Climate and monthly weather forecast
Minnesota, USA

Minnesota has a humid continental climate (Köppen climate classification Dfb) with warm and icy winters in northern two-thirds of the state. The remaining portion in the south falls under the hot-summer subtype (Köppen Dfa) with hot summers and cold winters. Minnesota lies in the Upper Midwest region of the United States. The state's borders touch Lake Superior in the northeast, Wisconsin in the east, Iowa in the south, South Dakota in the southwest, North Dakota in the west, and the Canadian Provinces of Manitoba and Ontario in the north. The latitudes and proximity to Lake Superior are major factors that influence the climate.

Minnesota, the North Star State, has an average elevation of 370 meters, with the highest point at Eagle Mountain at 701 meters and the lowest at Lake Superior at 183 meters.
The diverse geography consists of Lake Superior lowlands, western prairies, northern woods, and deciduous forests of the southeast. The topography includes eastern broadleaf forests and mixed hardwood and coniferous forests in the north. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is also home to the Minnesota River, the Red River, and the Mississippi. Logging and agriculture have cleared many forested areas in the state.

The best time to visit Minnesota is from May to September that includes late spring, summer, and early autumn seasons. The Great Lakes bring pleasant temperatures in their vicinity during the summer. The fall season is attractive due to the beautiful foliage, the return of the summer crowds, and mild temperatures. The freeze-free period begins from the second half of May in the south to June in the north. The growing season lasts till mid-September to October, with the most prolonged period of 160 days in the southeast. The numerous lakes and warm temperatures during the summer attract visitors in large numbers. The fishing and hunting seasons are in full swing in August and September.

The worst time to visit Minnesota is the winter season from December to February, with severe cold amid short days. The northern highlands near Lake Superior, receive vast amounts of snow in the cold season. Blizzards are frequent in the winter, with wind speeds higher than 35mph (56.3km/h) and visibility limited to one-fourth of a mile. Snowstorms bring vast amounts of snow and stall everyday life, cause power outages, and extensive property damage. The days are short in the cold season as the sunshine limits to a few hours daily.

Spring in Minnesota is characterized by a transition from cold to warm weather. The early part of the season can still be brisk, with temperatures between 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C). The second half of spring brings wet days, supporting the growth of lush landscapes. The freeze-free period starts in the southern regions during late May. This season offers a refreshing break from the harsh winter and gradually welcomes the warmth of summer.

Summer temperatures in Minnesota range from 70°F (21.1°C) to 90°F (32.2°C). This period is marked by warm to hot conditions, with the south occasionally experiencing temperatures above 90°F (32.2°C). Proximity to Lake Superior can result in cooler temperatures during the summer. Rainfall is common, and hail occurs between May to July. The state receives an average of 2200 hours of sunshine annually, making it an appealing time for outdoor activities.

Autumn in Minnesota is a season of vibrant colors and gradually cooling temperatures. The early part of the season still enjoys warmth, but temperatures drop from 70°F (21.1°C) to 50°F (10°C) as winter approaches. The period is often cloudy and transitions slowly to colder conditions. Rainfall continues, and freezing rain may occur in the southern regions. Autumn's charm lies in its beautiful foliage and the calm before the onset of winter.

Winter is a dominant season in Minnesota with temperatures typically falling between -30°F (-34.4°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C), especially in the northern counties during January. Snowfall ranges from 70" (1778mm) in the northern highlands of Lake Superior to 40" (1016mm) in the south and west. Ice storms are frequent in the southern regions, and the northern lands are covered with at least one inch of snow for 140 days annually. It's a time of significant cold, extensive snow, and challenges to everyday life.

