Climate and monthly weather forecast
Detroit Lakes, MN

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The climate of Detroit Lakes

Situated in Minnesota, the United States, Detroit Lakes presents a predominant Humid Continental climate, classified within the Köppen climate system as Dfb, characterized by having no dry season and a warm summer. Comprehensive climate data imply a clear four-season cycle, with weather conditions varying significantly throughout the year.

Temperature variation in Detroit Lakes is extensive, from a low of 2.7°F (-16.3°C) in winter months to a peak of around 79°F (26.1°C) during the summer. Throughout the year, precipitation is quite consistent with rainfall occurring on an increasing scale from 0.67" (17mm) in February to 3.19" (81mm) by June, followed by a gentle decline towards the end of the year. Simultaneously, the number of rainfall days sees a comparable pattern, with the maximum number of rainy days in June, averaging 17.2.

The city experiences a considerable amount of snowfall as well, especially between winter and early spring months, where total snowfall is around 5.63" (143mm) in December and 4.57" (116mm) in February. The daylight duration gradually increases from 9 hours in January to 15.8 hours in June, decreasing gradually thereafter. The cloud cover changes throughout the year, moving from a high of 74% in January to a low of 29% in July.

The best time to visit Detroit Lakes

The most recommended period to visit Detroit Lakes would be from late spring to early fall, particularly between May and September, when the weather is comfortably warm, with high temperatures ranging from 63.7°F (17.6°C) to 77.4°F (25.2°C). During these months, there are extended daylight hours, ranging between 15.1 and 15.8 hours, providing ample time for outdoor activities.

The worst time to visit Detroit Lakes

The least recommended time to visit Detroit Lakes would be the winter months of December through February, when the weather can get harsh with temperatures dropping even down to 2.7°F (-16.3°C). Unless winter sports and activities are the main purpose of visiting, these months have shorter daylight hours varying from 8.6 to 10.3 hours, and a high chance of snowfall, which could affect travel plans adversely.

Spring weather in Detroit Lakes

Spring in Detroit Lakes, from March to May, experiences a significant increase in temperatures from 34.2°F (1.2°C) to 63.7°F (17.6°C). Rainfall also increases with the arrival of spring, from 1.18" (30mm) in March to 2.52" (64mm) by May. The length of daylight extends from 11.9 hours in March to 15.1 hours by May, providing more opportunities for outdoor activities.

Summer weather in Detroit Lakes

Summer in Detroit Lakes, June through August, sees the warmest temperatures of the year, averaging from 73.2°F (22.9°C) to 79°F (26.1°C). There is substantial precipitation in June at 3.19" (81mm), although it declines in the following months. The daylight hours are at their peak, between 15.1 and 15.8 hours, perfect for summer vacations.

Autumn weather in Detroit Lakes

Fall, from September to November, brings cooler temperatures, ranging from 68.9°F (20.5°C) down to 35.8°F (2.1°C). The amount of rainfall also decreases from 1.42" (36mm) in September to 0.75" (19mm) by November. The daylight hours reduce from 12.5 hours in September to 9.4 hours by November.

Winter weather in Detroit Lakes

Winter in Detroit Lakes, December through February, is characterized by the lowest temperatures of the year, dropping to as low as 2.7°F (-16.3°C), along with high snowfall amounts peaking at 5.63" (143mm) in December. The daylight hours are the shortest, ranging from 8.6 to 10.3 hours, decreasing outdoor activity opportunities. Despite these conditions, winter sports enthusiasts may find this season attractive.

Weather in January

In Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, January sees the core winter season. The constant chill and regular snowfall mark this month, setting it apart from the rest of the year. The cold sustains a low average temperature of 2.7°F (-16.3°C), and the highest goes only up to 16.2°F (-8.8°C). Weather in January »

Weather in February

Following January's intense cold, February brings minor but noticeable shifts to the weather in Detroit Lakes. The temperature averages rise marginally, and the amount of snowfall reduces, indicating the start of a transition phase in the climate. Weather in February »

Weather in March

March witnesses a definitive switch from winter to spring in Detroit Lakes. The temperature highs spike up to 34.2°F (1.2°C), hinting at warmer days ahead. The change in weather is also marked by an increase in rainfall and daylight hours. Weather in March »

Weather in April

Throughout April, individuals in Detroit Lakes experience a definite transition into spring. Temperatures become pleasant, and the city usually sees a considerable reduction in snowfall. Correspondingly, there is a noticeable drop in humidity levels. Weather in April »

Weather in May

May, in Detroit Lakes, is marked by a consistent rise in temperatures, paving the way for the sweltering summer months that follow. The climate progressively heats up, and the amount of rainfall increases significantly, doubling the March average to 2.52" (64mm). Weather in May »

