Last updated: February 24, 2025
January in Minneapolis, United States, presents a striking winter landscape characterized by a maximum temperature of 6°C (44°F) and an average chill of -9°C (17°F). As the month progresses, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -34°C (-28°F), emphasizing the region's cold climate. During this month, residents experience 27 mm (1.0 in) of precipitation across 5 days, contributing to the season's characteristic wintery enchantment. With humidity levels reaching 87%, the air is often crisp and invigorating, making January a quintessential example of the harsh yet beautiful Minnesota winter.
In January, Minneapolis experiences a frigid embrace of winter, with temperatures averaging a brisk -9°C (17°F). The month sees extreme lows plummeting to a chilling -34°C (-28°F), while the highs struggle to reach a mere 6°C (44°F). This stark cold sets the stage for a gradual warming trend as the city transitions into February and March, where temperatures rise slightly, with February offering an even colder minimum of -35°C (-31°F). As spring approaches, temperatures begin to creep upward, indicating an end to the frigid extremes, with March's maximum reaching 22°C (72°F). Overall, January serves as a peak of winter's chill, but the hint of warmth to come is just around the corner.
In Minneapolis, January typically ushers in the year with 27 mm (1.0 in) of precipitation over just 5 days. This marks the start of a gradual upward trend in moisture, with February seeing a slight increase to 33 mm (1.3 in). As winter transitions to spring, the precipitation grows more pronounced, culminating in a notable 87 mm (3.4 in) by April. The number of wet days also rises steadily; while January experiences the least precipitation and fewest rainy days, the subsequent months bring more frequent showers, particularly in May and August, which showcase the city’s peak wetness with 126 mm (5.0 in) and 135 mm (5.3 in) respectively. This pattern suggests a clear evolution from the dry beginnings of the year into a lush and more temperate spring and summer, highlighting the dynamic climate of the region.
In Minneapolis, January stands out with a significant humidity level of 87%, setting a trend of elevated moisture that continues into February, where it peaks at 90%. As the winter months transition to spring, the humidity begins to decrease, dropping to 85% in March and further to 84% in April. This downward trend continues through May, showcasing a gradual moderation in humidity as the city warms up, ultimately reaching 78%. Even in the summer, Minneapolis exhibits consistent humidity levels, fluctuating between 80% and 81% from June to August. As fall approaches, humidity levels rise once again, culminating in a notable 88% in November, before settling at 84% in December. Overall, the data reveals a seasonal ebb and flow, with winter months marked by high humidity, spring offering a reprieve, and a late-year uptick as fall arrives.
In Minneapolis, January heralds a low UV Index of 2, indicating a relatively safe time for outdoor activities with a burn time of 45 minutes. As the months progress, UV levels rise, peaking in the summer; by May, the UV Index escalates to 8, demanding more cautious sun exposure with a reduced burn time of just 15 minutes. This trend continues through July and August, where the UV Index remains high at 9. Fall brings a slight decrease, with September seeing a drop to a high level of 7, before tapering off again to moderate readings of 5 in October. Finally, December and January return with a low UV Index of 2, completing a seasonal cycle that underscores the importance of being sun-smart as you enjoy Minneapolis's varying climates. For more detailed insights, check the Minneapolis UV Index.
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In Minneapolis, January kicks off the year with a modest 138 hours of sunshine, a stark contrast to the 202 hours that brightens February's skies. As spring approaches, the sun’s presence intensifies, peaking at 360 hours in July, marking the city’s sunniest month. The gradual increase from March's 235 hours through June's 347 hours reflects the eagerly awaited transition into warmer seasons. However, as autumn settles in, the sunshine gradually declines, dipping to 169 hours by December. This rhythmic ebb and flow of sunlight not only shapes the seasons but also the vibrant spirit of Minneapolis, making residents cherish every sunlit moment.
In January, the likelihood of sunny weather in Minneapolis hovers around a modest 22%, marking it as one of the cloudiest months of the year. This trend clearly reflects a gradual increase in sunshine chances as the seasons progress; February sees a jump to 33%, followed by significant improvements in March at 45%. Interestingly, while initial winter months are characterized by limited sunlight, the hope for brighter days begins to rise as we transition toward spring, with April and May offering 31% and 41% chances, respectively. Observing this upward trajectory, it becomes evident that the long winter days give way to sunnier skies as Minnesotans eagerly anticipate the more luminous months ahead.
