Detroit (MI) Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights
This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Detroit, Michigan, United States of America. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Now, let’s break down all the details for a clearer picture.
Generally, Detroit has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 983 mm of rain/snowfall annually.
Monthly Precipitation Levels
The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)
The amount of precipitation varies moderately throughout the year. The wettest month, June, sees around 110 mm of rainfall, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of rain now and then. The driest month, January, still receives a respectable 59 mm of snowfall.
June, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 27°C. The city receives 302 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of 1°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Detroit 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.
heavy rainfall
high
moderate
low
almost none
Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide
Detroit’s average annual precipitation is 983 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:
Athens, Greece, receives an average annual precipitation of 400 mm, making it one of the drier Mediterranean climates with rainfall mostly in winter.
In Seoul, South Korea, the average annual precipitation is 1237 mm, with most rain falling during the summer monsoon season.
In Brisbane, Australia, the annual precipitation is 979 mm, making it wetter than Sydney.
Mumbai, India, experiences a tropical monsoon climate with 1860 mm of annual rainfall, with the majority of precipitation happening during the monsoon season from June to September.
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 (MI)’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Detroit (MI) Climate page.
Current rainfall in Detroit (MI)