January is the coldest month of the year in Minnesota, with temperatures frequently reaching extreme lows. The northern counties often experience the state's lowest temperatures, with minimums plummeting to -30°F (-34.4°C). Weather in January »

February in Minnesota continues the trend of cold and snowy conditions established in January. While still frigid, temperatures may slightly increase compared to the previous month. In the northern counties, temperatures range from -25°F (-31.7°C) to 15°F (-9.4°C), while in the southern parts of the state, temperatures are a bit more moderate, ranging from 15°F (-9.4°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C). Snowfall remains substantial across Minnesota in February, with the northern highlands near Lake Superior continuing to receive the highest amounts, close to 70" (1778mm). Weather in February »

March marks the beginning of a transitional period in Minnesota, where the state starts to emerge from the grip of winter. Temperatures begin to rise, although the weather remains cold. In the northern counties, temperatures can range from 10°F (-12.2°C) to 30°F (-1.1°C), while in the southern regions, temperatures are typically more moderate, ranging from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 40°F (4.4°C). Snowfall starts to decrease across the state in March. Weather in March »

April in Minnesota marks a more pronounced shift towards spring, with temperatures rising and winter's hold further loosening. In the northern regions of the state, temperatures range from 25°F (-3.9°C) to 45°F (7.2°C), while in the southern parts, they typically fluctuate between 35°F (1.7°C) to 55°F (12.8°C). Snowfall continues to diminish across Minnesota in April. Weather in April »

May signifies the arrival of spring in full force in Minnesota, with temperatures continuing to climb, and the landscapes coming to life with new growth. In the northern regions of the state, temperatures typically range from 40°F (4.4°C) to 60°F (15.6°C), while in the southern parts, they are generally warmer, fluctuating between 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21.1°C). Snowfall becomes a rarity in May, even in the northern highlands near Lake Superior, where it may only reach up to 10" (254mm) if it occurs at all. Weather in May »

June ushers in the summer season in Minnesota, marked by consistently warm temperatures and a significant reduction in snowfall across the state. In the northern regions, temperatures usually range from 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21.1°C), while in the southern parts, they are commonly found between 60°F (15.6°C) to 80°F (26.7°C). Snowfall is virtually absent in June, even in the northern highlands near Lake Superior. Weather in June »

July is the peak of summer in Minnesota, presenting the warmest temperatures of the year across the state. In the northern regions, temperatures typically fluctuate between 55°F (12.8°C) to 75°F (23.9°C), and in the southern parts, they usually range from 65°F (18.3°C) to 85°F (29.4°C). Snowfall is entirely absent in July, with the focus shifting to rainfall as part of the wet season. Weather in July »

In Minnesota, August marks the continuation of summer, with warm temperatures prevailing but beginning to show signs of gradual cooling as the state approaches autumn. In the northern regions, temperatures may range from 50°F (10°C) to 70°F (21.1°C), while in the southern parts, they usually lie between 60°F (15.6°C) to 80°F (26.7°C). Snowfall remains a non-factor in August, while rainfall persists, particularly in the southeastern regions. Weather in August »

September brings the onset of autumn to Minnesota, with temperatures beginning to cool and the landscape transforming with colorful foliage. In the northern regions, temperatures usually range from 45°F (7.2°C) to 65°F (18.3°C), and in the southern parts, they tend to fluctuate between 55°F (12.8°C) to 75°F (23.9°C). Snowfall remains absent in September, and the wet period that has dominated the previous months begins to wane. Weather in September »

October in Minnesota is characterized by a continued transition into autumn, with temperatures dropping and the landscape adorned with vibrant fall colors. In the northern regions, temperatures typically vary from 35°F (1.7°C) to 55°F (12.8°C), and in the southern parts, they generally range from 45°F (7.2°C) to 65°F (18.3°C). Snowfall is rare in October, though the northern highlands near Lake Superior may experience the first hints of winter's approach. Weather in October »

November in Minnesota signifies the encroachment of winter, with temperatures continuing to decline and the first significant snowfall often occurring. In the northern regions, temperatures can range from 20°F (-6.7°C) to 40°F (4.4°C), while in the southern parts, they tend to fluctuate between 30°F (-1.1°C) to 50°F (10°C). Snowfall becomes more common, particularly in the northern highlands near Lake Superior. Weather in November »

December in Minnesota is firmly within the grasp of winter, with temperatures plunging and snowfall becoming a regular occurrence. In the northern regions, temperatures often fall between 5°F (-15°C) to 25°F (-3.9°C), while in the southern parts, they usually range from 15°F (-9.4°C) to 35°F (1.7°C). Snowfall is substantial, especially in the northern highlands near Lake Superior, where it can reach up to 70" (1778mm). Weather in December »