Last updated: January 18, 2025
Minnesota's climate is characterized by the Köppen-Geiger classification of Dfb (humid continental) and Dfa (hot summer continental), reflecting the state's distinct seasonal variations. Winter temperatures can plunge to a chilling minimum of -41°C (-42°F) in February, while the summers can be notably warm, with maximum readings reaching 41°C (106°F) in June. The annual average temperature hovers around a balmy 7°C (45°F), showcasing the dramatic contrasts that define Minnesota's weather patterns throughout the year.
Minnesota's temperature patterns exhibit pronounced seasonal fluctuations, characterized by frigid winters and warm summers. January and February are the coldest months, with minimum temperatures dropping to nearly -41°C (-42°F), while average highs only reach around 11°C (52°F) in January and 19°C (67°F) in February. As winter transitions to spring, March shows a gradual warming trend, culminating in average temperatures of 0°C (32°F) and maximums climbing to 26°C (80°F). April and May continue this upward trajectory, with May showcasing record highs reaching 36°C (98°F) as the region fully embraces spring. The summer months, particularly June and July, bring peak temperatures, often exceeding 37°C (99°F), with average highs around 21°C (70°F). As autumn arrives, temperatures begin to cool, with September averaging 17°C (63°F) before experiencing a noticeable drop in October and November. By December, the cycle returns to low temperatures, highlighting the stark contrasts that define Minnesota's climate throughout the year.
Minnesota experiences significant temperature variations across its cities. In Minneapolis, temperatures range from a frigid -35°C (-31°F) in February to a sweltering 36°C (97°F) in June. Learn more about the monthly temperature in Minneapolis. Meanwhile, Duluth experiences slightly milder extremes, with temperatures dipping to -32°C (-25°F) in February and peaking at 28°C (82°F) by June. Explore the detailed monthly temperature in Duluth. Further north, Grand Marais has its own unique climate, with February lows of -29°C (-20°F) and a July high of 25°C (77°F). Discover the monthly temperature in Grand Marais.
Minnesota experiences a distinct precipitation pattern throughout the year, beginning with relatively low levels in the winter months. January records 25 mm (1.0 in) of precipitation over approximately 4 days, while February sees a slight increase to 31 mm (1.2 in) across 5 days. As March arrives, precipitation rises to 51 mm (2.0 in), signaling the transition into spring. The spring months continue this upward trend, with April receiving 78 mm (3.1 in) and May peaking at 108 mm (4.2 in), both of which contribute to a lush green landscape and are critical for agricultural activities.
As summer unfolds, precipitation remains significant, with June recording 94 mm (3.7 in) and July slightly higher at 101 mm (4.0 in). The peak precipitation occurs in August, with 121 mm (4.8 in), followed closely by September at 112 mm (4.4 in), which may lead to potential flooding events in some regions. Fall brings a gradual decline in rainfall, with October and November delivering 99 mm (3.9 in) and 34 mm (1.3 in) respectively, while December sees 46 mm (1.8 in) across 6 days. This seasonal variation in precipitation highlights Minnesota's diverse climate and its influence on both the natural environment and human activities throughout the year.
Minnesota's sunshine duration exhibits a clear seasonal pattern, marked by a notable transition from winter to summer. Beginning with just 137 hours of sunshine in January, the state slowly emerges from the grips of winter, with hours gradually increasing to 201 hours in February and 236 hours in March. As spring unfolds, sunshine hours reach their peak in April at 242 hours and continue to rise sharply as May arrives with 290 hours. This upward trajectory reflects the lengthening days and the anticipation of warmer months, laying the groundwork for the sunny summer days ahead.
The summer months herald the highest sunshine duration, with June receiving 348 hours and July reaching the pinnacle at 360 hours. This outstanding amount of sunshine not only brightens the landscape but also supports seasonal activities and agriculture. Even August maintains a substantial 320 hours of sun, although a slight decline is noted as summer begins to wane. As the year progresses into fall, sunshine hours drop significantly, with September at 250 hours and dwindling to 206 hours in October. The transition into winter is evident in November and December, where sunshine hours plummet to 176 hours and 168 hours, respectively. This pattern underscores Minnesota's dramatic seasonal shifts, emphasizing the contrast between the sun-drenched summer and the more subdued winter months.
