Climate and monthly weather forecastMinneapolis, MN
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Minneapolis
Positioned in the Upper Midwest region of the United States, the city of Minneapolis resides in a climate zone categorized by the Köppen climate classification as Dfa. This translates into a humid continental climate, marked by no dry season and hot summers.Throughout the year, temperatures in Minneapolis can swing from a dip of 7.5°F (-13.6°C) in the colder months to peaking at 81.1°F (27.3°C) in the hotter season. These fluctuations show an environment that sees significant seasonal variations. Humidity in the area also mirrors these changes, with an annual shift from 70% up to a high of 90%.
Several particular months stand out in this climate setting. January and December both see an average of 12.5 days with snowfall, reaching depths from 1.1in in November to 2.17in in February. On the contrary, during summer, from June to August, the city alternates between moderate temperatures from 64°F (17.8°C) to 81.1°F (27.3°C), and rainfall ranging between 1.14in and 1.42in, bestowing a humid yet very enjoyable climate.
The best time to visit Minneapolis
Considering weather conditions including temperature and precipitation patterns, the period from June to August emerges as an optimal time to explore Minneapolis. These summer months boast maximum daylight hours, stretching from 14.9 to 15.6 hours per day, paired with ample sunshine reaching high peaks from 9.3 to 10.1 hours daily. Despite the moderate to high humidity, these months provide a sweet spot with temperatures fluctuating between a pleasant 64°F (17.8°C) to 81.1°F (27.3°C) and rainfall peaking at 1.42in. Meanwhile, the UV index remains manageable ranging from 5 to 6 throughout this period.The worst time to visit Minneapolis
Potential visitors may want to avoid the frigid months of January and February when temperatures can sink to a bitter low between 7.5°F (-13.6°C) to 10.6°F (-11.9°C). Snowfall is also frequent in these months reaching up to 2.17in in February, with corresponding snow days averaging around 12.5 in January and 10.8 in February. Daylight hours are at a minimum, hovering from 9.2 to 10.5 hours and sunshine hours also recede to a yearly low of 3 to 3.3 hours daily.Spring weather in Minneapolis
March signals the onset of spring in Minneapolis, where the city witnesses a gradual upward shift in temperatures from 25.7°F (-3.5°C) to 52.9°F (11.6°C) by May. Correspondingly, snowfall sees a decline from 1.1in to a mere 0.12in in May. Rainfall inches up from 0.59in in March to 1.1in by May coupled with an increase in rainy days from 6.8 in March up to 11.3 by the end of the spring season.Summer weather in Minneapolis
Summer in Minneapolis extends from June with temperatures holding steady from 59°F (15°C) to 64°F (17.8°C) to a warmer August with the mercury reaching 78.8°F (26°C). Rainfall oscillates within the comfortable zone of 0.94in to 1.42in in June before receding to 0.94in in August. Meanwhile, residents and visitors alike can enjoy long daylight hours extending from 15.6 hours in June to 14 hours in August.Autumn weather in Minneapolis
As autumn settles in during September, temperatures begin their descent from 71.4°F (21.9°C) to a colder 40.1°F (4.5°C) by November. Daylight hours also reduce from 12.5 hours in September to 9.6 hours in November. Rainfall remains moderate and slightly decreases from 0.71in to 0.43in in November.Winter weather in Minneapolis
Winter in Minneapolis is typically cold with temperatures in December averaging at 15.3°F (-9.3°C) and rising marginally to 25.3°F (-3.7°C) by February. Snowfall is significant with an average of 1.65in in December and peaking at 2.17in in February. The short daylight hours stretch from 8.8 hours in December to 10.5 hours in February. Rainfall is at its lowest in these months, commencing at 0.51in in December and decreasing further to 0.31in in February.Weather in January
The weather in Minneapolis, Minnesota kicks off the year with a wintry mix of snowfall and low temperatures. January holds the title for the coldest month, with temperatures reaching as low as 7.5°F (-13.6°C). This month also sees an increase in cloud cover, lending to limited sunlight and longer nights. Weather in January »Weather in February
Rolling into February, the frigid weather of Minneapolis, Minnesota continues the course, albeit with gradual warming. This month sees a slight increase in both daytime sunshine and temperature from its predecessor. However, the winter spirit remains unbroken, with a persistent blanket of snow covering the city. Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks the transitional phase from winter to spring in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A significant leap from February's temperatures is evident, making way for more outdoor activities. Still, the lingering frosty winds remind one of the recent winter, while a drop in snowfall days marks the end of heavy winter sports. Weather in March »Weather in April