Weather in June

Detroit Lakes weather in June is characterized by longer days and significant warmth. The climate noticeably shifts from pleasant spring evenings to hot summer days. Routine activities adapt to the sunny conditions, with average daylight reaching up to 15.8 hours. Weather in June »

Weather in July

July is characterized by its peak summer conditions in Detroit Lakes. The increase in temperature is accompanied by a parallel decline in cloud cover, plummeting to an annual low of 29%. Residents bask under the summer sun, enjoying the longest daylight hours of the year. Weather in July »

Weather in August

August remains intrinsically summer in Detroit Lakes, yet the weather conditions begin to relax slightly. The month introduces a gradual shift towards autumn, bringing it in with reduced daylight hours and cooler breezes. Citizens receive respite from the intense July heat. Weather in August »

Weather in September

As September sets in, Detroit Lakes starts unveiling signs of the impending autumn. The month sees a noticeable dip in temperature and daylight hours from August to September. The combination of milder days and chilly nights indicate the onset of autumn. Weather in September »

Weather in October

October in Detroit Lakes represents a classic autumn month. Temperatures drop further, and daylight hours decrease, signaling the approach of winter. While days become cooler, nights become progressively chilly. The vibrant colors of fall give Detroit Lakes its distinctive charm during October. Weather in October »

Weather in November

November initiates the transition from autumn to winter in Detroit Lakes. The weather circumstances drastically transform, with temperatures falling and snowfall making its first significant appearance since early in the year. Weather in November »

Weather in December

December in Detroit Lakes ushers in a full-fledged winter season. The temperature drops dramatically, and snowfall becomes a common phenomenon, marking the return of the winter cycle. The most substantial decline in daylight hours is observed during this month. Weather in December »
Updated: Aug 19, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What month is the coldest?

January, with its average high-temperature of 16.2°F (-8.8°C) and an average low-temperature of 2.7°F (-16.3°C), holds the record as the coldest month in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota.

What is the most humid month?

The most humid month in Detroit Lakes is January, with an average relative humidity of 93%.

What is the driest month?

January and February are months with the least rain when the rain falls for 2.2 days and typically aggregates up to 0.67" (17mm) of rain.

How many days does it rain?

In Detroit Lakes, during the entire year, the rain falls for 112.4 days and collects up to 19.8" (503mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall.

How much does it snow?

Throughout the year, in Detroit Lakes, there are 84 snowfall days, and 27.2" (691mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine?

With an average of 2.5h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year.

When is the lowest UV index?

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Detroit Lakes?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.

What is the least humid month?

May is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 69%.

What is the wettest month?

June is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 17.2 days and accumulates 3.19" (81mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow?

June through September are months without snowfall.

When are the longest days?

With an average of 15h and 48min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year.

What time of the year is the hottest?

In Detroit Lakes, July registers the highest temperatures, averaging 79°F (26.1°C) at the peak and 59.5°F (15.3°C) at the lowest.

What month has the most sunshine?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 10.5h of sunshine.

What is the month with the highest UV index?

July is the month with the highest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

When does it snow the most?

December is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 18.1 days and accumulates 5.63" (143mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 8h and 36min of daylight.

Average temperature
Detroit Lakes, MN

Average temperature - Detroit Lakes, MN

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (79°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (16.2°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (59.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (2.7°F).

Average pressure
Detroit Lakes, MN

Average pressure - Detroit Lakes, MN

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (30.16"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.87"Hg).

Average wind speed
Detroit Lakes, MN

Average wind speed - Detroit Lakes, MN

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is October (9.8mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (7.7mph).

Average humidity
Detroit Lakes, MN

Average humidity - Detroit Lakes, MN

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (93%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is May (69%).

Average rainfall
Detroit Lakes, MN

Average rainfall - Detroit Lakes, MN

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (3.19").
The driest months (with the least rainfall) are January and February (0.67").

Average rainfall days
Detroit Lakes, MN

Average rainfall days - Detroit Lakes, MN

The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (17.2 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (2.1 days).

Average snowfall
Detroit Lakes, MN

Average snowfall - Detroit Lakes, MN

The month with the highest snowfall is December (5.63").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Detroit Lakes, MN

Average snowfall days - Detroit Lakes, MN

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is December (18.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Detroit Lakes, MN

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Detroit Lakes, MN

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 36min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 30min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 2h and 30min).

Average sunshine days
Detroit Lakes, MN

Average sunshine days - Detroit Lakes, MN

The month with the most sunshine days is September (17.1 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (10 days).

Average UV index
Detroit Lakes, MN

Average UV index - Detroit Lakes, MN

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Detroit Lakes, MN

Average visibility - Detroit Lakes, MN

The months with the highest visibility are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January and February (4mi).

Detroit Lakes, Minnesota, USA

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