The UV Index in Minnesota reveals a distinct seasonal variation that mirrors the state's temperature and sunshine patterns. During the winter months, UV levels remain relatively low, with January and December registering a UV Index of 3, and February slightly increasing to 5. As spring approaches, the UV Index begins to rise, reaching 6 in March and climbing further to 8 in April. By May, UV levels peak at 9, signaling that the intensity of the sun begins to increase significantly as the days grow longer and warmer.
The summer months see the highest UV Index readings, with June peaking at an intense 11, followed by July at 10—both of which demand precautionary measures for sun exposure. August experiences a slight decrease to 9, but still remains high. As fall approaches, the UV Index gradually declines, dropping to 8 in September and returning to 5 in October. By the time winter returns in November, the UV Index returns to the lower values of 3, reflecting the reduced sun exposure that characterizes the colder months. This seasonal pattern emphasizes the importance of monitoring UV levels, especially during the summer, to promote skin safety and health.
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Daylight duration in Minnesota exhibits a dramatic seasonal rhythm, beginning with shorter days in the winter months. In January, the state experiences just 9 hours of daylight, gradually increasing to 10 hours in February. As spring approaches, daylight hours increase more noticeably, reaching 11 hours in March, and further extending to 13 hours in April. This upward trend continues into late spring, with May offering 14 hours of daylight, providing ample time for outdoor activities and contributing to the overall sense of rejuvenation that comes with the season.
The summer months bring the longest days, with both June and July boasting 15 hours of daylight. This abundance of sunlight fosters a vibrant outdoor culture, from gardening to festivals. As August arrives, daylight begins to wane, returning to 13 hours before dropping to 12 hours in September. The descent into autumn continues, with October seeing 10 hours and a further reduction to 9 hours in November. Finally, by December, daylight duration shrinks to just 8 hours, underscoring the cyclical nature of Minnesota's seasons and the impact of changing light on its communities and ecosystems.
Bloomington, United States, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters and warm summers. January sees temperatures ranging from a frigid -34°C (-28°F) to mild 7°C (45°F), while July brings warmth with temperatures between 13°C (56°F) and 35°C (94°F). Precipitation is relatively moderate throughout the year, peaking in May and August with 137 mm (5.4 in) and 134 mm (5.3 in) respectively. The city enjoys abundant sunshine in the summer months, particularly in July with 362 hours of sun, contrasted by the shorter daylight of winter months, like December's 175 hours. For more detailed information, visit the Bloomington climate page.
Duluth, United States, experiences a diverse climate characterized by cold winters with temperatures plummeting as low as -32°C (-25°F) in January and February. The summer months from June to August are milder and more consistent, with average temperatures around 19°C (66°F). Precipitation peaks in September and October, reaching up to 153 mm (6.0 in), which coincides with a decline in sunshine from a high of 355 hours in July to 188 hours in October. These climatic patterns reflect the city's seasonal contrasts, offering various weather events throughout the year. For more information, visit the Duluth climate page.
Ely, United States, experiences a varied climate with cold winters and warm summers. Winter temperatures can drop to as low as -36°C (-33°F) in February, with average temperatures hovering around -13°C (9°F). In contrast, summer months like July can see maximum temperatures reaching up to 35°C (96°F), with an average of 20°C (68°F). Precipitation peaks in September at 119 mm (4.7 in), while sunshine hours are most abundant in July at 350 hours. The Ely climate is characterized by distinct seasonal changes, offering a diverse weather pattern throughout the year.
Grand Marais, located in the United States, experiences a varied climate characterized by frigid winters and mild summers. Winter months see average temperatures dropping to around -10°C (14°F) in January and February, with significant snowfall contributing to about 33-40 mm (1.3-1.6 in) of precipitation. As spring approaches, temperatures rise gradually, reaching an average of 1°C (34°F) in April, with precipitation increasing to around 67 mm (2.6 in). Summers are relatively pleasant, with July and August temperatures averaging 16-17°C (60-62°F) and maximum temperatures sometimes reaching 25°C (77°F). Sunshine hours peak in June and July, recording over 350 hours, providing ample daylight for outdoor activities. More details about the climate in this area can be found on the Grand Marais climate page.
