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

Detroit in December experiences a subtle temperature decline, with average high-temperatures reducing from a frosty 45.7°F (7.6°C) in November to a cold 35.2°F (1.8°C). Throughout December, Detroit reports a steady low-temperature average of 27.5°F (-2.5°C), slightly lower than its daytime counterpart.

Humidity

In December, the average relative humidity is 81%.

Rainfall

In Detroit, during December, the rain falls for 8.5 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.26" (32mm) of precipitation. In Detroit, during the entire year, the rain falls for 152.1 days and collects up to 23.43" (595mm) of precipitation.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December. In December, it is snowing for 12.4 days. Throughout December, 2.28" (58mm) of snow is accumulated. Throughout the year, there are 54.3 snowfall days, and 14.84" (377mm) of snow is accumulated.

Ocean temperature

In Detroit, in December, the average water temperature is 38.1°F (3.4°C).
Note: In the sport of swimming, this scenario is extremely cold, treacherous, and fatal. If not protected by insulated waterproof clothing, hypothermia ensues quickly.

Daylight

The month with the shortest days is December, 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, sunrise is at 8:01 am and sunset at 5:09 pm EST.

Sunshine

In December, the average sunshine 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 reading of 2, and below, represents a minimal health vulnerability from exposure to the Sun's UV rays for ordinary individuals.
Note: The UV index of 1 during December translates into the following guidance:
While most can endure approximately an hour in the sun without burning, children always require protection from sunlight. UV radiation from the Sun is most dangerous during midday; take precautions and seek shade. To best shield against UV radiation, choose sun-safe garments and dependable sunglasses. Take careful note! The UV radiation of the Sun can be nearly doubled by snow reflection.

Frequently asked questions

How cold is December?

The high-temperature, in December, in Detroit, is 35.2°F (1.8°C), while the low-temperature averages to 27.5°F (-2.5°C).

What is the average humidity in December?

The average relative humidity in December is 81%.

How many days does it rain in December?

In December, the rain falls for 8.5 days. Throughout December, 1.26" (32mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

How many days does it snow in December?

In Detroit, in December, during 12.4 snowfall days, 2.28" (58mm) of snow is typically accumulated.

How cold is the water in December in Detroit?

In December, the average ocean temperature is 38.1°F (3.4°C). For swimming, this is considered life-threatening and very dangerous. The water feels painfully cold, and hyperventilation quickly occurs. A specialized swimsuit is mandatory to reduce thermal damage.

What is the month with the shortest days?

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

What is the average length of the day in December?

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

When are sunrise and sunset in December?

On the first day of December, 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 Detroit, the average sunshine duration in December is 3.6h.

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

December is the month with the lowest UV index, with an average maximum UV index of 1.

What is the UV index intensity in December?

In Detroit, the average daily maximum UV index in December is 1. A UV Index estimate of 2, and below, represents a low health threat from unsafe exposure to Sun's UV rays.
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).

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).

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).

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%).

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").

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).

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").

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

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).

Detroit, Michigan, USA

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