NOAA Detroit Metro Airport averages 45.0 inches of snow a season (1991–2020 normals)NOAA January is the snowiest month at 14.0 inches; February averages 12.5 and December 8.9NOAA About 13.6 days a year bring 1 inch of snow or more at Detroit Metro AirportNOAA Normal January high 32.3°F and low 19.2°F at Detroit Metro AirportNWS Detroit Average first measurable snow: November 16; first inch: November 30NOAA About 63 freeze-thaw days a winter, November through March (our count)City of Detroit For all snow events, business owners and residents must clear their sidewalksCity of Detroit Snow removal companies and owners may not put snow from their property onto public roadwaysCity of Detroit Snow-emergency routes get signs up to 48 hours ahead to clear them for plowingWarren Sidewalks cleared within 12 hours after snow falls or accumulates (Sec. 34-60)Sterling Heights Sidewalks on all sides of a home or business cleared within 24 hours of a snowstormTroy Snow over 2 inches and any ice cleared within 24 hours after the event endsSouthfield No parking on any public street 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.; $80 civil infractionProMatcher Detroit driveway and sidewalk visit: about $38.29 on averageSIMA Snow and ice customers are retained 93% of the time year over yearNOAA Detroit Metro Airport averages 45.0 inches of snow a season (1991–2020 normals)NOAA January is the snowiest month at 14.0 inches; February averages 12.5 and December 8.9NOAA About 13.6 days a year bring 1 inch of snow or more at Detroit Metro AirportNOAA Normal January high 32.3°F and low 19.2°F at Detroit Metro AirportNWS Detroit Average first measurable snow: November 16; first inch: November 30NOAA About 63 freeze-thaw days a winter, November through March (our count)City of Detroit For all snow events, business owners and residents must clear their sidewalksCity of Detroit Snow removal companies and owners may not put snow from their property onto public roadwaysCity of Detroit Snow-emergency routes get signs up to 48 hours ahead to clear them for plowingWarren Sidewalks cleared within 12 hours after snow falls or accumulates (Sec. 34-60)Sterling Heights Sidewalks on all sides of a home or business cleared within 24 hours of a snowstormTroy Snow over 2 inches and any ice cleared within 24 hours after the event endsSouthfield No parking on any public street 2 a.m. to 5 a.m.; $80 civil infractionProMatcher Detroit driveway and sidewalk visit: about $38.29 on averageSIMA Snow and ice customers are retained 93% of the time year over year

Melt by Day, Ice by Night

The normal January high at Detroit Metro Airport is 32.3°F and the low 19.2°F (NOAA, 1991–2020). Our count of NOAA daily records finds about 63 freeze-thaw days a winter, November through March. That's why ice, not just depth, drives most winter work here.

Pre-Treat Before Freezing Rain

Spread ice melt before freezing rain arrives, then re-apply after a refreeze.

Clear to the Pavement

Anything left on the walk packs down and refreezes overnight. Livonia says ice should be removed or treated with sand or an ice melter.

Light Storms Are on You

For 3 inches or less (about 80% of Detroit snow events), DPW salts major thoroughfares only.

Keep Snow Out of the Road

Detroit prohibits companies and owners from putting snow from their property onto public roadways. Livonia bans it too.

Watch the Snow-Route Signs

Detroit posts red-and-white snow-emergency route signs up to 48 hours ahead.

Sign Up Early

The average first measurable snow is November 16 (NWS Detroit/Pontiac). Get on a route by early November.

Sources: NOAA NCEI, NOAA NCEI, National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac, City of Detroit DPW, City of Livonia.

Know Your Deadline

City	Sidewalk deadline	Source
Warren	12 hours after snow or ice falls or accumulates	City of Warren
Sterling Heights	24 hours of a snowstorm	City of Sterling Heights
Troy	24 hours after the event ends (snow over 2 inches and any ice)	City of Troy
Southfield	24 consecutive hours, including ADA curb cuts	City of Southfield
Livonia	Overnight snow by noon; daytime snow by noon the next day	City of Livonia
Detroit	Clear sidewalks for all snow events (DPW)	City of Detroit DPW

In an HOA or condo association? Your association may clear only the common areas. Check its rules, and plan for the ridge of snow a street plow leaves at the end of your driveway.

Want help? See tools in the Ice Fighter shop, read the winter travel advisories, or let a crew do it.

Get a free quote

Metro Detroit Winter Tips