The climate of Grand Marais
Predominantly,
Grand Marais,
Minnesota, USA, falls under Dfb in the Köppen climate classification. Placed here, it defines a humid continental climate, one with no dry season and a warm summer. In the Heartland of the nation, Grand Marais experiences a wide range of weather throughout the year as temperatures oscillate from 66.6°F (19.2°C) at their peak in
July to the
December lows of 15.6°F (-9.1°C). Humidity follows a less dramatic arc, varying from 74 to 88%, except for minimal variations in the summer months.
Notably, annual rainfall does not display a large spread, with the highest of 2.36" (60mm) occurring in July. On the other hand, December holds the title for maximum snowfall, recording 6.5" (165mm). This snow begins to fall from
November and continues till
April, with the heaviest sprinkling taking place in the last month of the calendar year. In contrast, sunshine hours and UV index swing between extremes, hitting their zenith in the long days of summer, especially July, and dipping significantly as winter approaches, with the shortest daylights appearing in December. Wind speeds too demonstrate this varying pattern, peaking in the colder months, particularly December, and slowing down in the warm seasons.
The best time to visit Grand Marais
Visit
Grand Marais during the summer months. From
June through
August, Grand Marais experiences the best conditions on most weather parameters. Longer daylight hours, arriving at 15.9 hours per day in June, provide ample opportunities to explore and appreciate the town's natural beauty. With the mercury rising to 66.6°F (19.2°C) in
July, the warmth of summer combines with plenteous sunlight hours illuminating the atmosphere for 10.3 hours per day to create the ideal conditions for outdoor fun. Despite being the highest in the year, rainfall at 2.36" (60mm) in July should not deter visitors, for the occurrence is well distributed throughout the month.
The worst time to visit Grand Marais
Visitors might want to reconsider a plan orchestrated around the winter months. These periods, spanning between
November through
February, unveil the harsher face of the weather in
Grand Marais. Temperatures tumble to less hospitable standards, reaching a frigid 15.6°F (-9.1°C) in
December. Simultaneously, snowfall becomes a common sight, reaching a maximum of 6.5" (165mm) in December, a phenomenon exacerbating the reduced amount of sunlight, falling to 8.5 hours per day in December. The flurry of snow alongside the bone-chilling winds, gusting up to 16.3mph (26.2km/h), could confine visitors indoors, considerably restraining their ability to enjoy the place's offerings.
Spring weather in Grand Marais
Spring arrives in
Grand Marais with moderate temperatures. These temperatures rise from 30.6°F (-0.8°C) at the beginning of
March to 51.4°F (10.8°C) by late
May. Rainfall, unfortunately, also increases to peak values during this period. Up to 2.13" (54mm) of rain may blanket the town in May, whereas snowfall ceases by the end of the season. Wind speeds steer towards the less windy end of the spectrum, reducing from 9.7mph (15.6km/h) in March to 8.1mph (13km/h) in May. The changing temperatures and precipitation patterns, together with increasing daylight durations and decreasing wind speeds, paint a vibrant picture of springtime in Grand Marais.
Summer weather in Grand Marais
Summers in
Grand Marais are an amalgam of high temperatures and profuse sunshine. Temperature scales in the range of 58.6°F (14.8°C) in
June and climbs to its zenith at 66.6°F (19.2°C) in
July, while
August hovers around 68°F (20°C). Sunlight shines for nearly half the day, peaking at 15.9 hours in June while presenting nearly 10.2 hours of sunshine during the same month. Slight rainfall is observed despite summer's warmness, amounting to 2.36" (60mm) in July. Winds blow gently, averaging around 7.6mph (12.2km/h) through the season. These conditions testify to the charm of the summer season in Grand Marais.
