What December feels like in Detroit
In Detroit, December brings early winter. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. The gap between afternoon and night is small, so nights hover around freezing, so frost is common and the temperature hardly changes after dark. Damp air makes the cold feel rawer than the numbers alone suggest.
Rain in Detroit in December
Expect a mix of dry and wet days, with rain about one day in 3. Wet days average about 6.9 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. Across the year Detroit averages about 7.4 mm per rainy day, so December is typical.
Daylight and sunshine in December
Mid-month, Detroit gets 9 h 7 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:54 am to sunset near 5:01 pm. Evenings are drawing in — 43 min less daylight than mid-November. About 50% of daylight hours are sunny; in short, sun and cloud share the day.
How December compares to the rest of the year
December is the 3rd coolest month of the year in Detroit. Against November, the average high is 5.4°C (9.7°F) lower, with 7 mm more rain. Temperatures keep falling into January. By January, typical highs are 0°C (32°F).
Who December suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
- Museums & indoor: a good choice — warm places to spend the coldest part of the day.
Tips for visiting Detroit in December
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A proper winter coat, with gloves and a hat for early starts.
Quick questions
How warm is Detroit in December?
Afternoons average 3.1°C (37.6°F) and nights about -2.9°C (26.8°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 3rd coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Detroit in December?
It does: about 10 rainy days bring roughly 69 mm, so plan some indoor options.
What should I wear in Detroit in December?
The numbers point to rain protection and warm layers. Evenings feel similar to the day, so the same clothes work from morning to night.
Is December or January better for visiting Detroit?
On our 12-month climate ranking, January comes out ahead (#11 of 12 vs #12). January is cooler.