Climate and monthly weather forecast
Grand Marais, MN

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Large rocks and pebbles on the part of Lake Superior in the Grand Marais region of Minnesota
Large rocks and pebbles on the part of Lake Superior in the Grand Marais region of Minnesota

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

As winter continues in Grand Marais, February brings slightly milder conditions than January but remains considerably colder than March. February is characterized by its substantial snowfall, setting the stage for winter activities. 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 »
Updated: Feb 12, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

What are the coldest months in Grand Marais?

January is the coldest month, exhibiting average temperatures of 18.3°F (-7.6°C) at the peak and 8.1°F (-13.3°C) at the base.

What is the most humid month in Grand Marais?

January is the most humid month in Grand Marais, Minnesota, with an average relative humidity of 88%.

How many days does it rain in Grand Marais?

Throughout the year, there are 134.4 rainfall days, and 21.42" (544mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

When does it snow in Grand Marais?

Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December.

How many days does it snow in Grand Marais?

In Grand Marais, during the entire year, snow falls for 87.3 days and aggregates up to 30.2" (767mm) of snow.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Grand Marais?

January has the least sunshine of the year, with an average of 3.3h of sunshine.

What are the months with the lowest UV index in Grand Marais?

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Grand Marais.

What is the driest month in Grand Marais?

The month with the least rainfall is February, when the rain falls for 4.3 days and typically collects 1.02" (26mm) of precipitation.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Grand Marais?

On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, 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.

What is the least humid month in Grand Marais?

With an average relative humidity of 74%, May is the least humid month in Grand Marais, Minnesota.

When it does not snow in Grand Marais?

In Grand Marais, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days in Grand Marais?

The month with the longest days is June, with an average of 15h and 54min of daylight.

What is the rainiest month in Grand Marais?

July is the month with the most rainfall. Rain falls for 15.4 days and accumulates 2.36" (60mm) of precipitation.

What month has the most sunshine in Grand Marais?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 10.3h of sunshine.

What is the month with the highest UV index in Grand Marais?

The month with the highest UV index in Grand Marais is July, with an average maximum UV index of 5.

What part of the year is the hottest in Grand Marais?

Grand Marais's temperature records reveal August as the warmest month, marked by average highs of 68°F (20°C) and lows of 56.5°F (13.6°C).

What is the snowiest month in Grand Marais?

December is the month with the most snowfall. Snow falls for 17.1 days and accumulates 6.5" (165mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days in Grand Marais?

The month with the shortest days in Grand Marais is December, with an average of 8h and 30min of daylight.

Average temperature
Grand Marais, MN

Average temperature - Grand Marais, MN

The warmest month (with the highest average high temperature) is August (68°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (18.3°F).

The month with the highest average low temperature is August (56.5°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (8.1°F).

Average pressure
Grand Marais, MN

Average pressure - Grand Marais, MN

The months with the highest atmospheric pressure are February and March (30.09"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.9"Hg).

Average wind speed
Grand Marais, MN

Average wind speed - Grand Marais, MN

The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is January (11.9mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (7.2mph).

Average humidity
Grand Marais, MN

Average humidity - Grand Marais, MN

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (88%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is May (74%).

Average rainfall
Grand Marais, MN

Average rainfall - Grand Marais, MN

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is July (2.36").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is February (1.02").

Average rainfall days
Grand Marais, MN

Average rainfall days - Grand Marais, MN

The month with the highest number of rainy days is July (15.4 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (4.3 days).

Average snowfall
Grand Marais, MN

Average snowfall - Grand Marais, MN

The month with the highest snowfall is December (6.5").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

Average snowfall days
Grand Marais, MN

Average snowfall days - Grand Marais, MN

The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (18.1 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).

Average daylight / Average sunshine
Grand Marais, MN

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Grand Marais, MN

The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 54min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 30min).

The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 18min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 18min).

Average sunshine days
Grand Marais, MN

Average sunshine days - Grand Marais, MN

The month with the most sunshine days is September (15.2 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is January (10.3 days).

Average UV index
Grand Marais, MN

Average UV index - Grand Marais, MN

The month with the highest UV index is July (UV index 5).
The months with the lowest UV index are January, February, November and December (UV index 1).

Average visibility
Grand Marais, MN

Average visibility - Grand Marais, MN

The months with the highest visibility are February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November and December (6mi).
The month with the lowest visibility is January (5mi).

Grand Marais, Minnesota, USA

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