What March feels like in Detroit
Early spring arrives in Detroit with March. Daytime temperatures stay cold, and a warm coat is needed even in the middle of the day. After sunset it cools off noticeably — nights hover around freezing, so frost is common. Moisture in the air gives the cold a damp edge.
Rain in Detroit in March
Showers are a regular feature, arriving about one day in 3. Wet days average about 7.1 mm (0.3 in), enough to soak you without an umbrella. The yearly figure is similar, around 7.4 mm per wet day.
Daylight and sunshine in March
Mid-month, Detroit gets 11 h 51 min of daylight, from sunrise near 7:46 am to sunset near 7:37 pm. The days are stretching out — 1 h 19 min more daylight than mid-February. Measured sunshine covers about 68% of the daylight — there are plenty of bright spells.
How March compares to the rest of the year
March is the 4th coolest month of the year in Detroit. Compared with February, afternoons are 6.3°C (11.3°F) warmer, with 11 mm more rain. April continues the upward trend. The next month's average high: 13.4°C (56.1°F).
Who March suits
- Sightseeing: less ideal — it is cold for long walks.
- Parks & outdoor: less ideal — too cool to sit outside for long.
Tips for visiting Detroit in March
Versatile Layers
Days are noticeably warmer than nights — layers you can add or remove.
Rain Protection
A packable rain jacket saves the day on showery afternoons.
Warm Layers
A warm jacket, a hat and gloves for cold mornings and evenings.
Sunglasses
Frequent sunshine — sunglasses and a light hat.
Quick questions
How warm is Detroit in March?
Afternoons average 7.1°C (44.8°F) and nights about -1.9°C (28.6°F) — cold by most people's standards. It is the 4th coolest month of the year.
Does it rain a lot in Detroit in March?
Yes, fairly — rain falls about one day in 3 and totals about 71 mm, so an umbrella is worth carrying.
What should I wear in Detroit in March?
Pack versatile layers, rain protection, warm layers and sunglasses. Bring something extra for the cooler evenings.
Is March or April better for visiting Detroit?
April scores better on our climate ranking (#7 of 12 vs #9), rated Good against Fair. April is warmer and has more rainy days.