Autumn weather in Grand Marais
Autumn in
Grand Marais offers an eclectic blend of mild temperatures, adequate sunshine, and average wind speeds. The temperature begins to fall from the highs of the summer, averaging 60.8°F (16°C) in
September to 39.9°F (4.4°C) in
November. Daylight duration, too, drops from around 14.2 hours in September to about 9.3 hours toward the end of November. Despite slight rises in wind speed, reaching 10.3mph (16.6km/h) in November, the dominant weather characteristic of Grand Marais in autumn is its ubiquitous rainfall, which peaks at 2.28" (58mm) in
October.
Winter weather in Grand Marais
Winter paints a frosty spectacle in
Grand Marais. The months from
December to
February see temperatures plummeting to as low as 15.6°F (-9.1°C). December, being the coldest month, means daylight is limited to a mere 8.5 hours. The snow starts to fall in
November and does not stop until
April, with December hosting the highest snowfall of the year at 6.5" (165mm). Importantly, winter also brings stronger winds, with gusts averaging 16.3mph (26.2km/h) in the final month of the year. Thus, the winter months in Grand Marais are both entrancing and severe, offering a pristine, icy beauty for those brave enough to endure the cold.
Weather in January
In
Grand Marais,
Minnesota,
January remains blanketed in a winter chill, with overall cooler conditions compared to
February. The winter freeze causes snow to frequently envelop the city. Remarkably, January averages the highest number of snowfall days at 18.1, with an average snowfall of 5.83" (148mm).
Weather in January »Weather in February
Weather in March
March in
Grand Marais ushers in the early signs of spring, with the weather becoming considerably warmer than in
February but not yet reaching the mildness of
April. The city witnesses an overall increase in sunlight hours compared to the preceding month.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April in
Grand Marais signals the full swing of spring, with significantly warmer weather than
March, although the temperatures are still lower than what
May will offer. The city transitions through a phase of increasing daylight hours and moderating temperatures.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May in
Grand Marais brings the pleasant warmth of spring, offering a noticeable rise in temperatures compared to
April, and yet not as warm as the summer month of
June. The city enjoys longer daylight hours and a surge in greenery.
Weather in May » Weather in June
June welcomes the arrival of summer in
Grand Marais, with warmer temperatures than
May and similar conditions to those in
July. The city is bathed in an ample amount of sunshine and longer daylight hours. The average high temperature in June reaches 58.6°F (14.8°C).
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July marks the peak of summer in
Grand Marais, featuring warmer conditions than
June, while
August begins to hint at a mild cooldown. The city basks in the maximum amount of sunshine during this period. Making it special, July records the highest average high temperature at 66.6°F (19.2°C).
Weather in July » Weather in August
August in
Grand Marais acts as a transition month with a slight dip in temperatures compared to
July, but is certainly warmer than
September. The city experiences a slight reduction in daylight hours. A noteworthy point is the average high temperature, which falls slightly from 66.6°F (19.2°C) in July to 68°F (20°C) in August.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September in
Grand Marais welcomes the onset of autumn, with the temperatures starting to decline from
August, yet it's not as cool as
October. The city witnesses the leaves changing color, adding a new visual charm. An interesting feature is the average high temperature falling from 68°F (20°C) in August to 60.8°F (16°C) in September.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Grand Marais marks a deeper progression into autumn, significantly cooler than
September, but not as chilly as
November. The city's landscape transforms with vibrant fall colors. October sees the average high temperature decrease from 60.8°F (16°C) in September to 47.3°F (8.5°C).
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
Grand Marais,
November serves as a prelude to winter, featuring cooler conditions than
October but not yet experiencing the freezing chill of
December. The city sees shorter days and an increase in snowfall. A marked change is the average high temperature reducing from 47.3°F (8.5°C) in October to 35.2°F (1.8°C) in November.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December brings winter in full force in
Grand Marais, somewhat colder than
November. The city experiences its shortest daylight hours and an increase in snowfall, setting the landscape for a winter wonderland. The average high temperature in December dips to 23.7°F (-4.6°C).
Weather in December »