In Minneapolis, the January daylight duration sets the stage for a gradual transition to longer days. Starting with just 9 hours of daylight, January is a time when sunshine is a precious commodity, hinting at the depth of winter. As the month progresses into February, daylight increases to 10 hours, signaling the slow but sure approach of spring. This upward trend continues dramatically through March and into April, where the days stretch to 11 and 13 hours, respectively. By May, Minneapolis basks in 14 hours of daylight, leading into the longest days of summer in June and July, both offering a generous 15 hours. As the summer heat wanes, daylight begins to retreat, with August still enjoying 13 hours, followed by September at 12 hours. However, the cycle turns once more; November and December bring shorter days, with daylight dipping back down to 9 and then 8 hours. This rhythmic ebb and flow not only dictates the residents' daily lives but also reflects the vibrant seasonal changes that define life in Minneapolis.
In Minneapolis during January, the average wind speed settles at 3.0 m/s (7 mph), marking the beginning of the year with a gentle yet steady breeze. Interestingly, this winter month tends to feature slightly lighter winds compared to the subsequent months of February and March, where speeds gradually increase to 3.2 m/s (7 mph) and 3.9 m/s (9 mph), respectively. This trend suggests that as winter gives way to early spring, residents can expect a slight uptick in wind activity. April brings a brief dip back to 3.5 m/s (8 mph), but as May approaches, wind speeds stabilize at 3.4 m/s (8 mph). It's noteworthy that July experiences the calmest winds of the year at just 2.7 m/s (6 mph), inviting a respite from the swirling winter gales. As the seasons shift again toward winter, wind speeds pick up in November and December, echoing a familiar pattern of brisk and invigorating winds that characterize the Minneapolis climate year-round.
The weather in Minneapolis changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of January's weather with other months, highlighting differences in temperature, precipitation, and other key factors. Click on each section to discover seasonal trends in Minneapolis and find detailed weather information for every month.
In comparing the weather between January and February, we see a slight overall warming trend as February features an average temperature of -8°C (17°F), compared to January's average of -9°C (17°F). Both months experience frigid minimum temperatures, with January slightly warmer at -34°C (-28°F) versus February's -35°C (-31°F). Notably, February boasts a higher maximum temperature of 16°C (60°F), significantly warmer than January's peak of 6°C (44°F). Precipitation increases slightly from 27 mm (1.0 in) in January to 33 mm (1.3 in) in February, with February also registering one extra day of precipitation. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, creeping up from 87% in January to 90% in February. For more detailed information on Minneapolis weather in February, you can visit Minneapolis weather in February.
In comparing the weather of January and March, January consistently exhibits harsher conditions with a minimum temperature dropping to -34°C (-28°F) and an average of -9°C (17°F). This month also sees only a modest increase in temperatures, peaking at just 6°C (44°F) and experiences high humidity levels at 87%. In contrast, March offers a more moderate climate, featuring warmer temperatures that range from a minimum of -26°C (-14°F) to an average of 0°C (33°F) and reaching a maximum of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation is higher in March, with 56 mm (2.2 in) spread over 7 days, compared to January’s 27 mm (1.0 in) over 5 days, and the humidity remains relatively similar at 85%. For more details, see Minneapolis weather in March.
In January, the weather is characterized by frigid temperatures, with a minimum of -34°C (-28°F) and an average of -9°C (17°F), making it the coldest month of the year. Precipitation is relatively low, totaling 27 mm (1.0 in) over about 5 days, accompanied by high humidity levels at 87%. In contrast, April experiences a significant warming trend, with an average temperature rising to 6°C (43°F) and a maximum reaching as high as 28°C (83°F). However, April also sees increased precipitation, with 87 mm (3.4 in) expected over 9 days, and slightly lower humidity at 84%. For more insights on this month, you can visit Minneapolis weather in April.
In January, temperatures can drop to a chilling minimum of -34°C (-28°F), with an average of -9°C (17°F) and a maximum of only 6°C (44°F). The month is characterized by high humidity at 87% and relatively low precipitation of 27 mm (1.0 in) over just 5 days. In stark contrast, May brings milder temperatures, with a minimum of 0°C (32°F), an average of 15°C (59°F), and a sweltering maximum that can reach 36°C (97°F). This month sees significantly increased rainfall, totaling 126 mm (5.0 in) across 12 days, along with a drop in humidity to 78%. For a deeper look at the weather characteristics during this pleasant month, you can visit Minneapolis weather in May.
The weather in January contrasts sharply with that of June, showcasing the extreme seasonal differences. In January, temperatures plummet, with a minimum of -34°C (-28°F) and an average of -9°C (17°F), while June enjoys a much milder climate, boasting a minimum temperature of 8°C (47°F) and an average of 22°C (72°F). Precipitation is also notably higher in June, with 86 mm (3.4 in) of rainfall over 10 days compared to January’s 27 mm (1.0 in) over just 5 days. Humidity levels are relatively similar, at 87% in January versus 80% in June, but the overall feel is drastically different, reflecting the vibrant life of summer against the stark chill of winter. For a closer look at June weather patterns, visit Minneapolis weather in June.
