Minneapolis, MN Weather Forecast & Climate Guide
Minneapolis has a humid continental climate with extreme temperature variations. The city experiences very cold winters and warm summers.
Climate type: Humid continental (Köppen Dfa/Dfb)
Minneapolis Climate Overview
Summer highs reach the 80s°F (27-29°C). Winters are extremely cold with average highs in the teens°F (-7 to -12°C). Annual snowfall exceeds 50 inches.
Minneapolis experiences Arctic outbreaks in winter with temperatures dropping below -20°F. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes occur in spring and summer.
Minneapolis Weather by Season
spring
Spring comes late and fast. April still sees snow, but by May highs are in the 60s°F and everything melts and blooms at once. Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a spring feature.
summer
Summers are warm and humid with highs in the low 80s°F and occasional heat waves. Days are long — over 15 hours of daylight at the summer solstice.
fall
Fall is spectacular but brief — crisp September days in the 60s-70s°F, brilliant foliage in October, and the first hard freeze typically arrives by late October or early November.
winter
Winters are brutal. Highs average in the 20s°F, lows regularly drop below zero, and the city often sees temperatures below -20°F during Arctic outbreaks. Snow cover usually lasts from December through March.
Minneapolis Average Monthly Temperatures
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F | 24° | 28° | 40° | 57° | 69° | 79° | 84° | 81° | 72° | 58° | 42° | 28° |
| Low °F | 9° | 13° | 25° | 36° | 48° | 58° | 63° | 61° | 52° | 39° | 26° | 14° |
Best Time to Visit Minneapolis
Late June through early October. Summer brings warm days, long sunlight, and Minneapolis's many outdoor festivals. September is peak weather — mild, dry, and gorgeous.
Severe Weather Risks
- Blizzards
- Polar vortex outbreaks
- Tornadoes
- Ice storms
- Severe thunderstorms
Weather Facts About Minneapolis
- >Minneapolis is the coldest major US city — average January high is just 24°F.
- >The all-time record low is -41°F, set in 1888 and nearly matched in modern polar vortex events.
- >The skyway system connects downtown buildings so residents can walk for miles without going outside in winter.
Minneapolis Weather FAQ
How cold does Minneapolis get?
Average January highs are 24°F with lows in the low teens°F. Arctic outbreaks can push temperatures below -20°F with wind chills below -40°F. Extended cold is the norm, not an exception.
When is the best time to visit Minneapolis?
July through September. Summer days reach the 80s°F with long sunlight hours, and September offers mild temperatures and low humidity. Winter is beautiful but genuinely dangerous without preparation.
How much snow does Minneapolis get?
About 52 inches per year on average. Snow cover typically lasts from December through March, and the ground often stays frozen from November into April.
Does Minneapolis get tornadoes?
Yes. The Twin Cities sit on the northern edge of Tornado Alley and see several severe weather outbreaks each spring and summer. The 2011 North Minneapolis tornado was a notable event.