Early winter · Weather & things to do
Minneapolis in December
Minneapolis cools off: highs slip to 27°F (-3°C), from 42°F in November, with lows of 12°F (-11°C) and about 1.5 in (37 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 47/100 (12th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 27°F (-3°C)
- Avg low
- 12°F (-11°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.5 in (37 mm)
- Humidity
- 87%
- Cloud cover
- 69%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 36 min
- Comfort score
- 47/100 · Fair
What December feels like
It's cold: daytime highs average just 27°F (-3°C), so build the days around warm stops.
Nights drop below freezing, with an average low of 12°F (-11°C), so expect frost and ice.
Expect about 1.5 in (37 mm) of precipitation (rain or snow). Because the average temperature is below freezing, snow is likely on some days.
Only about 8 h 36 min of daylight means early sunsets.
Plan around December
December is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are August & September.
- Shortest days of the year, about 8 h 36 min of daylight.
- Comfort slips from 51/100 in November to 47/100.
- Our Minnesota North Shore route recommends Jun – Oct, so December falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for December
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 12°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost places below are best reached on foot or with short walks
What to do in Minneapolis in December
Cold days call for a roof: these picks favor sit-down and indoor stops, plus a few for drier spells.
Mill City Museum
Museum in the ruins of a flour mill, with an elevator ride through the building's history.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 27°F.
Spoon and Stable
Chef Gavin Kaysen's restaurant in a former North Loop horse stable.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 27°F.
Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Contemporary art museum beside the free garden with the Spoonbridge and Cherry.
Why now A way to spend part of a cold day out of the wind.
Indígena by Owamni
Sean Sherman's Indigenous kitchen, no dairy, wheat or cane sugar, now in the Guthrie Theater with river views.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Surly Brewing Co.
Big beer hall and patio from the brewery behind Minnesota's craft beer boom.
Why now A cozy break on a 27°F day.
Nearby in December
- Duluth in December~137 mi · highs 26°F, 1.7 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Decorah in December~137 mi · highs 30°F, 1.7 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Dubuque in December~215 mi · highs 33°F, 1.9 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Des Moines in December~235 mi · highs 35°F, 1.5 in rain or snow · 5°C (8°F) warmer by day, about as wet
These averages also cover Downtown Minneapolis & the Riverfront and Minnehaha Falls.
NASA POWER 2001–2025 monthly averages on a ~50 km grid. Comfort scores weigh temperature, rain, humidity and cloud: see how we score each month. Check a forecast before you go.
Minneapolis in December: quick answers
Is December a good time to visit Minneapolis?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 47/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are August & September. Expect highs of 27°F (-3°C) and 1.5 in (37 mm) of rain or snow. Our Minnesota North Shore route recommends Jun – Oct, so December is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Minneapolis in December?
Average highs are 27°F (-3°C) and average lows 12°F (-11°C), making it the 3rd-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Minneapolis in December?
Not much: about 1.5 in (37 mm) of rain or snow falls across December on average, the 4th-driest month of the year. With temperatures this low, much of it may fall as snow. The annual total is about 33.1 in (840 mm).
What should I pack for Minneapolis in December?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 12°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most places below are best reached on foot or with short walks).
More on Minneapolis
Planning Minneapolis in December?
Share this December plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.