Detroit Weather by Month
Detroit, Michigan, experiences four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, relatively humid summers. Weather conditions vary considerably throughout the year, from heavy snowfall in January and February to long daylight hours and warm temperatures in June and July.
The following guide uses the supplied climate data for average temperatures, rainfall, snowfall, rainy days, and daylight hours.
Detroit Weather by Month
You can click the image below to view the full-size weather chart for Detroit.
January – Cold, Snowy Winter Weather
Average high: 32°F (0°C)
Average low: 21°F (-6°C)
Rainfall: 1.8 inches
Rainy days: 7
Snowfall: 12.28 inches
Daylight: 9.5 hours
January is one of the coldest months in Detroit, with average daytime temperatures around freezing and nighttime temperatures dropping to about 21°F. Snow is a major part of the winter climate, with approximately 12.28 inches of snowfall in the supplied data.
Rainfall is relatively low at about 1.8 inches, although precipitation can frequently fall as snow or a mixture of rain and snow. With only 9.5 hours of daylight, January has some of the shortest days of the year.
Best for:
- Winter scenery
- Snow activities
- Museums and indoor attractions
- Quiet city visits
February – Cold and Snowy
Average high: 36°F (2°C)
Average low: 21°F (-6°C)
Rainfall: 1.5 inches
Rainy days: 6
Snowfall: 11.32 inches
Daylight: 10.5 hours
February remains cold in Detroit, with average highs reaching about 36°F and lows around 21°F. Snowfall remains significant, at approximately 11.32 inches, making it another distinctly wintry month.
Rainfall is the lowest of the year at around 1.5 inches, while daylight increases to 10.5 hours. Visitors should still expect freezing temperatures and potentially snowy or icy conditions.
Best for:
- Winter activities
- Indoor attractions
- Museums
- Snowy city views
March – Early Signs of Spring
Average high: 45°F (7°C)
Average low: 28°F (-2°C)
Rainfall: 2.6 inches
Rainy days: 8
Snowfall: 4.09 inches
Daylight: 12 hours
March brings a noticeable transition toward spring. Average highs rise to about 45°F, although mornings and evenings can still be below freezing.
Snowfall decreases considerably to about 4.09 inches, while rainfall increases to 2.6 inches. With 12 hours of daylight, March provides more opportunities for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Best for:
- Early spring sightseeing
- Museums
- Parks on warmer days
- Fewer crowds
April – Mild Spring Weather
Average high: 57°F (14°C)
Average low: 39°F (4°C)
Rainfall: 2.8 inches
Rainy days: 9
Snowfall: 1.05 inches
Daylight: 13.5 hours
April is a much milder month in Detroit. Average daytime temperatures reach 57°F, while nighttime temperatures generally remain cool at around 39°F.
Rainfall increases slightly to about 2.8 inches across approximately nine rainy days. Snowfall drops to just over 1 inch, so winter weather becomes much less common. With 13.5 hours of daylight, April is a good month for exploring Detroit’s parks, neighborhoods, and outdoor attractions.
Best for:
- Spring sightseeing
- Parks and gardens
- Walking tours
- Outdoor attractions
May – Comfortable and Pleasant
Average high: 70°F (21°C)
Average low: 50°F (10°C)
Rainfall: 3.1 inches
Rainy days: 8
Snowfall: 0.02 inches
Daylight: 14.5 hours
May brings comfortable spring weather to Detroit, with average highs around 70°F and lows near 50°F. It is one of the first months when temperatures are consistently pleasant for spending time outdoors.
Rainfall averages about 3.1 inches, but snowfall is essentially nonexistent at just 0.02 inches. Daylight reaches 14.5 hours, making May an excellent time for outdoor sightseeing.
Best for:
- Outdoor sightseeing
- Walking tours
- Parks and gardens
- Comfortable city exploration
June – Warm Summer Weather
Average high: 79°F (26°C)
Average low: 61°F (16°C)
Rainfall: 3.9 inches
Rainy days: 7
Snowfall: 0 inches
Daylight: 15 hours
June marks the beginning of Detroit’s warm summer season. Average high temperatures reach about 79°F, while nights are considerably more comfortable at around 61°F.
Rainfall reaches about 3.9 inches, making June one of the wetter months of the year, although there are only around seven rainy days. With approximately 15 hours of daylight, visitors have plenty of time for outdoor activities.
Best for:
- Summer sightseeing
- Parks and waterfront areas
- Outdoor events
- Long days outdoors
July – Warmest Month in Detroit
Average high: 82°F (28°C)
Average low: 66°F (19°C)
Rainfall: 3.9 inches
Rainy days: 8
Snowfall: 0 inches
Daylight: 15 hours
July is the warmest month in Detroit, with an average high of 82°F and an average low of 66°F. The weather is ideal for visitors who enjoy warm summer temperatures and outdoor activities.
Rainfall is around 3.9 inches, the highest level of the year alongside June. Despite occasional rainy days, July offers about 15 hours of daylight and plenty of opportunities to explore the city.
