Detroit · January
Run in the midday.
Cold: average high 32°F, low 19°F. Layering becomes the workout. Subfreezing mornings mean midday is the only reliably runnable window. Layer up and watch for wind chill.
Avg high / low
32° / 19°F
Humidity
74%
Rain days
14/mo
Wind
15 mph
What January feels like in Detroit
Sunrise
08:56
Mid-month average
Sunset
18:26
Mid-month average
Time-of-day breakdown
Morning
Coolest, driest air of the day. The window before sunrise is the most reliable comfortable hour.
Midday
Often the warmest few hours of a cold day. If you can only run once, midday gives you the most temperate window.
Evening
Cold drops back in fast after sunset. Tight window — done before headlamp territory.
What to wear running in Detroit in January
The kit for January in Detroit: cold-weather layers, gloves, and ear coverage on most mornings, a wind-blocking layer for exposed routes, a water-resistant cap or jacket on standby.
January vs the surrounding months
vs December
-7° avg high
0 rain days
Detroit in December →
January
32°F avg high
14 rain days
Best: midday
vs February
-2° avg high
+1 rain days
Detroit in February →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Detroit in January?+
Midday. Subfreezing mornings mean midday is the only reliably runnable window. Layer up and watch for wind chill.
What's the average temperature in Detroit in January?+
Average high 32°F, average low 19°F.
How does January compare to surrounding months in Detroit?+
Compared to December (avg high 39°F), January is cooler. Compared to February (avg high 34°F), January is cooler.
Does it rain often in Detroit in January?+
Expect about 14 measurable rain days in January, on average.