April brings the much-awaited spring season to Minneapolis, Minnesota. This month ushers in noticeable changes in weather patterns with rising temperatures and receding snowfall. The city experiences increased hours of daylight, replacing the long winter nights. Weather in April »Weather in May
May fosters the full bloom of spring in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A drastic drop in humidity from April to May offers local residents a refreshing contrast. The month sees a continuation of the upward temperature trend, sowing the foundation for the next season. Weather in May »Weather in June
June heralds the onset of summer in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with temperatures hovering around 75.9°F (24.4°C). The month exhibits the longest daylight hours of the year, providing beautiful late-night sunsets. A decrease in pressure mirrors the lighter, more relaxing atmosphere of the summer season. Weather in June »Weather in July
Minneapolis, Minnesota peaks in heat in July, recording an average high of 81.1°F (27.3°C). July stands as the perfect summer month with abundant sunshine hours and clear skies. The reduced wind speeds of July contribute to the calm, summer atmosphere in the city. Weather in July »Weather in August
August experiences a slight cool down from July’s peak summer temperatures in Minneapolis, Minnesota. However, the month primarily maintains the summer spirit, promising plenty of sun-lit days. It records a slight reverberation in wind speed, stirring a refreshing change in the overall weather. Weather in August »Weather in September
September signals the commencement of the fall season in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With a reduction in average temperature to 71.4°F (21.9°C) from August's high, the city begins to cool. Waning daylight hours indicate the nearing end of the summer season. Weather in September »Weather in October
October presents a more distinct autumnal atmosphere in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The remnant summer warmth gradually fades, ushering in a crispness in the air. Over the month, inhabitants witness the city's color spectrum shift from vibrant greens to the warm hues of fall. Weather in October »Weather in November
November marks the transition from fall to the early onset of winter in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The drop in temperatures to a low point of 28.9°F (-1.7°C) foreshadows the imminent snowy days. Outdoor activities start winding down in response to the increasingly chilly environment. Weather in November »Weather in December
December rings in winter in full swing in Minneapolis, Minnesota. With a significant dip in temperature compared to November, the city turns into a winter wonderland. The city's residents gear up for another round of snowy adventures as daylight hours diminish further. Weather in December »Updated: Feb 12, 2024
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather Atlas | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
January, recording an average high temperature of 20.3°F (-6.5°C) and a low temperature of 7.5°F (-13.6°C), is Minneapolis's coldest month.
With an average relative humidity of 90%, January is the most humid month.
January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 1.7 days and accumulates 0.28" (7mm) of precipitation.
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, during the entire year, the rain falls for 92.6 days and collects up to 8.94" (227mm) of precipitation.
January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Throughout the year, in Minneapolis, there are 53.5 snowfall days, and 9.09" (231mm) of snow is accumulated.
With an average of 3h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year in Minneapolis.
January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
February is the month with the most snowfall in Minneapolis. Snow falls for 10.8 days and accumulates 2.17" (55mm) of snow.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.
With an average relative humidity of 70%, April is the least humid month.
The month with the most rainfall is June, when the rain falls for 14.1 days and typically aggregates up to 1.42" (36mm) of precipitation.
June through September are months without snowfall in Minneapolis.
With an average of 15h and 36min of daylight, June has the longest days of the year in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 6, are months with the highest UV index in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the peak average temperatures are observed in July, with a high of 81.1°F (27.3°C) and a low of 64°F (17.8°C).
The month with the most sunshine in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is July, with an average of 10.1h of sunshine.
The month with the shortest days in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is December, with an average of 8h and 48min of daylight.
