Detroit Lakes (MN) Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows the average amount of rainfall per month in Detroit Lakes (MN). The numbers are calculated over a 30-year period to provide a reliable average. Let's now guide you through the details for a complete overview.

Generally, Detroit Lakes experiences moderate precipitation patterns, averaging 722 mm yearly.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

The seasons in Detroit Lakes, bring significant changes in precipitation. The wettest month, July, receives high rainfall, with an average of 119 mm of precipitation.

This rainfall is distributed across 12 rainy days. In contrast, the driest month, January, experiences much less snowfall, totaling 16 mm over 7 snowy days. These distinct seasonal differences provide diverse experiences throughout the year.

July, the city’s wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 27°C and receives 351 hours of sunshine. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of -7°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Detroit Lakes Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in the United States of America

The map below shows the annual precipitation across the United States of America. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Detroit Lakes’s average annual precipitation is 722 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm, with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.

Osaka, Japan, experiences 1507 mm of rainfall annually, spread across the year with wetter summers.

In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm, making it wetter than Sydney.

Bangkok, Thailand, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1668 mm of annual rainfall, with the heaviest precipitation occurring during September and October.

How is Precipitation Measured?

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Sea vs. Land Precipitation

The proximity of a location to a large body of water can significantly affect its rainfall patterns:

• Ocean Influence: Coastal regions typically receive more rainfall due to the presence of moisture-laden winds from the ocean. These regions tend to have more humid climates and experience more frequent precipitation, especially in winter.
• Continental Climates: Areas further from the sea, such as inland or continental regions, experience less frequent rainfall and more extreme seasonal variations in precipitation.

For more detailed information about Detroit Lakes (MN)’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Detroit Lakes (MN) Climate page.