Early winter · Weather & things to do
Detroit in December
Detroit cools off: highs slip to 35°F (2°C), from 47°F in November, with lows of 24°F (-4°C) and about 2.2 in (55 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 42/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 35°F (2°C)
- Avg low
- 24°F (-4°C)
- Rain or snow
- 2.2 in (55 mm)
- Humidity
- 86%
- Cloud cover
- 79%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 55 min
- Comfort score
- 42/100 · Tough
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 35°F (2°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 24°F (-4°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 2.2 in (55 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Skies are often grey, with average cloud cover around 79%.
Only about 8 h 55 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are May – September.
- Freezing nights return: average lows drop to 24°F.
- Snow becomes likely from December, so check road and trail conditions.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 55 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 56/100 in November to 42/100.
- Our Great Lakes Hidden Gems route recommends May – Sep, so December falls outside its suggested window.
- Our Frankenmuth & Detroit route is planned for Late Nov – Dec, a window set by the holiday season rather than the weather — December is part of it.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 24°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Detroit in December
With highs near 35°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History
Midtown museum whose core exhibit walks from a slave-ship hold to Detroit's civil-rights and Motown years.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 35°F.
The Henry Ford
Huge museum of American innovation in Dearborn, with Greenfield Village next door.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Supino Pizzeria
Thin-crust pizza in Eastern Market, a local favorite.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 35°F.
Eastern Market
Historic public market with produce sheds, murals and specialty food shops.
American Coney Island
Coney dogs with chili, mustard and onions on Lafayette Boulevard since 1917.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Campus Martius Park
Downtown square with the city's Christmas tree, a skating rink and lit trees, next to the Cadillac Square holiday market.
Nearby in December
- Frankenmuth in December~78 mi · highs 34°F, 2.2 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Cleveland in December~90 mi · highs 38°F, 2.6 in rain · 1°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Holland in December~159 mi · highs 36°F, 2.7 in rain · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- German Village in December~165 mi · highs 40°F, 2.9 in rain or snow · 2°C (4°F) warmer by day, wetter
These averages also cover Belle Isle and Downtown Detroit.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Detroit in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Detroit?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 42/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are May – September. Expect highs of 35°F (2°C) and 2.2 in (55 mm) of rain or snow. Our Great Lakes Hidden Gems route recommends May – Sep, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Detroit in December?
Average highs are 35°F (2°C) and average lows 24°F (-4°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Detroit in December?
Not much: about 2.2 in (55 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 3rd-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 33.4 in (848 mm).
What should I pack for Detroit in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 24°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
Routes in season in December
- Frankenmuth & Detroit Late Nov – Dec
Planning Detroit in December?
Plan it together in TripsCircle: one itinerary, one shared packing list and costs split as you go.