Mid-winter · Weather & things to do
Minneapolis in January
This is the coldest month in Minneapolis: highs average 22°F (-6°C) and lows 4°F (-15°C), with about 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 49/100 (10th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 22°F (-6°C)
- Avg low
- 4°F (-15°C)
- Rain or snow
- 0.7 in (18 mm)
- Humidity
- 88%
- Cloud cover
- 62%
- Daylight
- ~8 h 57 min
- Comfort score
- 49/100 · Fair
What January feels like
Highs only reach about 22°F (-6°C), so plan short stints outside between indoor stops.
Average lows of 4°F (-15°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
Precipitation is light, about 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain or snow, and since the average temperature is below freezing, what does fall may well be snow.
Daylight is short, roughly 8 h 57 min mid-month, so start sightseeing early.
Plan around January
January is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are August & September.
- Comfort holds steady from December (47 → 49/100).
- Our Minnesota North Shore route recommends Jun – Oct, so January falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for January
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 4°F
- Shoes with gripfrost and ice are possible
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Minneapolis in January
With highs near 22°F, these picks lean toward food, drink and places with a roof, with outdoor options when the weather breaks.
Surly Brewing Co.
Big beer hall and patio from the brewery behind Minnesota's craft beer boom.
Why now A warm sit-down stop when highs sit around 22°F.
Minneapolis Institute of Art
Free encyclopedic museum with period rooms and strong Asian and American collections.
Why now An indoor-leaning stop when highs sit around 22°F.
Spoon and Stable
Chef Gavin Kaysen's restaurant in a former North Loop horse stable.
Why now Somewhere to warm up between colder walks.
Matt's Bar
Corner tavern claiming the original 'Jucy Lucy' cheese-stuffed burger.
Why now A cozy break on a 22°F day.
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.
Nearby in January
- Duluth in January~137 mi · highs 20°F, 0.9 in rain or snow · 1°C (2°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Decorah in January~137 mi · highs 25°F, 1.0 in rain or snow · 2°C (3°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Dubuque in January~215 mi · highs 28°F, 1.2 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Des Moines in January~235 mi · highs 31°F, 0.9 in rain or snow · 5°C (9°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 January: quick answers
Is January a good time to visit Minneapolis?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 49/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are August & September. Expect highs of 22°F (-6°C) and 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain or snow. Our Minnesota North Shore route recommends Jun – Oct, so January is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Minneapolis in January?
Average highs are 22°F (-6°C) and average lows 4°F (-15°C), making it the coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Minneapolis in January?
Not much: about 0.7 in (18 mm) of rain or snow falls across January on average, the 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 January?
Bring hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 4°F), shoes with grip (frost and ice are possible) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Minneapolis
Planning Minneapolis in January?
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