Last updated: February 24, 2025
October in Minneapolis, United States ushers in a vivid transition, with temperatures oscillating from a maximum of 29°C (85°F) to a chilly minimum of -9°C (16°F), averaging around 9°C (49°F). This month, residents can expect approximately 98 mm (3.9 in) of rainfall spread over 11 days, resulting in a noticeable humidity level of 84%. As the vibrant fall foliage begins to peak, October offers a captivating blend of warm days and crisp evenings, making it a time of both beauty and brisk weather challenges.
October in Minneapolis marks a transformative shift in temperatures as autumn fully embraces the city. As the month unfolds, temperatures range from a brisk -9°C (16°F) at their lowest to a pleasant 29°C (85°F) at peaks, offering residents a delightful mix of cool, crisp days and warmer afternoons ideal for outdoor activities. The average temperature stabilizes around 9°C (49°F), providing a refreshing backdrop for fall foliage and seasonal festivities. This transitional month signals the end of the fleeting warmth typical in September, as autumn's chill gradually sets in, creating a stunning tapestry of vibrant colors against the cool skies. Embracing layers is key, as Minneapolis dons its autumn attire, inviting both locals and visitors to revel in the beauty of the season.
In October, Minneapolis experiences a moderate shift in its precipitation patterns, receiving 98 mm (3.9 in) of rain over the month across 11 days. This marks a slight decrease compared to the wetter months of August and September, which recorded 135 mm and 115 mm respectively. Yet, October's precipitation remains higher than that of the colder months, revealing a seasonal transition. As autumn deepens, the rain often brings a crispness to the air, refreshing the landscape ahead of winter. This month acts as a bridge where the lushness of the preceding summer begins to give way to the stark beauty of the impending colder season, showcasing the city's dynamic climate.
As October arrives in Minneapolis, the humidity settles at 84%, reflecting a slight increase from the lower levels seen in the summer months. This transitional period marks a gradual shift from the consistently high humidity of mid-summer, where levels hovered around 81%. Following this pattern, October's moisture levels fall within a moderate range compared to the preceding months, highlighted by September’s stable 81%, yet they remain noticeably lower than the damp chill of winter that approaches in November when humidity surges to 88%. Overall, this trend reveals a delicate ebb and flow of moisture, punctuating the city’s progression from balmy summer days to the crispness of late fall.
As October rolls into Minneapolis, the UV Index settles at a moderate level of 5, signaling a slight decrease in sun intensity compared to the summer months. This transition reflects a shift from the very high index of 9 in August and July, where exposure times were limited to just 15 minutes to avoid burns. With the cooler fall air setting in, residents can enjoy up to 30 minutes of sun exposure without significant risk. October's UV conditions remind us that while autumn brings shorter days, the sun still possesses enough strength to warrant cautious outdoor activities. For comprehensive UV information tailored to your needs, visit Minneapolis UV Index.
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As the vibrant leaves of October begin to paint Minneapolis in warm hues, the city enjoys a notable 213 hours of sunshine—a cozy contrast to the deep winter months ahead. This marks a slight decline from the sun-soaked days of summer, where residents basked in a substantial 360 hours in July, showcasing the peak of daylight. The trend reveals a gradual tapering of sunshine from the lengthy, bright days of June and July, down through the crispness of October. Yet, with its 213 hours, October remains a delightful reminder of autumn's beauty, nestled between the energy of summer and the chill of winter, inviting all to savor the fleeting warmth before the frost sets in.
In Minneapolis, the month of October offers a moderate 46% chance of sunny weather, marking it as a transition point as the city moves away from the vibrant summer months and towards the chill of winter. This likelihood is noticeably lower than the peak sunny days of August and September, which enjoy a robust 62% chance of sunshine. However, October still showcases a notably higher sun probability compared to the dimmer winter months that follow, such as January and December, with chances plummeting to 22% and 30% respectively. As fall settles in, October stands out as a sweet spot where residents can still relish some sunshine amidst the picturesque autumn foliage.
As October arrives in Minneapolis, the daylight begins to wane, offering only 10 hours of sunshine, a notable drop from the vibrant 14 hours of daylight enjoyed in May. This gradual decrease reflects a broader trend seen throughout the year, where the months grow shorter as winter approaches. After basking in 15 hours of daylight during the peak summer months of June and July, Minneapolis residents transition into shorter days that usher in the cozy feel of fall. Although daylight hours are diminishing, October's crisp air and colorful foliage create a picturesque backdrop, inviting residents to savor the radiant beauty of autumn before the long nights of winter set in.
