December weather forecast
Detroit, MI

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The downtown city of Detroit, Michigan viewed from a bird
The downtown city of Detroit, Michigan viewed from a bird's eye angle

Weather in December

December brings a festive chill to Detroit, with temperatures averaging between 27.5°F (-2.5°C) and 35.2°F (1.8°C). Residents expect a white Christmas with the weather transitioning into a full-fledged winter. The arrival of snowfall brings an element of magic to the Christmas season within the city. Thick winter clothing and holidays decorations become common sights throughout the city. Despite the freezing temperatures, the festive mood keeps the spirit warm in Detroit.

Temperature

December in Detroit comes with a decrease in the average high-temperature, falling from a frosty 45.7°F (7.6°C) in November to a wintry 35.2°F (1.8°C). During December, Detroit's nights hold steady with an average temperature of 27.5°F (-2.5°C), barely dropping from the daytime highs.

Humidity

The average relative humidity in December is 81%.

Rainfall

In Detroit, during December, the rain falls for 8.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.26" (32mm) of precipitation. Throughout the year, in Detroit, Michigan, there are 152.1 rainfall days, and 23.43" (595mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December. In Detroit, during December, snow falls for 12.4 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.28" (58mm) of snow. In Detroit, during the entire year, snow falls for 54.3 days and aggregates up to 14.84" (377mm) of snow.

Ocean temperature

In December, the average ocean temperature is 38.1°F (3.4°C).
Note: In swimming, this condition is considered life-threatening and perilous. The painful sensation of cold water leads to immediate hyperventilation. Utilizing a specialized swimsuit is critical to reduce thermal injury.

Daylight

December has the shortest days of the year in Detroit, with an average of 9h and 6min of daylight.
On the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:42 am and sunset at 5:00 pm. On the last day of December, in Detroit, sunrise is at 8:01 am and sunset at 5:09 pm EST.

Sunshine

The average sunshine in December in Detroit, Michigan, is 3.6h.

UV index

December is the month with the lowest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 1. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a low threat to health from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.
Note: The maximum UV index of 1 during December leads to these instructions:
While most individuals can withstand prolonged sun exposure, it is imperative that babies, children, and those with sensitive skin always be shielded. Solar radiation is at its peak intensity during midday, so it's advisable to stay indoors or in the shade. A wide-brimmed hat is a staple for defending the face, eyes, ears, and neck from the Sun. Take warning! The intensity of the Sun's UV radiation can be nearly amplified twice due to snow reflection.
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Frequently asked questions

How cold is it in Detroit in December?

The average high-temperature and low-temperature in Detroit, Michigan, during December are 35.2°F (1.8°C) and 27.5°F (-2.5°C) respectively.

What is the average humidity in December in Detroit?

In December, the average relative humidity in Detroit, Michigan, is 81%.

How much does it rain in Detroit in December?

In Detroit, in December, it is raining for 8.5 days, with typically 1.26" (32mm) of accumulated precipitation.

How much does it snow in Detroit in December?

In Detroit, Michigan, during December, snow falls for 12.4 days and regularly aggregates up to 2.28" (58mm) of snow.

How cold is the water in December in Detroit?

In December, the average ocean temperature in Detroit is 38.1°F (3.4°C). For swimming, this is considered extremely cold, dangerous, and life-threatening. Unless suitably protected with insulated waterproof clothing, hypothermia quickly occurs.

What is the month with the shortest days in Detroit?

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 9h and 6min of daylight.

How many hours of daylight does Detroit have in December?

In December, the average day length in Detroit is 9h and 8min.

When are sunrise and sunset in December in Detroit?

In December, on the first day of the month, sunrise is at 7:42 am and sunset at 5:00 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 8:01 am and sunset at 5:09 pm EST.

How long on average sun shines in December in Detroit?

In December, the average sunshine duration in Detroit, Michigan, is 3.6h.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Detroit?

The month with the lowest UV index in Detroit, Michigan, is December, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

What is the UV index intensity in December in Detroit?

In December, the average daily maximum UV index in Detroit is 1. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a low health risk from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in December
Detroit, MI

Average temperature in December - Detroit, MI
  • Average high temperature in December: 35.2°F

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (79.9°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (29.3°F).

  • Average low temperature in December: 27.5°F

The month with the highest average low temperature is July (65.8°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (19.6°F).

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Average pressure in December
Detroit, MI

Average pressure in December - Detroit, MI
  • Average pressure in December: 30.08"Hg

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is November (30.1"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.93"Hg).

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Average wind speed in December
Detroit, MI

Average wind speed in December - Detroit, MI
  • Average wind speed in December: 10.3mph

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (10.5mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (6.8mph).

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Average humidity in December
Detroit, MI

Average humidity in December - Detroit, MI
  • Average humidity in December: 81%

The month with the highest relative humidity is February (85%).
The months with the lowest relative humidity are July and August (73%).

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Average rainfall in December
Detroit, MI

Average rainfall in December - Detroit, MI
  • Average rainfall in December: 1.26"

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is May (2.87").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (1.22").

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Average rainfall days in December
Detroit, MI

Average rainfall days in December - Detroit, MI
  • Average rainfall days in December: 8.5 days

The month with the highest number of rainy days is May (16.8 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (7.1 days).

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Average snowfall in December
Detroit, MI

Average snowfall in December - Detroit, MI
  • Average snowfall in December: 2.28"

The month with the highest snowfall is January (4.29").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

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Average snowfall days in December
Detroit, MI

Average snowfall days in December - Detroit, MI
  • Average snowfall days in December: 12.4 days

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (14.5 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

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Average sea temperature in December
Detroit, MI

Average sea temperature in December - Detroit, MI
  • Average sea temperature in December: 38.2°F

The best month for swimming (with the highest average sea temperature) is August (75.4°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average sea temperature) is February (32.7°F).

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Average daylight in December /
Average sunshine in December
Detroit, MI

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Detroit, MI
  • Average daylight in December: 9h and 1min

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 12min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 9h and 6min).

  • Average sunshine in December: 3h and 4min

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 36min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 12min).

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Average sunshine days in December
Detroit, MI

Average sunshine days in December - Detroit, MI
  • Average sunshine days in December: 13 days

The month with the most sunshine days is November (15.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is February (10.7 days).

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Average UV index in December
Detroit, MI

Average UV index in December - Detroit, MI
  • Average UV index in December: 1

The months with the highest UV index are June, July and August (UV index 6).
The month with the lowest UV index is December (UV index 1).

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Average cloud cover in December
Detroit, MI

Average cloud cover in December - Detroit, MI
  • Average cloud cover in December: 62

The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 67).
The month with the least cloud cover is July (Cloud cover 27).

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Average visibility in December
Detroit, MI

Average visibility in December - Detroit, MI
  • Average visibility in December: 6mi

The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is January (5mi).

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Detroit, Michigan, USA

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