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
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 »