As October unfolds in Minneapolis, the average wind speed settles at a moderate 3.2 m/s (7 mph), reflecting a gentle transition from the brisk breezes of late summer. This month mirrors the conditions of August and February, creating a sense of continuity in the air as autumn advances. Notably, October's winds are softer than the more vigorous gusts of November and March, which both peak earlier in the year. Overall, the October winds bring a delicate whisper of change, inviting residents to enjoy the vibrant fall colors while the breezes remain friendly and inviting, setting the stage for the chillier months ahead.
The weather in Minneapolis changes throughout the year, offering a unique experience in each season. Below is a month-by-month comparison of October'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.
October and January present stark contrasts in weather. In October, temperatures vary significantly, with lows of -9°C (16°F) and highs reaching up to 29°C (85°F), contributing to a mild average of 9°C (49°F). The month experiences considerable precipitation, totaling 98 mm (3.9 in) over about 11 days, along with a relatively high humidity level of 84%. In stark contrast, January plunges into the heart of winter, featuring a chilling average temperature of -9°C (17°F) and maximums that barely reach 6°C (44°F). With frigid lows of -34°C (-28°F), the month sees drastically lower precipitation at just 27 mm (1.0 in) across only 5 days, and a humidity level that remains comparable at 87%. For more detailed insights, check out the Minneapolis weather in January.
When comparing the weather in October and February, it's clear that February experiences significantly colder temperatures. October features a minimum temperature of -9°C (16°F) and an average of 9°C (49°F), offering a maximum temperature that can reach as high as 29°C (85°F). In contrast, February has a much chillier minimum of -35°C (-31°F) and a much lower average of -8°C (17°F), with the highest temperature only reaching 16°C (60°F). Additionally, October sees about 98 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation over 11 days, while February has significantly less precipitation at 33 mm (1.3 in) over just 6 days. Humidity is slightly higher in February at 90%, compared to October's 84%. For more specifics on February weather, you can check Minneapolis weather in February.
When comparing the weather in October to that of March, notable differences emerge. October typically features milder temperatures, with averages around 9°C (49°F) and maximums reaching up to 29°C (85°F), making it a more comfortable month. In contrast, March can be quite chilly, with average temperatures hovering at 0°C (33°F) and minimums plummeting to -26°C (-14°F). While October sees more precipitation (98 mm or 3.9 in over 11 days), March has a lower total of 56 mm (2.2 in) but offers slightly fewer wet days, with only 7. Humidity levels are similar, around 84% in October and 85% in March, contributing to a damp feeling in both months. For more insights into the conditions you can expect in March, check out Minneapolis weather in March.
When comparing the weather in October and April, both months exhibit a range of temperatures and similar humidity levels, but with distinct seasonal characteristics. In October, temperatures vary from a chilly -9°C (16°F) at night to a pleasant 29°C (85°F) during the day, with an average of 9°C (49°F). The month experiences about 98 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation over 11 days. In contrast, April sees colder nighttime temperatures, reaching as low as -14°C (8°F) and a slightly lower average of 6°C (43°F), with daytime highs peaking at 28°C (83°F). Precipitation in April totals around 87 mm (3.4 in) over 9 days. For more details on April weather specifics, you can check Minneapolis weather in April.
October and May present distinct weather profiles, showcasing the transition between seasons. In October, temperatures can vary significantly, with a minimum of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum reaching up to 29°C (85°F), averaging around 9°C (49°F). This month also experiences substantial precipitation, with 98 mm (3.9 in) over approximately 11 days, and a notable humidity level of 84%.
In contrast, May offers a warmer climate, featuring temperatures that range from a minimum of 0°C (32°F) to a maximum of 36°C (97°F), with an average of 15°C (59°F). The month is characterized by slightly higher precipitation at 126 mm (5.0 in) over 12 days, but the humidity is notably lower at 78%. For more detailed insights, check out Minneapolis weather in May. Overall, May is generally warmer and drier, whereas October showcases a more varied and cooler climate.
