The climate of Minot
Situated in the Midwestern region of the United States,
Minot,
North Dakota endures a Humid Continental Climate. This categorization, also known as a Dfb climate in the Köppen Climate Classification, is characterized by a large seasonal temperature variance, with warm to hot summers and cold winters. Undoubtedly, weather patterns in Minot can swing rather dramatically over a year.
Average high temperatures in Minot vary drastically, fluctuating from lows of 18.1°F (-7.7°C) in
January to highs of 81.1°F (27.3°C) in
July. On the other hand, average low temperatures range from 4.5°F (-15.3°C) in January to a peak of 59°F (15°C) in July. Weather is further characterized by relative humidity levels that see the greatest amount in January at 90% and the lowest in
August at 54%.
Precipitation in Minot is irregular throughout the year, with the most rainfall occurring in
June at 2.52" (64mm) and the least in
February at 0.39" (10mm). The city experiences the most number of rainy days in June at 14 and the fewest in February at 1.3. Snowfall, meanwhile, peaks in January with 2.95" (75mm) and slowly dissipates, disappearing entirely from
May to
September.
The best time to visit Minot
Given the variations in climatic conditions throughout the year, the best time to visit
Minot largely depends on individual preferences for temperature and activities. However, in terms of pleasant weather and opportunity for outdoor activities, late
June to early
September offers the warmest temperatures, with lower humidity levels and the highest daylight hours. The average high temperature hovers around the 70s and 80s°F and the city sees an average sunlight of 15.6 to 16 hours per day.
The worst time to visit Minot
Minot's climate exhibits severe winters encapsulated with frigid temperatures and significant snowfall. Thus, the period from late
November to early
March can be challenging for visitors unused to such harsh weather. Average low temperatures dip down to single digits and snowfall amount reaches up to 2.95" (75mm) in
January, accompanied by snowy days as long as 12 in a month.
Spring weather in Minot
Spring in
Minot is characterized by gradually rising temperatures, from an average high of 35.1°F (1.7°C) in
March to 64.4°F (18°C) by
May. Precipitation during Spring ranges from 0.71 to 1.81" (46mm), with increasing rainfall days from 6.2 in March to 11.5 in May. Days start to lengthen, ranging from 11.9 to 15.2 hours of daylight from March to May.
Summer weather in Minot
Summers in
Minot are typically warm and humid with average high temperatures in the high 70 and low 80°F (26.7°C). Rainfall is at its peak in
June with 2.52" (64mm) and slowly decreases. The long, sunny days from June to
August offer 16 hours of daylight at their peak, providing plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities.
Autumn weather in Minot
During autumn, temperatures in
Minot begin to drop from highs of 70.2°F (21.2°C) in
September to 35.6°F (2°C) by
November. Rainfall fluctuates between 1.81" (46mm) in September to 0.51" (13mm) in November. Daylight hours start to decrease, dwindling from 12.6 hours in September to 9.2 hours in November.
Winter weather in Minot
Winters are protracted and harsh in
Minot, marked by sub-freezing temperatures and significant snowfall. From
December to
February, average high temperature ranges between 20.3°F (-6.5°C) and 19°F (-7.2°C), while low temperatures vary from 9.3°F (-12.6°C) to 5.2°F (-14.9°C). Snowfall is frequent with the maximum of 2.95" (75mm) in December, while daylight hours shrink to the year's shortest in December at 8.4 hours.
Weather in January
January welcomes residents of
Minot,
North Dakota with a thick blanket of snow as this arctic month marks the peak of winter. Virtually, natural powder piles up with a measured accumulation of about 2.95" (75mm) throughout the month.
Weather in January » Weather in February
Being a winter month,
February bears a close semblance with
January in terms of temperature ranges, snowfall, and humidity. This month experiences cold temperature cresting at slightly higher mean values, around 19°F (-7.2°C) as a high and 5.2°F (-14.9°C) as the low, when juxtaposed with January.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March is a month of metamorphosis in
Minot, the bitter winter slowly gives way to the mildness of spring. A significant increase in daylight hours and temperatures can be observed. Most notably, the average high soars to 35.1°F (1.7°C) from 19°F (-7.2°C) in
February, signaling the retreat of severe cold.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
April showers arrive in
Minot bringing forth a refreshing change from the icy winter months. With nearly double the precipitation compared to
March, amassing around 1.14" (29mm), the city readies for the blooming season. Temperature variations from March to April are substantial with a perceptible influx of warmth transcending the frigid winter aura.
Weather in April » Weather in May
May signals the unofficial beginning of the summer season in
Minot. The mercury level ascends reasonably with average highs and lows reflecting a warming trend. A notable change is in the occurrence of maximum average rainfall, peaking at 1.81" (46mm), painting the landscape with hues of bright greens.
Weather in May » Weather in June
By
June, summer has officially set in
Minot, making outdoor activities enjoyable for residents and visitors alike. While temperatures continue to climb, it is the humidity that sees a noticeable rise from
May's 59% to June's 67%, offering a distinctive mid-year, summer character to the weather.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
July is the peak of summer in
Minot with temperatures reaching their maximum for the year. The heat tone goes up and so does the humidity, reaching 62%. Accompanied by sustained longer daylight hours close to
June's record, the city bathes in sun-kissed warmth.
Weather in July » Weather in August
Minot sees
August bearing bring comparable temperature averages to
July, marking a continuation of the warm weather. The month averages an 80.8°F (27.1°C) high, closely mirroring July's peak temperature. A slight dip in humidity can be noticed, indicating the upcoming shift towards autumn.
Weather in August » Weather in September
September marks the beginning of the fall season in
Minot. A gentle ebb in average temperatures and a reduction of sunlight hours herald the onset of autumn. The city says goodbye to the scorching sun of
August and welcomes the cool, crisp fall weather.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October in
Minot brings the true essence of fall as temperature averages descend noticeably from 70.2°F (21.2°C) in
September to 52.7°F (11.5°C). Residents start pulling out warmer clothing as the first snowflakes could potentially fall by the end of the month.
Weather in October » Weather in November
In
November, the full blast of autumn moves towards the bitter cold of winter. Temperature highs plunge to an average of 35.6°F (2°C) from the warmer 52.7°F (11.5°C) recorded in
October. The sharp drop signals snow's return to
Minot, resulting in a quick shift from colorful fall foliage to a subdued winter white landscape.
Weather in November »Weather in December
December covers
Minot in a thick layer of winter with snowfall patterning the white landscape. The coldest month of the year witnesses temperatures dropping to icy values, echoing
January's freezing statistics. The city transitions into a winter wonderland, fostering an enchanting holiday season aura.
Weather in December »