promise of spring to Detroit with higher temperatures around 65.3°F (18.5°C). Transitioning from April, the days become longer and warmer. The city is beautifully awash with blooming plants and vibrant greenery. Light clothing becomes standard as residents prepare for eventual summer heat. Weather in May »
Weather in June
June marks the arrival of summer in Detroit, characterized by an increase in daylight hours. Residents enjoy warm temperatures around 74.5°F (23.6°C), cool breezes, and late sunsets. Frequented outdoor locations, such as Belle Isle, buzz with more visitors soaking in the sun. Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is one of the hottest periods in Detroit with higher temperature averages of approximately 79.9°F (26.6°C). The ample sunshine, combined with lighter winds, makes for the perfect opportunity to explore Detroit's numerous parks and outdoor entertainment options. Weather in July »
Weather in August
August experiences a slight drop in temperature from July, although it remains within the summer range at 78.4°F (25.8°C). The minor reduction in heat provides a small reprieve from the sweltering July weather. Cloud cover starts to increase slightly, offering more shade and relief from the still-intense sun. Weather in August »
Weather in September
September welcomes the arrival of autumn in Detroit, with average temperatures dropping to 72.3°F (22.4°C). Autumn offers a dazzling display of colors as foliage begins to change from green to shades of gold, red, and brown. Weather in September »
Weather in October
October is characterized by more noticeable shifts in weather as autumn deepens in Detroit. Average temperatures drop further to 58.8°F (14.9°C), creating a substantial difference from the warmth of September. While the days become visually vibrant due to the changing leaves, they also become shorter. Weather in October »
Weather in November
November endorses the beginning of the cold season in Detroit with average temperatures sliding down to 45.7°F (7.6°C). The vibrant autumn colors of October give way to a more muted landscape as tree leaves fall. The city gears up for the impending winter, with heating systems starting to hum again. Weather in November »
Weather in December
December brings a festive chill to Detroit, with temperatures averaging between 27.5°F (-2.5°C) and 35.2°F (1.8°C). Residents expect a white Christmas with the weather transitioning into a full-fledged winter. The arrival of snowfall brings an element of magic to the Christmas season within the city. Weather in December »
Updated: Jun 17, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
What is the coldest month?
January is the coldest month, with the temperature often reaching an average high of 29.3°F (-1.5°C) and an average low of 19.6°F (-6.9°C).
How many days does it rain?
Throughout the year, there are 152.1 rainfall days, and 23.43" (595mm) of precipitation is accumulated.
When does it snow in Detroit?
January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Detroit.
What is the snowiest month in Detroit?
The month with the most snowfall is January, when snow falls for 14.5 days and typically aggregates up to 4.29" (109mm) of snow.
How many days does it snow?
Throughout the year, there are 54.3 snowfall days, and 14.84" (377mm) of snow is accumulated.
What is the month with the least sunshine?
The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 3.2h of sunshine.
What is the most humid month in Detroit?
The most humid month is February, with an average relative humidity of 85%.
What is the driest month?
The month with the least rainfall in Detroit is February, when the rain falls for 7.3 days and typically collects 1.22" (31mm) of precipitation.
What is the month with the coldest ocean?
February is the month with the coldest seawater, with an average ocean temperature of 32.7°F (0.4°C).
When is Daylight Saving Time (DST)?
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from EST to EDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from EDT to EST.
What is the wettest month in Detroit?
The month with the most rainfall is May, when the rain falls for 16.8 days and typically aggregates up to 2.87" (73mm) of precipitation.
When it does not snow?
In Detroit, snow does not fall in June through September.
When are the longest days?
The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 12min of daylight.
What is the month with the highest UV index?
The months with the highest UV index are June through August, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
What are the warmest months?
In Detroit, the average highest temperatures are observed in July, with a high of 79.9°F (26.6°C) and a low of 65.8°F (18.8°C).
What are the least humid months?
July and August, with an average relative humidity of 73%, are the least humid months in Detroit.
What month has the most sunshine?
July has the most sunshine of the year, with an average of 10.6h of sunshine.
What month is the ocean warmest in Detroit?
