Detroit in March

In March, Detroit averages 7°C (44°F) during the day and -2°C (28°F) at night, with frequent rain — about 16 days of the month see precipitation (66 mm total).

Shoulder

Conditions are cold — pack winter layers. Expect daily rain or showers, often in heavy bursts.

March is one of the wetter and less comfortable months in Detroit. If your dates are flexible, consider a different time of year.

7°C
Avg high
-2°C
Avg low
16
Rain days
66 mm
Rainfall

How March compares to the rest of the year in Detroit

9th
warmest month of the 12
9th
wettest month of the 12
7%
of yearly rainfall falls in March
11 h 54 min
daylight on the 15th

March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Detroit (9th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 8°C below the annual average (14°C). March runs 6°C warmer than February (1°C) and warms a further 6°C into April (13°C).

March sunrise & sunset in Detroit

🌅
Sunrise (15th)
7:44 AM
🌇
Sunset (15th)
7:37 PM
Day length
11 h 54 min

Times shown for Detroit local time (America/Detroit), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.

Photography light in Detroit — March

Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Detroit's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).

🌅 Blue hour (AM)
6:44 AM – 7:24 AM
🌄 Golden hour (AM)
7:24 AM – 8:24 AM
🌇 Golden hour (PM)
6:57 PM – 7:57 PM
🌆 Blue hour (PM)
7:57 PM – 8:37 PM
Milky Way galactic core
Fair
Core only briefly above the horizon — a marginal month even from dark sites near Detroit.

📅 When to book — Detroit in March

Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on March's tier (Shoulder) and Detroit's popularity.

✈ Flights — lead time
6-10 weeks
Sweet spot for value. Major fare-sales (US: Black Friday, EU: post-Easter) hit hardest in shoulder months for shoulder travel.
🏨 Lodging — lead time
4-8 weeks
Lots of selection. Look for shoulder-season packages — many hotels add value (free breakfast, spa credit) to fill rooms.

Crowds & pricing — March in Detroit

Shoulder

Detroit is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.

Sun & mosquito risk — March in Detroit

☀️ UV Index (noon, 15th)
8.4
Very high
Limit sun exposure between 11 AM and 3 PM; SPF 30-50, reapply every 90 minutes outdoors.
🦟 Mosquito risk
●●○○○
Low
Mosquitoes present but manageable. Pack repellent (DEET 10-20%) for evenings near water.

UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.

🌬 Frosty nights — Detroit in March

Snow days (typical)
0
days/month
Avg low
-2°C
28°F
Avg day high
7°C
44°F

Gear: Cold nights, milder days. Light insulated jacket fine for daytime, real coat for after dark.

Detroit in other months

MonthAvg highAvg lowRainfallRain daysSnow days
January 0°C / 32°F -7°C / 19°F 61 mm 17
February 1°C / 34°F -7°C / 19°F 69 mm 16
March 7°C / 44°F -2°C / 28°F 66 mm 16
April 13°C / 56°F 3°C / 38°F 87 mm 19
May 20°C / 68°F 11°C / 51°F 88 mm 17
June 26°C / 78°F 16°C / 61°F 95 mm 17
July 28°C / 82°F 19°C / 65°F 87 mm 18
August 27°C / 80°F 18°C / 65°F 92 mm 18
September 23°C / 74°F 15°C / 59°F 74 mm 15
October 16°C / 61°F 9°C / 47°F 91 mm 17
November 8°C / 47°F 1°C / 34°F 60 mm 15
December 4°C / 39°F -2°C / 28°F 57 mm 15

Other cities with similar March weather

🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Detroit in March →

Frequently asked questions

How hot is Detroit in March?

In March, Detroit averages a high of 7°C (44°F) and a low of -2°C (28°F) — generally cold.

Does it rain a lot in Detroit in March?

March is quite rainy in Detroit, with about 16 rainy days on average.

Is March a good time to visit Detroit?

March is cold but on the rainy side. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.

What should I pack for Detroit in March?

Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March packing list for Detroit for a complete, climate-based checklist.

Open Detroit on the interactive map

Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.