Best for:
- Outdoor activities
- Waterfront sightseeing
- Summer festivals
- Parks and recreation
August – Warm Summer Days
Average high: 81°F (27°C)
Average low: 64°F (18°C)
Rainfall: 3.3 inches
Rainy days: 7
Snowfall: 0 inches
Daylight: 14 hours
August remains warm in Detroit, with average highs around 81°F and lows near 64°F. Temperatures are only slightly lower than July, making it another excellent month for summer activities.
Rainfall decreases to approximately 3.3 inches, with about seven rainy days. Daylight remains relatively long at 14 hours, although it begins to decrease toward the end of summer.
Best for:
- Summer sightseeing
- Outdoor recreation
- Parks and waterfronts
- City events
September – Mild Early Fall Weather
Average high: 73°F (23°C)
Average low: 57°F (14°C)
Rainfall: 3.2 inches
Rainy days: 8
Snowfall: 0 inches
Daylight: 12.5 hours
September brings cooler and more comfortable weather to Detroit. Average highs fall to around 73°F, while nighttime temperatures average about 57°F.
Rainfall remains moderate at approximately 3.2 inches, and snowfall is absent in the supplied climate data. With 12.5 hours of daylight, September is a pleasant month for exploring Detroit before colder weather arrives.
Best for:
- Fall sightseeing
- Walking tours
- Parks
- Comfortable outdoor activities
October – Cool Autumn Weather
Average high: 59°F (15°C)
Average low: 45°F (7°C)
Rainfall: 3.1 inches
Rainy days: 8
Snowfall: 0 inches
Daylight: 11 hours
October is noticeably cooler than September, with average highs around 59°F and lows around 45°F. The month has a classic autumn feel, with cooler days and shorter daylight hours.
Rainfall averages about 3.1 inches over approximately eight rainy days. Snowfall is zero in the supplied data, although temperatures can become chilly toward the end of the month.
Best for:
- Fall foliage
- Scenic walks
- Museums
- Autumn sightseeing
November – Cold Weather Returns
Average high: 48°F (9°C)
Average low: 36°F (2°C)
Rainfall: 3.3 inches
Rainy days: 9
Snowfall: 3.19 inches
Daylight: 10 hours
November marks the transition from autumn to winter in Detroit. Average highs fall to about 48°F, while nighttime temperatures average 36°F.
Rainfall is around 3.3 inches, with approximately nine rainy days. Snowfall increases to about 3.19 inches, signaling the return of more regular winter conditions.
Best for:
- Late-fall sightseeing
- Museums
- Indoor attractions
- Early winter scenery
December – Cold and Snowy Winter Conditions
Average high: 36°F (2°C)
Average low: 23°F (-5°C)
Rainfall: 2.2 inches
Rainy days: 8
Snowfall: 6.04 inches
Daylight: 9 hours
December brings cold winter weather back to Detroit. Average daytime temperatures reach only about 36°F, while nighttime temperatures fall to around 23°F.
Snowfall increases to approximately 6.04 inches, making December an increasingly wintry month. Rainfall is around 2.2 inches, and daylight decreases to just nine hours, the shortest amount of daylight shown in the supplied data.
Best for:
- Winter scenery
- Holiday activities
- Museums
- Indoor attractions
Detroit Weather by Month: Quick Overview
Detroit’s weather changes significantly throughout the year. January and February are the snowiest months, while July is the warmest month, with an average high of 82°F. June and July have the longest daylight hours at around 15 hours per day.
For warm-weather outdoor activities, May through September are generally the most comfortable months. For visitors who want to experience snow and winter scenery, December through February offer the best opportunity.
| Month | Avg. High | Avg. Low | Rainfall | Rainy Days | Snowfall | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 32°F | 21°F | 1.8 in | 7 | 12.28 in | 9.5 hrs |
| February | 36°F | 21°F | 1.5 in | 6 | 11.32 in | 10.5 hrs |
| March | 45°F | 28°F | 2.6 in | 8 | 4.09 in | 12 hrs |
| April | 57°F | 39°F | 2.8 in | 9 | 1.05 in | 13.5 hrs |
| May | 70°F | 50°F | 3.1 in | 8 | 0.02 in | 14.5 hrs |
| June | 79°F | 61°F | 3.9 in | 7 | 0 in | 15 hrs |
| July | 82°F | 66°F | 3.9 in | 8 | 0 in | 15 hrs |
| August | 81°F | 64°F | 3.3 in | 7 | 0 in | 14 hrs |
| September | 73°F | 57°F | 3.2 in | 8 | 0 in | 12.5 hrs |
| October | 59°F | 45°F | 3.1 in | 8 | 0 in | 11 hrs |
| November | 48°F | 36°F | 3.3 in | 9 | 3.19 in | 10 hrs |
| December | 36°F | 23°F | 2.2 in | 8 | 6.04 in | 9 hrs |
Best Time to Visit Detroit
The best time to visit Detroit depends on the type of weather and activities you prefer. May through September generally offer the most favorable conditions for outdoor sightseeing, with warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours.