With an average ocean temperature of 75.4°F (24.1°C), August is the month with the warmest seawater.
What is the month with the shortest days?
December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 6min of daylight.
What is the month with the lowest UV index in Detroit?
December is the month with the lowest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 1.
Average temperature
Detroit, MI
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (79.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.3°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (65.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (19.6°F).
Average pressure
Detroit, MI
- Average pressure in January:
30.08"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.07"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.96"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.93"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.96"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30.04"Hg - Average pressure in October:
30"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.1"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.08"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.1"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.93"Hg).
Average wind speed
Detroit, MI
- Average wind speed in January:
10.5mph - Average wind speed in February:
10.1mph - Average wind speed in March:
9.6mph - Average wind speed in April:
9.9mph - Average wind speed in May:
8.2mph - Average wind speed in June:
7.6mph
- Average wind speed in July:
6.8mph - Average wind speed in August:
7.1mph - Average wind speed in September:
8mph - Average wind speed in October:
9.9mph - Average wind speed in November:
10.4mph - Average wind speed in December:
10.3mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (10.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (6.8mph).
Average humidity
Detroit, MI
The month with the highest relative humidity is February (85%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July and August (73%).
Average rainfall
Detroit, MI
- Average rainfall in January:
1.34" - Average rainfall in February:
1.22" - Average rainfall in March:
1.54" - Average rainfall in April:
2.64" - Average rainfall in May:
2.87" - Average rainfall in June:
2.76"
- Average rainfall in July:
2.32" - Average rainfall in August:
2.44" - Average rainfall in September:
1.73" - Average rainfall in October:
1.93" - Average rainfall in November:
1.38" - Average rainfall in December:
1.26"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (2.87").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (1.22").
Average rainfall days
Detroit, MI
- Average rainfall days in January:
7.1 days - Average rainfall days in February:
7.3 days - Average rainfall days in March:
10.7 days - Average rainfall days in April:
16.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
16.8 days - Average rainfall days in June:
16.3 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
16.5 days - Average rainfall days in August:
15.2 days - Average rainfall days in September:
13.1 days - Average rainfall days in October:
14.5 days - Average rainfall days in November:
9.9 days - Average rainfall days in December:
8.5 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (16.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (7.1 days).
Average snowfall
Detroit, MI
- Average snowfall in January:
4.29" - Average snowfall in February:
4.13" - Average snowfall in March:
1.1" - Average snowfall in April:
0.98" - Average snowfall in May:
0.43" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is January (4.29").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Detroit, MI
- Average snowfall days in January:
14.5 days - Average snowfall days in February:
12.5 days - Average snowfall days in March:
7.2 days - Average snowfall days in April:
2.3 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.3 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
0.2 days - Average snowfall days in November:
4.9 days - Average snowfall days in December:
12.4 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (14.5 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average sea temperature
Detroit, MI
The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (75.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (32.7°F).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Detroit, MI
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 3min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 4min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 2min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 4min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 1min
- Average daylight in July:
14h and 5min - Average daylight in August:
13h and 5min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 3min - Average daylight in October:
11h and 0min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 5min - Average daylight in December:
9h and 1min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 6min).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 1min - Average sunshine in February:
4h and 0min - Average sunshine in March:
5h and 5min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 2min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 5min - Average sunshine in June:
10h and 1min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 4min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 3min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 2min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 4min - Average sunshine in November:
4h and 5min - Average sunshine in December:
3h and 4min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 12min).
Average sunshine days
Detroit, MI
- Average sunshine days in January:
11.2 days - Average sunshine days in February:
10.7 days - Average sunshine days in March:
13.9 days - Average sunshine days in April:
11.1 days - Average sunshine days in May:
12.3 days - Average sunshine days in June:
12.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
12.4 days - Average sunshine days in August:
13 days - Average sunshine days in September:
15 days - Average sunshine days in October:
13.6 days - Average sunshine days in November:
15.2 days - Average sunshine days in December:
13 days
The month with the most sunshine days is November (15.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (10.7 days).
Average UV index
Detroit, MI
The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Detroit, MI
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 67).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 27).
Average visibility
Detroit, MI
The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is January (5mi).
Detroit, Michigan, USA
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