Detroit, MI Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
Detroit has a humid continental climate influenced by the Great Lakes. Lake effect can enhance precipitation.
Climate type: Humid continental (Köppen Dfa)
Detroit Climate Overview
Cold winters with significant snow. Warm, humid summers with thunderstorms.
Lake effect enhances winter snow and summer storms. Arctic outbreaks bring extreme cold.
Detroit Weather by Season
spring
Spring is slow and variable. March still sees snow, April is chilly and rainy, and May finally warms into the 60s°F. Severe thunderstorms become possible by late spring.
summer
Summers are warm and humid with highs in the low 80s°F. Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair moderate temperatures, keeping Detroit cooler than inland Michigan cities.
fall
Fall is beautiful in September and October with crisp air and gorgeous foliage in the surrounding forests. November turns cold and gray as Great Lakes weather takes over.
winter
Winters are cold, cloudy, and snowy. Highs in the low 30s°F, lows in the teens°F, and about 42 inches of snow per year. Lake effect enhances snowfall on the west side of the city.
Detroit Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 32° | 35° | 45° | 58° | 70° | 79° | 83° | 82° | 74° | 62° | 49° | 36° |
| Low °F | 19° | 20° | 28° | 38° | 48° | 58° | 63° | 62° | 54° | 43° | 34° | 24° |
Best Time to Visit Detroit
June through October for warm weather and outdoor activities. September is especially nice with mild temperatures, low humidity, and fall color around the Great Lakes.
Severe Weather Risks
- Lake-effect snow
- Polar vortex outbreaks
- Severe thunderstorms
- Ice storms
- Tornadoes
Weather Facts About Detroit
- >Detroit is the only major US city where you look SOUTH to Canada — the Detroit River runs east-west here.
- >The Great Lakes moderate Detroit's climate, making it milder than Chicago in winter and cooler in summer.
- >Detroit averages 184 cloudy days per year, among the highest in the country.
Detroit Weather FAQ
When is the best time to visit Detroit?
Late June through early October. Summer brings warm days in the 80s°F and outdoor festivals; September offers mild, low-humidity weather with early fall color.
How cold does Detroit get in winter?
Average winter highs are in the low 30s°F with lows in the teens°F. Polar vortex events can drop temperatures below zero. Detroit averages 42 inches of snow per year.
Does Detroit get lake-effect snow?
Some — the city is downwind of Lake St. Clair and can see enhanced snow bands. However, Detroit gets less lake-effect snow than Cleveland or Buffalo because it sits on the "wrong" side of the lakes.
Is Detroit really cloudy?
Yes. Detroit averages about 184 cloudy days per year — one of the cloudiest major cities in the US. Winter months can go weeks without meaningful sunshine.