January weather forecast
Detroit, MI

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The downtown city of Detroit, Michigan viewed from a bird
The downtown city of Detroit, Michigan viewed from a bird's eye angle

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%. The hum of heaters fills homes, as residents brace for the cold. Snowfall is a common sight throughout this month, adding to the magnificent winter landscape.

Temperature

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).

Humidity

The average relative humidity in January in Detroit is 84%.

Rainfall

In Detroit, in January, during 7.1 rainfall days, 1.34" (34mm) of precipitation is typically accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 152.1 rainfall days, and 23.43" (595mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall. The month with the most snowfall in Detroit is January, when snow falls for 14.5 days and typically aggregates up to 4.29" (109mm) of snow.

Ocean temperature

In January, the average ocean temperature in Detroit is 33.6°F (0.9°C).
Note: While swimming, this scenario is perilously cold, dangerous, and potentially fatal. Hypothermia is almost imminent without proper insulated waterproof attire.

Daylight

The average length of the day in January is 9h and 30min.
On the first day of January, sunrise is at 8:01 am and sunset at 5:10 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:46 am and sunset at 5:44 pm EST.

Sunshine

January has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 3.2h of sunshine.

UV index

The average daily maximum UV index in January is 2. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a low health risk from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for average individuals.
Note: An average maximum UV index of 2 in January leads to these recommendations:
While many people can endure lengthy sun exposure, it remains imperative to safeguard babies, children, and fair-skinned individuals. Solar radiation peaks around mid-day, so it's wise to limit exposure to the Sun at this time. Counter UV radiation's ill effects with clothing designed for sun safety and UV-resistant eyewear. Mind you! Snow reflection can increase the intensity of the Sun's UV radiation nearly twofold.
Updated: Jun 17, 2024
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 in Detroit, 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 cold is January?

In January, in Detroit, the average high-temperature is 29.3°F (-1.5°C), and the average low-temperature is 19.6°F (-6.9°C).

What is the average humidity in January?

In Detroit, the average relative humidity in January is 84%.

How much does it rain in January?

In January, the rain falls for 7.1 days. Throughout January, 1.34" (34mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

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 in January?

In Detroit, Michigan, during January, snow falls for 14.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 4.29" (109mm) of snow.

What is the water temperature in January?

In Detroit, in January, the average water temperature is 33.6°F (0.9°C). For swimming, this is considered life-threatening and very dangerous. The water feels painfully cold, and hyperventilation quickly occurs. A specialized swimsuit is mandatory to reduce thermal damage.

What is the average length of the day in January?

In January, the average day length is 9h and 30min.

What time are sunrise and sunset in January?

In January, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 8:01 am and sunset at 5:10 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:46 am and sunset at 5:44 pm EST.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

The month with the least sunshine is January, with an average of 3.2h of sunshine.

How long on average sun shines in January?

The average sunshine duration in January is 3.2h.

What is the UV index reading in January?

In Detroit, the average daily maximum UV index in January is 2. A UV Index reading of 2, and below, represents a minimal hazard to health from unsafe exposure to Sun's UV rays.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in January
Detroit, MI

Average temperature in January - Detroit, MI
  • Average high temperature in January: 29.3°F

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).

  • Average low temperature in January: 19.6°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 in January
Detroit, MI

Average pressure in January - Detroit, MI
  • Average pressure in January: 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 in January
Detroit, MI

Average wind speed in January - Detroit, MI
  • Average wind speed in January: 10.5mph

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 in January
Detroit, MI

Average humidity in January - Detroit, MI
  • Average humidity in January: 84%

The month with the highest relative humidity is February (85%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July and August (73%).

Average rainfall in January
Detroit, MI

Average rainfall in January - Detroit, MI
  • Average rainfall in January: 1.34"

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 in January
Detroit, MI

Average rainfall days in January - Detroit, MI
  • Average rainfall days in January: 7.1 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 in January
Detroit, MI

Average snowfall in January - Detroit, MI
  • Average snowfall in January: 4.29"

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 in January
Detroit, MI

Average snowfall days in January - Detroit, MI
  • Average snowfall days in January: 14.5 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 in January
Detroit, MI

Average sea temperature in January - Detroit, MI
  • Average sea temperature in January: 33.6°F

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 in January /
Average sunshine in January
Detroit, MI

Average daylight in January / Average sunshine in January - Detroit, MI
  • Average daylight in January: 9h and 3min

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

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 in January
Detroit, MI

Average sunshine days in January - Detroit, MI
  • Average sunshine days in January: 11.2 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 in January
Detroit, MI

Average UV index in January - Detroit, MI
  • Average UV index in January: 2

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 in January
Detroit, MI

Average cloud cover in January - Detroit, MI
  • Average cloud cover in January: 67

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 in January
Detroit, MI

Average visibility in January - Detroit, MI
  • Average visibility in January: 5mi

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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