October and June exhibit distinct weather patterns, reflecting the transition from fall to summer. In October, temperatures can plummet to a minimum of -9°C (16°F), with an average of 9°C (49°F) and a maximum reaching 29°C (85°F). The month experiences around 98 mm (3.9 in) of precipitation over 11 days and carries a high humidity level of 84%. In contrast, June boasts much milder conditions, with a minimum of 8°C (47°F), an average of 22°C (72°F), and a maximum soaring to 36°C (97°F). Precipitation in June is slightly lower at 86 mm (3.4 in) over 10 days, coupled with a humidity level of 80%. This comparison highlights how October tends to be cooler and more variable, while June offers warm and generally pleasant weather. For more insights, check out Minneapolis weather in June.
October and July present quite contrasting weather patterns. In July, temperatures range from a minimum of 12°C (54°F) to a maximum of 35°C (94°F), with an average of 24°C (75°F), creating a warm and often hot atmosphere. The month experiences slightly more precipitation at 104 mm (4.1 in) over 10 days, with humidity around 81%. In contrast, October shows much cooler temperatures, with a minimum of -9°C (16°F) and a maximum of 29°C (85°F), averaging 9°C (49°F). Although it has slightly less precipitation at 98 mm (3.9 in) over 11 days, humidity rises to 84%, giving October a distinctively chillier and damp feel. For more detailed insights on July weather, check out Minneapolis weather in July.
In October, temperatures can drop significantly, ranging from a brisk minimum of -9°C (16°F) to a warm maximum of 29°C (85°F) with an average of 9°C (49°F), while August enjoys much milder conditions, with minimums around 11°C (52°F) and maximums reaching 32°C (91°F), averaging 22°C (71°F). Precipitation is slightly lower in October at 98 mm (3.9 in) over 11 days, compared to August, which sees 135 mm (5.3 in) over 12 days. Despite October's increase in rainfall, its humidity is slightly higher at 84%, compared to August's 81%, making the fall month feel a bit more damp. For a deeper look at August weather in Minneapolis, you can visit Minneapolis weather in August.
October weather shows a significant drop in average temperatures compared to September. The minimum temperature in October plunges to -9°C (16°F), while September maintains a milder minimum of 2°C (36°F). The average temperature in October is significantly cooler at 9°C (49°F), compared to September's average of 18°C (64°F). Even the maximum temperatures reflect this cooling trend, with October peaking at 29°C (85°F), while September can still reach a warm 33°C (91°F).
Precipitation in October amounts to 98 mm (3.9 in) over 11 days, slightly less than September's 115 mm (4.5 in) over 10 days. Humidity remains relatively high in both months, with October at 84% and September at 81%. For more specific details about September weather patterns, you can visit Minneapolis weather in September.
October weather presents a wider temperature range, with minimums as low as -9°C (16°F) and maximums reaching up to 29°C (85°F), leading to an average temperature of 9°C (49°F). In contrast, November sees a significant drop in temperatures, with minimums plunging to -16°C (4°F) and an average temperature of just 1°C (33°F), while maximums cap at 24°C (75°F). Precipitation levels also differ, with October experiencing 98 mm (3.9 in) over 11 days, compared to November's milder 35 mm (1.4 in) over 8 days. Humidity remains high in both months, at 84% in October and slightly higher at 88% in November, underscoring the cool and damp conditions typical for late fall. For more specific details, you can refer to the Minneapolis weather in November.
October and December present striking contrasts in weather conditions. In October, temperatures can range significantly from a brisk minimum of -9°C (16°F) to a warm maximum of 29°C (85°F), with an average of 9°C (49°F). The month sees a fair amount of precipitation, totaling 98 mm (3.9 in) over 11 days, coupled with high humidity at 84%. In stark contrast, December's temperatures plunge, featuring a minimum of -26°C (-15°F) and an average of -5°C (23°F), with a maximum of only 13°C (55°F). The month experiences less precipitation, with only 50 mm (2.0 in) across 7 days, while humidity remains constant at 84%. For more detailed information, you can visit Minneapolis weather in December.
As October unfolds in Minneapolis, the city experiences a striking transition from the warmth of summer to the crispness of autumn. The temperature sees significant fluctuations, with warm days giving way to chillier nights, often dipping below zero. With an average humidity of 84%, the air carries a briskness that sharpens the colors of fall foliage, making for picturesque views. Precipitation becomes more frequent, marking the month with 11 days of rain that contribute to a total of 98 mm of moisture. This blend of warmth, chill, and moisture sets October apart from other months, heralding the arrival of winter. To learn more about the city's annual climate patterns, visit Minneapolis Climate.