Detroit, MI Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Detroit
Detroit has a humid subtropical climate, marked by hot, humid summers and generally mild winters. Average daytime highs range from about 33°F (0°C) in January to around 82°F (28°C) in July, and the city records roughly 130 days of measurable precipitation a year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 82°F (28°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 33°F (0°C)
- Record high: 95°F (35°C) · Record low: -18°F (-28°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: June (12 rainy days) · Sunniest: June (12.3 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid subtropical - hot, humid summers and generally mild winters
- Snow: about 17 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 82°F (28°C) and overnight lows stay near 66°F (19°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 33°F (0°C) and lows around 21°F (-6°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 95°F (35°C) and dropped as low as -18°F (-28°C).
Rain, sun and snow
June is usually the wettest month. It brings about 3.7 inches (94 mm) of rain over 12 days, while February is the driest. June brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.3 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 17 days in a typical year, mostly from November through April.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33° | 21° | 10 | 2.6 in | 4.7 h/day | 75% |
| February | 36° | 20° | 9 | 2.4 in | 6.7 h/day | 73% |
| March | 45° | 29° | 10 | 2.9 in | 7.6 h/day | 69% |
| April | 56° | 38° | 14 | 3.6 in | 8.8 h/day | 69% |
| May | 69° | 51° | 12 | 3.5 in | 10.3 h/day | 69% |
| June | 78° | 61° | 12 | 3.7 in | 12.3 h/day | 67% |
| July | 82° | 66° | 12 | 3.6 in | 12.3 h/day | 70% |
| August | 80° | 65° | 11 | 3.7 in | 11.4 h/day | 72% |
| September | 75° | 60° | 10 | 2.9 in | 9.6 h/day | 74% |
| October | 62° | 48° | 12 | 3.5 in | 7.3 h/day | 72% |
| November | 48° | 36° | 9 | 2.4 in | 5.9 h/day | 73% |
| December | 39° | 28° | 10 | 2.5 in | 4.5 h/day | 77% |
Detroit month by month
Detroit weather in January
January brings highs around 33°F (0°C), lows near 21°F (-6°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Detroit.
Detroit weather in February
February brings highs around 36°F (2°C), lows near 20°F (-7°C), about 9 wet days and roughly 5 snowy days - typically the driest month of the year in Detroit.
Detroit weather in March
March brings highs around 45°F (7°C), lows near 29°F (-2°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Detroit weather in April
April brings highs around 56°F (13°C), lows near 38°F (4°C), about 14 wet days and roughly 1 snowy days.
Detroit weather in May
May brings highs around 69°F (20°C), lows near 51°F (10°C), about 12 wet days.
Detroit weather in June
June brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 12 wet days - typically the wettest month and the sunniest month of the year in Detroit.
Detroit weather in July
July brings highs around 82°F (28°C), lows near 66°F (19°C), about 12 wet days - typically the hottest month of the year in Detroit.
Detroit weather in August
August brings highs around 80°F (27°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 11 wet days.
Detroit weather in September
September brings highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 60°F (15°C), about 10 wet days.
Detroit weather in October
October brings highs around 62°F (17°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), about 12 wet days.
Detroit weather in November
November brings highs around 48°F (9°C), lows near 36°F (2°C), about 9 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Detroit weather in December
December brings highs around 39°F (4°C), lows near 28°F (-2°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Seasons in Detroit
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Detroit stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 57°F (14°C) and nights around 39°F (4°C); expect showers on roughly 36 days across the season, plus around 4 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Detroit is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 80°F (27°C) and nights around 64°F (18°C); expect showers on roughly 35 days across the season.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Detroit stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 62°F (16°C) and nights around 48°F (9°C); expect showers on roughly 30 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Detroit is frigid, with daytime highs averaging 36°F (2°C) and nights around 23°F (-5°C); expect showers on roughly 29 days across the season, plus around 11 snowy days. Wind makes those temperatures feel harsher than they sound - pair the forecast winds with the wind speed converter to judge conditions on exposed skin.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Detroit?
Is Detroit hot in summer?
Is Detroit cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Detroit get in a year?
Best time to visit Detroit
The best time to visit Detroit is generally July to October, when warm days, manageable rainfall and plenty of daylight line up. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 75°F (24°C).
Pack for Detroit with a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 66°F (19°C).
Detroit temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.