The Climate of Farmington Hills, Michigan

Farmington Hills is a city in southeastern Michigan, located in Oakland County. With a population of over 80,000 residents, it is one of the largest suburbs of Detroit. Farmington Hills has a humid continental climate, experiencing warm summers and cold winters.

Weather Patterns

Farmington Hills has four distinct seasons, with wide variations in temperature and precipitation throughout the year.

Winter

Winters in Farmington Hills are cold and snowy. The coldest months are January and February, when average high temperatures are in the low 30s Fahrenheit and average lows are in the teens. Low temperatures frequently dip below 0°F during the winter. Snowfall averages over 40 inches per year, with January typically being the snowiest month.

Lake effect snow coming off the Great Lakes contributes to the high seasonal snow totals. Winds are often strong in the winter, exacerbating wind chill factors. The winter weather in Farmington Hills is influenced by its inland location, without the moderating effects of the Great Lakes that coastal areas of Michigan experience.

Spring

Spring arrives in March, but the weather remains cool and transitional for a few months. March and April are characterized by wide temperature fluctuations, with cold fronts still bringing winter-like conditions interspersed with mild and sunny days. Daytime highs in the 50s become more common by April. Rain showers are frequent, and the remaining snowpack melts by late April.

Summer

Summer heat arrives by June, with daily high temperatures reaching into the 80s Fahrenheit. The summer months of June through August are the warmest of the year, with average highs in the low 80s and average lows in the low 60s. The peak of summer also brings more humidity and chances for thunderstorms. Farmington Hills summers are warmer than areas closer to the Great Lakes but still milder than places further south.

Fall

Fall brings more comfortable weather, with warm days and cool nights. September and October see high temperatures in the 60s and 70s, while lows drop into the 40s and 50s. The fall foliage peaks in mid-October, with brilliant displays of red, orange, and yellow leaves. The first light frosts usually occur by late October. November transitions to winter weather, with colder temperatures and an increasing chance of snow.

Seasonal Variations

The seasonal climate variations in Farmington Hills are typical of a mid-latitude humid continental climate.

Temperature

The annual average temperature in Farmington Hills is 49°F. July is the hottest month, with an average high of 83°F and an average low of 62°F. January is the coldest month, when average temperatures range from highs around 31°F to lows of 16°F. Temperatures at or below 0°F occur on around 22 days per year. In summer, temperatures sometimes exceed 90°F, while subzero readings occur during most winters.

Precipitation

Annual precipitation averages 35 inches per year in Farmington Hills, with most rainfall occurring in the spring and summer months. Spring is the wettest season, while winter is the driest. July typically receives the most rainfall, averaging 3.5 inches. February is the driest month, with only 1.7 inches of precipitation on average. Snow averages 43 inches per season, contributing significantly to the winter precipitation total.

Sunshine and Cloud Cover

Farmington Hills enjoys abundant sunshine during the spring and summer, averaging over 200 sunny days annually. June through August all see over 60% of possible sunshine. In winter, cloudier weather prevails, with January recording only 26% possible sunshine. The area often experiences an “Indian summer” in late September or October, with warm sunny days before winter sets in.

Climate Influences

Several key factors shape the climate of Farmington Hills and provide context on its weather patterns throughout the year.

Latitude and Elevation

At 42.5°N latitude, Farmington Hills has a mid-latitude continental climate. The area is far enough south to avoid extremely cold arctic air masses in winter but far enough north to have distinct seasons. Farmington Hills has an elevation of 971 feet above sea level, higher than Detroit but lower than areas to the north and west. The elevation contributes to colder winter lows than nearby areas.

Great Lakes

The presence of the Great Lakes moderates the climate of Michigan’s coastal regions. However, as an inland location, Farmington Hills exhibits greater temperature extremes than lakeside cities. The lakes do influence winter snow patterns, with the region receiving lake effect snow off Lake Michigan and Lake Huron.

Urban Heat Island

Development in Farmington Hills contributes to warmer temperatures compared to outlying rural areas, an effect known as the urban heat island. However, as a suburban area with more green space than the downtown Detroit core, the heat island intensity is less pronounced than in the inner city.

Wind Patterns

Prevailing winds are from the west and southwest in Farmington Hills. A north or northwest wind typically signals the passage of a cold front, bringing sharp drops in temperature. In spring and summer, southerly winds pull warm, humid air from the Gulf of Mexico into the region.

Topography

The terrain around Farmington Hills consists of rolling hills interspersed with rivers and lakes. Higher elevation areas tend to be slightly cooler than the valleys and basins. The hilly topography can also funnel winds to create localized effects.

Seasonal Events and Activities

The seasonal climate lends itself to different events and recreation in Farmington Hills throughout the year.

Winter

• Ice skating on the river and local ponds
• Sledding and snowboarding at hills in parks and golf courses
• Winter festivals like the annual Ice Sculpture Show
• Skiing and snowmobiling at nearby parks and trail networks
• Indoor community events, concerts, and performing arts
• Cozying up next to the fireplace with a book

Spring

• Maple syrup tapping demonstrations and seasonal pancake breakfasts
• Hiking and biking on the expanding trail system
• Fishing on the newly thawed lakes and rivers
• Escaping to a Detroit Tigers opening day baseball game
• Attending spring arts festivals and craft fairs
• Planting gardens and flowers as the soil warms

Summer

• Swimming at the various community pools and water parks
• Boating, kayaking and paddleboarding on the rivers and lakes
• Concerts and movies in the park
• 4th of July parades and fireworks shows
• Farmers markets teeming with local produce
• Outdoor dining patios come alive
• Light jackets needed for cool summer evenings

Fall

• Apple and pumpkin picking at nearby orchards
• Hiking amidst the fall foliage
• Corn mazes, hayrides, and harvest festivals
• Tailgating at Detroit Lions football games
• Halloween parades and haunted house attractions
• Farmington Hills Restaurant Week
• Cider mill tours and fresh doughnuts
• Bonfires, football, and cozy sweaters for crisp weekend days

Climate Change Projections

Climate change poses long-term impacts to the Farmington Hills area. Regional climate models indicate the following trends in coming decades:

• Rising average temperatures, particularly increased warming in winter months
• More extreme heat, with greater frequency of summer days over 90°F
• Increased annual precipitation, with a higher proportion coming from heavy downpours
• Decreased winter snowfall totals
• More freeze/thaw cycles and ice storms as winters warm
• Earlier spring thaws and later fall frosts
• Longer growing seasons and more favorable conditions for invasive pests
• Increased drought risk in summer months
• Greater weather variability and instability year-round

These changes underscore the importance of preparedness, mitigation and resiliency planning for Farmington Hills. Adaptation strategies will be key to limiting climate risk, protecting vulnerable populations, and ensuring the health and vitality of the community into the future.