Average temperature
Minneapolis, MN
The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is July (81.1°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (20.3°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (64°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (7.5°F).
Average pressure
Minneapolis, MN
- Average pressure in January:
30.14"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.14"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.95"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.93"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.88"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in September:
30"Hg - Average pressure in October:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.06"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.11"Hg
The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are January and February (30.14"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.88"Hg).
Average wind speed
Minneapolis, MN
- Average wind speed in January:
8.1mph - Average wind speed in February:
8.4mph - Average wind speed in March:
8.5mph - Average wind speed in April:
9.1mph - Average wind speed in May:
8.1mph - Average wind speed in June:
7.5mph
- Average wind speed in July:
6.8mph - Average wind speed in August:
6.8mph - Average wind speed in September:
7.7mph - Average wind speed in October:
8.6mph - Average wind speed in November:
8.5mph - Average wind speed in December:
7.9mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is April (9.1mph).
The calmest months (with the lowest average wind speed) are July and August (6.8mph).
Average humidity
Minneapolis, MN
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (90%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (70%).
Average rainfall
Minneapolis, MN
- Average rainfall in January:
0.28" - Average rainfall in February:
0.31" - Average rainfall in March:
0.59" - Average rainfall in April:
0.83" - Average rainfall in May:
1.1" - Average rainfall in June:
1.42"
- Average rainfall in July:
1.14" - Average rainfall in August:
0.94" - Average rainfall in September:
0.71" - Average rainfall in October:
0.67" - Average rainfall in November:
0.43" - Average rainfall in December:
0.51"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (1.42").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.28").
Average rainfall days
Minneapolis, MN
- Average rainfall days in January:
1.7 days - Average rainfall days in February:
1.9 days - Average rainfall days in March:
6.8 days - Average rainfall days in April:
10 days - Average rainfall days in May:
11.3 days - Average rainfall days in June:
14.1 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
12.3 days - Average rainfall days in August:
10.8 days - Average rainfall days in September:
8.5 days - Average rainfall days in October:
7 days - Average rainfall days in November:
4.6 days - Average rainfall days in December:
3.6 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (14.1 days).
The month with the least rainy days is January (1.7 days).
Average snowfall
Minneapolis, MN
- Average snowfall in January:
1.65" - Average snowfall in February:
2.17" - Average snowfall in March:
1.1" - Average snowfall in April:
1.22" - Average snowfall in May:
0.12" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is February (2.17").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Minneapolis, MN
- Average snowfall days in January:
12.5 days - Average snowfall days in February:
10.8 days - Average snowfall days in March:
7 days - Average snowfall days in April:
4 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.3 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
1.5 days - Average snowfall days in November:
6.3 days - Average snowfall days in December:
11.1 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (12.5 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Minneapolis, MN
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 12min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 24min - Average daylight in March:
12h and 0min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 30min - Average daylight in May:
14h and 54min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 36min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 12min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 0min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 54min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 36min - Average daylight in December:
8h and 48min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 36min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 48min).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 0min - Average sunshine in February:
3h and 18min - Average sunshine in March:
5h and 0min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 18min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 30min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 18min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 6min - Average sunshine in August:
9h and 48min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 42min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 18min - Average sunshine in November:
4h and 42min - Average sunshine in December:
3h and 24min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 6min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 0min).
Average sunshine days
Minneapolis, MN
- Average sunshine days in January:
20.3 days - Average sunshine days in February:
19.5 days - Average sunshine days in March:
18.8 days - Average sunshine days in April:
15.3 days - Average sunshine days in May:
15.8 days - Average sunshine days in June:
12.8 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
15.3 days - Average sunshine days in August:
17.3 days - Average sunshine days in September:
18.5 days - Average sunshine days in October:
21 days - Average sunshine days in November:
21.1 days - Average sunshine days in December:
21.4 days
The month with the most sunshine days is December (21.4 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (12.8 days).
Average UV index
Minneapolis, MN
The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Minneapolis, MN
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 68).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 31).
Average visibility
Minneapolis, MN
The months with the highest visibility are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is January (4mi).
