Early spring · Weather & things to do
Minneapolis in March
Minneapolis warms up: highs climb to 41°F (5°C), from 26°F in February, with lows of 21°F (-6°C) and about 1.7 in (44 mm) of rain or snow.
With a comfort score of 48/100 (11th of 12), it's one of the toughest months, held back mainly by cool days.
- Avg high
- 41°F (5°C)
- Avg low
- 21°F (-6°C)
- Rain or snow
- 1.7 in (44 mm)
- Humidity
- 78%
- Cloud cover
- 67%
- Daylight
- ~11 h 37 min
- Comfort score
- 48/100 · Fair
What March feels like
It's cool, with highs near 41°F (5°C), so a proper jacket stays on most of the day.
Average lows of 21°F (-6°C) mean frosty nights and icy mornings.
About 1.7 in (44 mm) of rain or snow falls in the month, and with temperatures averaging below freezing, much of it may come as snow.
Plan around March
March is one of the lower-scoring months here; the best are August & September.
- Last month with freezing nights on average; by April, lows rise to 34°F.
- Last dry month before the rain picks up: April brings 3.2 in (82 mm).
- The year's biggest warm-up: highs jump 9°C (15°F) from February.
- Comfort holds steady from February (50 → 48/100).
- Our Minnesota North Shore route recommends Jun – Oct, so March falls outside its suggested window.
What to pack for March
- Insulated jackethighs only 41°F
- Hat, gloves and thermal base layerslows around 21°F
- Insulated, waterproof bootssnow is likely on some days
- Comfortable walking shoesmost picks involve some walking
What to do in Minneapolis in March
Weather can go either way, so the picks below mix open-air spots with indoor backups.
Minnehaha Falls
53-foot waterfall in a city park with creek trails to the Mississippi.
Why now Our curated notes say it's best spring.
Stone Arch Bridge
1883 railroad bridge turned walkway over St. Anthony Falls on the Mississippi.
Matt's Bar
Corner tavern claiming the original 'Jucy Lucy' cheese-stuffed burger.
Walker Art Center and Minneapolis Sculpture Garden
Contemporary art museum beside the free garden with the Spoonbridge and Cherry.
Bde Maka Ska
Largest of the Chain of Lakes, with a 3-mile loop path, beaches and paddleboard rentals.
Nearby in March
- Duluth in March~137 mi · highs 36°F, 1.6 in rain or snow · 3°C (6°F) cooler by day, about as wet
- Decorah in March~137 mi · highs 43°F, 2.0 in rain or snow · similar daytime temperatures, about as wet
- Dubuque in March~215 mi · highs 46°F, 2.2 in rain or snow · 3°C (5°F) warmer by day, about as wet
- Des Moines in March~235 mi · highs 49°F, 1.9 in rain or snow · 4°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 March: quick answers
Is March a good time to visit Minneapolis?
It's one of the tougher months here, scoring 48/100, held back mainly by cool days. The best months are August & September. Expect highs of 41°F (5°C) and 1.7 in (44 mm) of rain or snow. Our Minnesota North Shore route recommends Jun – Oct, so March is outside its suggested window.
How cold is Minneapolis in March?
Average highs are 41°F (5°C) and average lows 21°F (-6°C), making it the 4th-coldest month by daytime highs, with nights below freezing on average.
Does it snow a lot in Minneapolis in March?
Not much: about 1.7 in (44 mm) of rain or snow falls across March on average, the 5th-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 March?
Bring insulated jacket (highs only 41°F), hat, gloves and thermal base layers (lows around 21°F), insulated, waterproof boots (snow is likely on some days) and comfortable walking shoes (most picks involve some walking).
More on Minneapolis
Planning Minneapolis in March?
Share this March plan with your group, poll everyone on dates and keep the packing list in one place.