June, July, and August are particularly suitable for summer activities, while September and October offer cooler temperatures that are comfortable for walking and exploring the city.
If you enjoy winter weather and snow, December through February provide the best opportunity to experience Detroit’s cold and snowy season.
Frequently Asked Questions About Detroit Weather
1. What is the weather like in Detroit throughout the year?
Detroit has four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, spring brings gradually warming temperatures, summers are warm, and fall becomes increasingly cool. The warmest period is generally June through August, while January and February are the coldest months.
2. What is the coldest month in Detroit?
January is one of the coldest months in Detroit, with an average high of about 32°F (0°C) and an average low of 21°F (-6°C) based on the supplied climate data. February has a similar average low of 21°F.
3. What is the warmest month in Detroit?
July is the warmest month in Detroit, with an average high of approximately 82°F (28°C) and an average low of 66°F (19°C).
4. Does it snow in Detroit?
Yes. Detroit receives significant snowfall during winter. The heaviest snowfall occurs in January and February, with the supplied data showing about 12.28 inches in January and 11.32 inches in February.
5. When does it snow the most in Detroit?
January and February are typically the snowiest months. Snowfall decreases substantially in March and April and is essentially absent from May through October in the supplied data.
6. Does Detroit get snow in December?
Yes. December is the beginning of the winter snow season, with approximately 6.04 inches of snowfall in the supplied data. Snow becomes more frequent and heavier in January and February.
7. What is Detroit like in January?
January is cold and snowy, with an average high of 32°F and an average low of 21°F. It has about 1.8 inches of rainfall, 12.28 inches of snowfall, and only 9.5 hours of daylight.
8. What is Detroit like in February?
February remains cold and snowy, with an average high of 36°F and an average low of 21°F. Snowfall averages about 11.32 inches, while daylight increases to approximately 10.5 hours.
9. What is Detroit like in spring?
Spring temperatures gradually become milder. March is still cool, with an average high of 45°F, while April reaches about 57°F and May reaches approximately 70°F. Snowfall also declines rapidly during spring.
10. Is May a good month to visit Detroit?
Yes. May is one of the more comfortable months to visit Detroit, with an average high of around 70°F (21°C), an average low of 50°F (10°C), and about 14.5 hours of daylight. It is particularly suitable for outdoor sightseeing and walking tours.
11. What is Detroit like in summer?
Detroit summers are warm, with average highs generally between 79°F and 82°F from June through August. July is the warmest month. Summer also provides some of the longest daylight hours of the year, reaching about 15 hours in June and July.
12. Is July a good month to visit Detroit?
Yes. July is ideal for visitors who enjoy warm weather and outdoor activities. The average high is about 82°F (28°C), while the average low is around 66°F (19°C). July also has approximately 15 hours of daylight.
13. Is Detroit rainy in summer?
Detroit receives moderate rainfall during summer. Based on the supplied data, June and July each receive about 3.9 inches of rainfall, while August receives approximately 3.3 inches. Rain can occur throughout the summer, so visitors should be prepared for occasional wet weather.
14. What is Detroit like in August?
August remains warm, with an average high of approximately 81°F (27°C) and an average low of 64°F (18°C). Rainfall is around 3.3 inches, while daylight averages about 14 hours.
15. What is Detroit like in fall?
Fall brings steadily cooler temperatures. September remains relatively warm, with an average high of 73°F, while October falls to about 59°F and November to around 48°F. Snowfall begins returning in November.
16. Is September a good time to visit Detroit?
Yes. September offers comfortable temperatures, with an average high of approximately 73°F (23°C) and an average low of 57°F (14°C). It also has about 12.5 hours of daylight, making it a good month for sightseeing and outdoor activities.
17. What is Detroit like in October?
October is a cool autumn month, with an average high of about 59°F (15°C) and an average low of 45°F (7°C). Rainfall is approximately 3.1 inches, and daylight decreases to around 11 hours.
18. What is Detroit like in November?
November marks the transition toward winter. Average temperatures fall to about 48°F (9°C) during the day and 36°F (2°C) at night. The supplied data shows approximately 3.19 inches of snowfall during the month.
19. What month has the most daylight in Detroit?
June and July have the most daylight, with approximately 15 hours per day in the supplied data. Daylight begins decreasing in August and reaches about nine hours in December.
20. What is the best month to visit Detroit for good weather?
The best month depends on your preferences, but May through September generally offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor activities. May and September provide milder temperatures, while June through August are warmer and have longer daylight hours. For visitors who enjoy snow and winter scenery, December through February are better choices.
Detroit’s climate has substantial seasonal variation, so checking the forecast before traveling is still recommended. The National Weather Service provides Detroit climate normals and historical climate information. (weather.gov)
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