Lanesboro experiences a diverse climate with cold winters and warm summers. Winter months see temperatures plummet, with January averaging -8°C (19°F) and lows reaching -34°C (-28°F), while summer peaks in July with an average of 23°C (74°F) and highs up to 34°C (93°F). The region receives significant precipitation, peaking at 147 mm (5.8 in) in May, and abundant sunshine, especially in July with 365 hours. Seasonal variability is prominent, as seen in its varying precipitation patterns and sunshine hours throughout the year. For more details, visit the Lanesboro climate page.
Minneapolis experiences a diverse climate with significant seasonal variations. Winters are notably cold, with January temperatures averaging -9°C (17°F) and lows reaching -34°C (-28°F), while summers are warm, with July recording average highs of 24°C (75°F). Precipitation peaks in August at 135 mm (5.3 in), contrasting with drier winter months like February, which sees 33 mm (1.3 in) of precipitation. Throughout the year, Minneapolis receives varying amounts of sunshine, with July being the sunniest month, boasting 360 hours, and January having the least, at 138 hours. For more information, visit the Minneapolis climate.
Red Wing, Minnesota, experiences a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, with cold winters and warm summers. In January, average temperatures dip to -8°C (17°F) and can fall as low as -33°C (-28°F), while the warmest months, July and August, see averages around 21-23°C (71-74°F), reaching highs of 35°C (95°F). Annual precipitation varies moderately, peaking in May with 148 mm (5.8 in) and dipping to 34 mm (1.3 in) in January. Sunshine hours peak at 362 in July, providing ample daylight during summer, while January, the darkest month, sees only 129 hours. For more detailed climate information, visit Red Wing climate.
Taylors Falls, located in the United States, experiences a varied climate with cold winters and warm summers. Winter months, from December to February, see average temperatures around -9°C (16°F), dipping to chilling lows of -35°C (-32°F), alongside limited sunshine ranging from 132 to 199 hours and modest precipitation between 22 mm (0.9 in) and 33 mm (1.3 in). Transitioning into spring, temperatures gradually rise, reaching an average of 14°C (58°F) in May, coupled with increased rainfall, peaking at 117 mm (4.6 in), and sunshine escalating to 285 hours. The summer months, from June to August, are warm with average highs around 21°C (70°F) and sunshine reaching up to 357 hours, paired with substantial rainfall of up to 126 mm (5.0 in) in August. As autumn approaches, temperatures cool down, reflected in averages of around 9°C (48°F) in October, with consistent rainfall and diminishing sunlight hours. For more detailed information, visit Taylors Falls climate.
The climate in The Lakes, United States, exhibits a wide range of temperatures throughout the year, from frigid winter lows of -34°C (-29°F) in January to summer highs reaching 38°C (100°F) in June. Accompanied by consistent precipitation, the region receives up to 127 mm (5.0 in) in August, ensuring a well-distributed rainfall pattern, particularly in the warmer months. Sunshine peaks in summer with July seeing the most sunny hours at 358, while winter months are less sunny, particularly January with only 143 hours of sunlight. To explore more about the climatic patterns, visit The Lakes climate.
Two Harbors, United States, experiences a wide temperature range throughout the year with cold winters and warm summers. Winters can be harsh, with average temperatures lingering around -10°C (14°F) in January and February, and minimums plunging to -32°C (-26°F). Summers bring milder weather, with July and August boasting average highs around 28°C (82-83°F). Rainfall is relatively constant, peaking in October with 116 mm (4.6 in) and tapering off during the winter months. Despite fluctuations in precipitation, the area enjoys an increase in sunshine from February through July, reaching a peak of 354 sunlight hours in July. For more details on Two Harbors climate, follow the link.
In conclusion, Minnesota's climate showcases a remarkable interplay of temperature, precipitation, sunshine, UV Index, and daylight duration throughout the year. The state transitions from the harsh cold of winter with limited daylight and sunshine to the vibrant warmth of summer, where extended daylight hours and high UV levels foster a bustling seasonal culture. As each season unfolds, Minnesotans engage with their environment in unique ways, from embracing the warmth and brightness of summer activities to preparing for the serene yet stark beauty of winter. Understanding these climatic patterns not only enhances our appreciation of Minnesota's diverse landscapes but also underscores the importance of adapting to seasonal changes for health, safety, and well-being.