The coldest decades on record are ranked here for Detroit, Michigan. The lists include decades when Detroit had the lowest average temperatures, the fewest hot days and the most cold days. These extremes are for temperatures observed at Detroit Metro Airport and cover six decades, from the 1960s to the 2010s.
That is when Detroit had weather measurements that are consistent and complete enough to compare decades. Each decade comprises a standard 10-year range. For instance, the 1990s includes measurements from Jan 1, 1990 to Dec 31, 1999.
Links to the data behind these lists are in the References section on this page.
Coolest High Temperatures
Average daily maximum temperature at Detroit
|
High °F |
Decade |
High °C |
| Lowest |
57.9 |
1960s |
14.4 |
| Runner-up |
58.1 |
1980s, 1970s |
14.5 |
Coldest Low Temperatures
Average daily minimum temperature at Detroit
|
Low °F |
Decade |
Low °C |
| Lowest |
38.4 |
1960s |
3.6 |
| Runner-up |
38.8 |
1970s |
3.8 |
Fewest Warm Days
Total days per year on average when Detroit had temperatures of at least 70 °F (21 °C)
|
Days |
Decade |
| Lowest |
135 |
1980s |
| Runner-up |
136 |
1990s |
Fewest Hot Days
Total days per year on average when Detroit had temperatures of at least 90 °F (32 °C)
|
Days |
Decade |
| Lowest |
10 |
2000s |
| Runner-up |
11 |
1960s |
Most Freezing Days
Total days per year on average when Detroit had temperatures of 32 °F (0 °C) or lower
|
Days |
Decade |
| Highest |
141 |
1960s |
| Runner-up |
137 |
1970s |
Most Cold Days
Total days per year on average when Detroit had temperatures of 0 °F (-18 °C) or lower
|
Days |
Decade |
| Highest |
9 |
1970s |
| Runner-up |
8 |
1980s |