January and July present strikingly contrasting weather in Minneapolis. In January, temperatures plummet with a minimum of -34°C (-28°F) and an average of -9°C (17°F), while July boasts a much warmer climate with minimum temperatures starting at 12°C (54°F) and averaging 24°C (75°F). Precipitation also varies significantly, with January receiving only 27 mm (1.0 in) over 5 days, compared to July's 104 mm (4.1 in) spread over 10 days. Additionally, January's high humidity level at 87% feels chillier against its frigid temperatures, whereas July's humidity at 81% contributes to a warmer, more comfortable atmosphere. For a closer look at Minneapolis weather trends, check out Minneapolis weather in July.
When comparing the weather in January and August, there is a stark contrast in temperatures and conditions. January experiences frigid cold, with average temperatures around -9°C (17°F) and a chilling minimum of -34°C (-28°F), while August boasts a much warmer average of 22°C (71°F), with highs reaching 32°C (91°F). Precipitation also varies significantly; January sees a modest 27 mm (1.0 in) over 5 days, whereas August experiences a much wetter month with 135 mm (5.3 in) of rain across 12 days. Interestingly, humidity levels are relatively high in both months, at 87% in January and 81% in August, reflecting the moisture present despite the temperature differences. For more details on August weather specifically, you can visit Minneapolis weather in August.
January and September weather in Minneapolis present a stark contrast. In January, temperatures can plunge as low as -34°C (-28°F), with an average of -9°C (17°F) and occasional highs reaching 6°C (44°F). The month experiences significant humidity at 87%, with a total precipitation of 27 mm (1.0 in) over about 5 days. In comparison, September offers a much milder climate, featuring temperatures ranging from a minimum of 2°C (36°F) to an average of 18°C (64°F) and highs reaching 33°C (91°F). Precipitation is more substantial, totaling 115 mm (4.5 in) over approximately 10 days, but humidity remains relatively lower at 81%. For more insights on September weather, you can visit Minneapolis weather in September.
In January, the weather is characteristically frigid, with temperatures plummeting to a minimum of -34°C (-28°F) and averaging around -9°C (17°F), only occasionally reaching a maximum of 6°C (44°F). The precipitation level is relatively low at 27 mm (1.0 in) over five days, but the high humidity of 87% can make the cold feel even more biting. In contrast, October brings a much milder climate, with temperatures ranging from a minimum of -9°C (16°F) to a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging 9°C (49°F). This month experiences significantly more rainfall, totaling 98 mm (3.9 in) over 11 days, accompanied by a lower humidity level of 84%. The difference in weather between these two months is striking, highlighting the transition from the deep winter chill of January to the more temperate and variable conditions of October. For more detailed information, you can check Minneapolis weather in October.
In January, the weather is significantly colder, with average temperatures hovering around -9°C (17°F) and minimum temperatures plummeting to -34°C (-28°F). In contrast, November offers a milder experience, with average temperatures at 1°C (33°F) and maximum temperatures reaching up to 24°C (75°F). Both months see a fair amount of precipitation, with January receiving 27 mm (1.0 in) over 5 days, while November has slightly more at 35 mm (1.4 in) across 8 days. Humidity levels are quite similar, with January at 87% and November at 88%. For more details, visit Minneapolis weather in November.
In comparing the weather conditions of January and December, January tends to be colder overall, with average temperatures around -9°C (17°F) compared to December's milder average of -5°C (23°F). January sees a minimum temperature plunging to -34°C (-28°F), while December's minimum is slightly higher at -26°C (-15°F). Precipitation is also notably less in January, with only 27 mm (1.0 in) over 5 days, whereas December experiences 50 mm (2.0 in) across 7 days. Despite January's frigid temperatures, it has a slightly higher humidity level at 87% compared to December's 84%. For a closer look at December's weather specifics, you can check Minneapolis weather in December.
January in Minneapolis presents a stark contrast to other months, with its biting cold and significant temperature swings. As the coldest month, temperatures can plummet as low as -34°C (-28°F), making the average -9°C (17°F) feel like a chilling norm. Unlike the milder and often wetter spring and summer months, January's precipitation is modest, with just 27 mm (1.0 in) spread over a handful of days, contributing to the city’s frigid atmosphere. Despite the lower precipitation, humidity levels remain high at 87%, adding to the sharpness of the cold. Embracing the unique challenges of winter, January truly embodies the essence of a Minneapolis winter. For a deeper understanding of the city’s diverse weather patterns, visit Minneapolis Climate.