Wintertime is here in the Motor City, and that means we Detroiters are preparing to hunker down for another long few months of snow, frigid temperatures, and travel delays. While it’s easy to make assumptions about what winter means for residents of Detroit, there are a few facts you should keep in mind as you walk through another wintry wonderland here in our beloved city. We’ve compiled a list of nine things that no one tells you about making it through winter in Detroit. If you are new to Detroit winters this might help.

1. The wintry weather can appear out of nowhere…
Flickr/Shelby L. Bell
That’s right: it might be 65 degrees and sunny one day, followed just hours later by freezing temperatures and snowstorms. If you’re new to Detroit by way of another region, you might be surprised to learn that winter often shows up with little or no prior warning, leaving Detroit overwhelmed by snowflakes and less-than-ideal road conditions. Remain vigilant!
2. …and disappear just as quickly as it came.
Flickr/Dusko Pilic
On the flip side of the coin, winter weather can also scurry away just as fast as it arrived. This has the potential to bring unexpected benefits if you’re planning an outdoor event or simply longing for the warmer temperatures of spring and fall. Detroit’s winters are truly unpredictable, and it’s important to remember that nothing lasts forever when it comes to snow and ice.
3. There are so many places to warm up.
Google Reviews/Jason Tang
Detroit is overflowing with wonderful places to unwind, warm up, and make memories with loved ones in cozy surroundings. Whether you’re sipping hot beverages at Astro Coffee or dining in an igloo at Lumen, you’ll find so many charming destinations throughout Motor City. Of course, nothing soothes the soul like a slice of Detroit-style pizza or a coney dog, and you’ll find plenty of those here in town.
4. The city is extra gorgeous in the snow.
Flickr/ellenm1
Is there anything more magical than strolling through the heart of Detroit as snowflakes fall peacefully to the ground? We think not, and winter months are the perfect time to enjoy our surroundings in all their glory. Head out for an evening of ice skating at Campus Martius Park, walk through Hart Plaza, or snap a few photos of Detroit’s most famous buildings covered in snow. There’s a sense of delight throughout the city all season long.

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5. The Lions won’t do anything to make your winter less stressful.
Flickr/Brook Ward
As much as we love the Detroit Lions, they never seem to ease our stress - and the pain of a last-minute Lions win somehow feels extra frustrating when the weather outside is frightful. In fact, there’s nothing worse than trekking to Ford Field for a day at the stadium, watching the Lions lose, and freezing your toes off as you walk back to your car with a feeling of utter defeat.
6. Forget the gym: you’re a professional shoveler now.
Flickr/Russ Allison Loar
Need a workout? Don’t worry, you’ll burn plenty of calories as you shovel snow from your sidewalk or scrape ice from your car. Other states and cities can talk about heavy snowfall, but there always seems to be something extra-tough about the snow that arrives in the Motor City. If you’re feeling guilty about skipping arm day, just head outside and do a classic wintertime workout in your own driveway.
7. The Detroit River is magical in the winter.
Flickr/Dusko Pilic
We adore the Detroit River all year long, but it looks like something out of another world when winter arrives in Detroit. In fact, the frozen river makes for a fantastic photo subject - and we recommend strolling along the riverfront when you’re searching for some fresh air. It’s easy to see why our famous body of water has enchanted Detroiters and out-of-town visitors for generations.
8. It really is “so cold in the D!”
Flickr/Mike
Those lyrics are certainly not kidding: it is very, very cold here in Detroit. If you want to make it through a Detroit winter, be sure to invest in plenty of warm clothing and layers. Here’s a quick rule of thumb to follow when you’re trying to muddle through wintertime in Detroit: if you think you’ve got enough layers on, you don’t. Add at least two more. Your fingers, toes, and mood will undoubtedly thank you!
9. Cold weather can’t dampen the spirit of Detroit.
Flickr/Lauren
Sure, it gets cold and dreary here during winter, but this cold weather and snow can’t stop us from embracing the many delights of our city. Detroit has experienced many hardships throughout the decades, but we’re skilled at digging our way out of the ashes and rebuilding. If we can survive so many difficulties, why would we let a little snow and ice get us down? Detroit is undeniably resilient all year long.

Detroit winters aren’t for the faint of heart. Do you have any other tips for surviving the winter months here in Detroit? Do any of our list items resonate with you in a particularly strong way? Be sure to share your thoughts and previous wintertime experiences with us in the comment section!

Looking for new ways to warm up this winter? Check out these nine cozy towns near Detroit.

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How bad are Detroit winters?

Chris Muras | December 02, 2022

How cold is Detroit in the winter?

Detroit may not be the coldest city in the US, but the combination of low temps, strong winds, heavy snow, and freezing rain can make even the toughest winter enthusiast pack on as many layers as they can. Detroit typically has about three months of particularly cold weather: December, January, and February with highs in the upper 20s to the mid-30s and lows in the upper teens to mid-20s.

What's the coldest month in Detroit Michigan?

The coldest month in Detroit, Michigan is January. Average overnight temperatures get down to around 17 degrees Fahrenheit. But that's only the average. Detroit sees at least 16 nights a year drop to 10 degrees or below. Throw in the blustery winds and Detroit can be a pretty tough place to keep warm.

How much snow does Detroit average?

In a typical winter Detroit will average 36-44 inches of snow, which is fairly low compared to other parts of Michigan that see in excess of 150 inches a year. Michigan's heaviest snowfall city is Dodgeville, MI which averages a whopping 179.98 inches a year. In comparison, there are 873 cities in Michigan with more snow than in Detroit. Detroit's worst blizzard was in 1886 with 19.5 inches in one day.

What are the most inches of snow ever recorded in Michigan?

The most snow recorded in Michigan's wintery history fell over 1978 and 1979. That season the state was trounced with 355.9 inches of snow. 1978 was also Michigan's worst blizzard on record as well. The storm began on January 25 and didn't end until January 27. Up to 52 inches of snow fell across Michigan from January 25 to Jan. 29.

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