Detroit (MI) Weather & Climate: Best Time to Visit
Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best time to visit Detroit.
Climate overview of Detroit
Detroit, Michigan, United States of America, experiences significant temperature variation throughout the year. Summers bring daytime highs of 29°C (84°F) in July, while winters cool to 1°C (34°F) in January.
Detroit sees a moderate amount of rain/snowfall, totalling around 983 mm (39 in) per year. It experiences warm summers and very cold winters, creating some seasonal variation. The most sunshine falls in July, with an average of 10.6 hours of daily sunshine.
Detroit Weather by Month
Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Detroit - and find the best time to visit.
Monthly Temperature in Detroit
Depending on the time of the year, temperatures range from comfortable to very cold in Detroit. Average maximum daytime temperatures range from a comfortable 29°C (84°F) in July, the warmest time of the year, to a very cold 1°C (34°F) during cooler months like January.
At night, you can expect temperatures ranging from 18°C (64°F) in July to around -8°C (18°F) during January.
Check out our detailed temperature page for more information.
Temperature ranges by month
Rainfall in Detroit
Generally, Detroit has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 983 mm (39 in) of rain/snowfall annually. While rainfall varies throughout the year, each season offers its own charm. June brings wetter days averaging 110 mm (4.3 in) of precipitation, spread over 13 rainy days.
In contrast, the driest month January experiences a drier climate, with about 59 mm (2.3 in) of snowfall spread across 14 snowy days. For more details, please visit our Detroit Precipitation page.
The mean monthly precipitation over the year, including rain, hail, and snow
The average number of days each month with precipitation
Sunshine Hours in Detroit
Seasonal changes in sunshine hours are quite dramatic in Detroit. While July receives considerable daily sunshine with up to 10.6 hours, December marks the darkest time of the year, where sunshine is scarce with only 2.8 hours of sunlight per day.
Visit our detailed sunshine hours page for more information.
Monthly hours of sunshine
Daily hours of sunshine
Daily percentage of sunshine
Humidity in Detroit by Month
The relative humidity is high throughout the year in Detroit.
The city experiences its highest humidity in January, reaching 74%. In May, the humidity drops to its lowest level at 65%. What does this mean? Read our detailed page on humidity levels for further details.
Relative humidity over the year
Best Time to Visit Detroit
Each month is rated for comfortable sightseeing weather — mild temperatures and low rainfall. Tap a month for its full averages; your ideal time may differ for a beach or winter trip (see below).
- Best overall: May, July and September
- Warmest weather: July and August
- Most sunshine: July
- Fewer rainy days: February, March, August, September and November
- Climate seasons: warm summers and very cold winters
- Best for winter weather: January, with freezing nights around -8°C (18°F).
Frequently asked questions about the climate in Detroit
What is the best time to visit Detroit?
May, July and September typically offer the most optimal weather in Detroit. In contrast, January, February, March, November and December tend to have less optimal conditions. Detroit has warm summers and very cold winters.
What temperatures can I expect in Detroit?
Daytime highs range from 1°C (34°F) in January to 29°C (84°F) in July. Nighttime lows range from -8°C (18°F) to 18°C (64°F). Temperatures vary considerably through the year.
How much rain does Detroit get?
Annual rainfall is around 983 mm (39 in). June is the wettest month with 110 mm (4.3 in), while January is the driest with 59 mm (2.3 in).
How sunny is Detroit?
Detroit receives around 2,451 hours of sunshine per year. July is the sunniest month with 319 hours, while December is the cloudiest with just 85 hours. Overall, Detroit enjoys abundant sunshine.
Detroit 3-Day Forecast
Detroit (MI) 3-Day Forecast
Detroit on the map
Detroit is highlighted - select any city to see its climate.
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