Detroit Weather in May
Thinking of visiting Detroit in May? Expect pleasant temperatures reaching 22°C (72°F) during the day, dropping to 10°C (50°F) at night, and note that quite a bit of rainfall is likely.
Rainfall in Detroit in May
Typically around 15 days of rainfall are expected, averaging 99 mm (3.9 in) for the month. A fairly balanced picture this month, some wet days but nothing too extreme in terms of intensity.
Temperature in Detroit in May
Detroit in May is worth a visit. The temperature is excellent, with 22°C (72°F) during the day and 10°C (50°F) at night. Temperatures can feel cooler in the morning and evening, so layering is often the best approach. Nights drop to around 10°C (50°F), which is noticeably cooler than the daytime. A light jacket for the evening is a sensible addition, and the cool nights tend to make sleeping comfortable.
Sunshine in Detroit in May
Expect sunny days throughout the month, with an estimated 277 hours of sunshine. This makes it a pleasant time to visit Detroit.If your ideal day consists of dry skies and pleasant temperatures, May, July and September typically offer the best circumstances for Detroit.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Detroit's climate page.
Detroit Temperature in May
Min Temperature
10°C (50°F)
Max Temperature
22°C (72°F)
Chance of Rain
49%
Precipitation
99 mm (3.9 in)
Rainy days
15 days
Humidity
65%
Sunshine
277 hours
Percentage Sunshine
60%
Daily Historical Temperatures
50-year average (1976-2025)
Based on our historical records, temperatures in Detroit typically rise from around 18°C (64°F) at the start of May to approximately 24°C (75°F) by the end. Nights are cool, with lows typically ranging from 8°C (46°F) to 15°C (59°F).
Average temperatures in May
Daily Historical Precipitation
50-year average (1976-2025)
Average daily rainfall for each day of the month based on long-term records.
Average precipitation in May
Historical weather for Detroit in May
Browse day-by-day weather records for Detroit spanning 51 years. Select any month and year to see actual temperatures, rainfall, and conditions recorded on each day.
Detroit historical weather extremes in May
Based on 50 years of weather observations in Detroit between 1976 and 2026, these are the recorded extremes.
- The warmest day in May was on May 28, 2018, with a maximum of 33°C (91°F).
- Nighttime temperatures dropped to -1°C (30°F) on May 9, 2020, marking the coldest May night on record.
Best Places in the United States of America in May
Find out more about the weather in the United States of America and which places have the best travel conditions in this month. See all of the United States of America in May →
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What to Wear in Detroit in May
For Detroit in May, you'll want flexible clothing. It's wise to pack cotton shirts, comfortable shorts, and a pair of jeans for cooler evenings. A light sweater or jacket is useful for air-conditioned spaces (like buses) or unexpected cool moments. High rain levels are expected, so pack waterproof gear and an umbrella or poncho. Don't forget sun protection, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat. These are all good ideas with this much sunshine.What To Do in Detroit in May
We rated the following activities from 1 (least suitable) to 10 (best) to do.
Check the conditions for any month of the year.
For a detailed overview over the year and the best time to visit the United States of America, check out our Detroit's climate page.
Temperature Rainfall Sunshine Humidity
See the full Detroit climate overview or explore weather in the United States of America.
