December weather forecast
Minneapolis, MN

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Minneapolis city and bridge on the Mississippi River, Minnesota
Minneapolis city and bridge on the Mississippi River, Minnesota

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. Although snowfall is not as extensive as in January, the resulting snow cover sets a picturesque scene. The charm of twinkling Christmas lights under a thick cover of snow creates a unique December ambiance in Minneapolis.

Temperature

Minneapolis's transition into December is marked by a clear drop in the average high-temperature, receding from a cold 40.1°F (4.5°C) in November to a freezing cold 25.3°F (-3.7°C). During December, Minneapolis consistently records a temperature low averaging a still subzero cold 15.3°F (-9.3°C).

Humidity

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, the average relative humidity in December is 88%.

Rainfall

In Minneapolis, Minnesota, during December, the rain falls for 3.6 days and regularly aggregates up to 0.51" (13mm) of precipitation. Throughout the year, there are 92.6 rainfall days, and 8.94" (227mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

Snowfall

Months with snowfall are January through May, October through December. In Minneapolis, during December, snow falls for 11.1 days and regularly aggregates up to 1.65" (42mm) of snow. Throughout the year, in Minneapolis, there are 53.5 snowfall days, and 9.09" (231mm) of snow is accumulated.

Daylight

December has the shortest days of the year, with an average of 8h and 48min of daylight.
On the first day of December in Minneapolis, sunrise is at 7:31 am and sunset at 4:33 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:51 am and sunset at 4:41 pm CST.

Sunshine

In Minneapolis, the average sunshine in December is 3.4h.

UV index

January, February, November and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Minneapolis. A UV Index value of 2, and less, symbolizes a low threat to health from unprotected exposure to Sun's UV rays for the ordinary person.
Note: A maximum high daily UV index of 1 during December translates into the following directions:
Most people can stay in the Sun for up to 1 hour without burning, apart from children that always must be protected from sun exposure. The best time to avoid the Sun's harmful UV radiation is during midday when it's most potent. Consider a wide-brim hat essential for effective sun defense covering your face, neck, and eyes. Be aware! The intensity of the Sun's UV radiation can be amplified nearly twice due to snow reflection.
Updated: Feb 12, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate

Frequently asked questions

How cold is December in Minneapolis?

In Minneapolis, 25.3°F (-3.7°C) is the average high-temperature and 15.3°F (-9.3°C) is the average low-temperature during December. The average heat index (a.k.a. 'real feel', 'felt air temperature'), which represents the influence of relative humidity on air temperature, in July is calculated to be 86°F (30°C).

What is the average humidity in December in Minneapolis?

In December, the average relative humidity is 88%.

How many days does it rain in December in Minneapolis?

In December, in Minneapolis, the rain falls for 3.6 days. Throughout December, 0.51" (13mm) of precipitation is accumulated.

How many days does it snow in December in Minneapolis?

In Minneapolis, in December, snow falls for 11.1 days, with typically accumulated 1.65" (42mm) of snow.

What is the month with the shortest days in Minneapolis?

The month with the shortest days in Minneapolis is December, with an average of 8h and 48min of daylight.

How many hours of daylight does Minneapolis have in December?

The average day length in December is 8h and 50min.

What time are sunrise and sunset in December in Minneapolis?

On the first day of December in Minneapolis, Minnesota, sunrise is at 7:31 am and sunset at 4:33 pm. On the last day of the month, sunrise is at 7:51 am and sunset at 4:41 pm CST.

How many hours of sunshine does Minneapolis have in December?

In December, the average sunshine duration in Minneapolis is 3.4h.

What is the month with the lowest UV index in Minneapolis?

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

What is the UV index intensity in December in Minneapolis?

In December, the average daily maximum UV index in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is 1. A UV Index of 2, and less, symbolizes a low health risk from unprotected exposure to UV radiation.
Average humidity
Average rainfall days
Average snowfall days
Average daylight
Average sunshine
Average sunshine days
Average UV index
Average cloud cover
Average visibility

Average temperature in December
Minneapolis, MN

Average temperature in December - Minneapolis, MN
  • Average high temperature in December: 25.3°F

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).

  • Average low temperature in December: 15.3°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 in December
Minneapolis, MN

Average pressure in December - Minneapolis, MN
  • 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 in December
Minneapolis, MN

Average wind speed in December - Minneapolis, MN
  • 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 in December
Minneapolis, MN

Average humidity in December - Minneapolis, MN
  • Average humidity in December: 88%

The month with the highest relative humidity is January (90%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is April (70%).

Average rainfall in December
Minneapolis, MN

Average rainfall in December - Minneapolis, MN
  • 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 in December
Minneapolis, MN

Average rainfall days in December - Minneapolis, MN
  • 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 in December
Minneapolis, MN

Average snowfall in December - Minneapolis, MN
  • Average snowfall in December: 1.65"

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 in December
Minneapolis, MN

Average snowfall days in December - Minneapolis, MN
  • 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 in December /
Average sunshine in December
Minneapolis, MN

Average daylight in December / Average sunshine in December - Minneapolis, MN
  • Average daylight in December: 8h and 5min

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 December: 3h and 2min

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 in December
Minneapolis, MN

Average sunshine days in December - Minneapolis, MN
  • 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 in December
Minneapolis, MN

Average UV index in December - Minneapolis, MN
  • Average UV index in December: 1

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 in December
Minneapolis, MN

Average cloud cover in December - Minneapolis, MN
  • Average cloud cover in December: 65

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 in December
Minneapolis, MN

Average visibility in December - Minneapolis, MN
  • Average visibility in December: 5mi

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).

Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

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