Minneapolis (MN) Rainfall & Precipitation: Monthly Averages and Year-Round Insights

This page shows both the average monthly rainfall and the number of rainy days in Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States of America. Long-term data from 1990 to 2020 was used to calculate these averages. Let’s explore the details to provide you with a complete overview.

Generally, Minneapolis has a moderate amount of precipitation, averaging 853 mm of rain/snowfall annually.

Monthly Precipitation Levels

The average number of days each month with precipitation (> 0.2 mm)

Significant seasonal changes in precipitation occur throughout the year. During the wet season, June receives substantial rainfall, averaging 125 mm of precipitation, recorded across 14 rainy days.

In contrast, the drier season, January brings less snowfall, with 17 mm over 8 snowy days.

June, the wettest month, has a maximum daytime temperature of 26°C. The city receives 322 hours of sunshine in this period. During the driest month January you can expect a temperature of -5°C. For more detailed insights into the city’s temperatures, visit our Minneapolis Temperature page.

Annual Precipitation in the United States of America

The map below shows the annual precipitation across the United States of America. You can also select the different months in case you are interested in a specific month.

Amsterdam Precipitation Compared World Wide

Minneapolis’s average annual precipitation is 853 mm. Let’s compare this to some popular worldwide tourist destinations:

Chicago, USA, sees an annual precipitation of 1062 mm, with rain and snow contributing to its humid climate.

Beijing, China, receives 560 mm of annual precipitation, concentrated in the summer months.

Melbourne, Australia, has 690 mm of rainfall annually, spread fairly evenly throughout the year.

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, receives 2529 mm of annual rainfall, characteristic of its equatorial tropical rainforest climate, with consistent rainfall throughout the year and peak months during March and November.

How is Precipitation Measured?

Precipitation amounts are measured using specific gauges installed at weather stations, collecting both rain and snow and any other type of precipitation. Rainfall is measured directly in millimeters, while that from snow and ice is obtained by melting it. Automated systems often incorporate heaters to make this easier.

Information from these stations is transmitted via Wi-Fi, satellite, GPS, or telephone connections to central monitoring networks. This information is immediately updated and integrated into weather models and forecasts.

Global Warming and Precipitation

Climate change is affecting precipitation patterns worldwide, including Minneapolis (MN):

• Changing Rainfall Patterns: Global warming causes drastic changes in the patterns of rainfall. Some areas have been experiencing increased frequency and intensity of rainfall, while other areas experience longer dry spells or even droughts.
• Local Impacts: Many regions are experiencing heavier rainfall in the winter months and drier, hotter summers. This affects agriculture, water resources, and ecosystems.

For more detailed information about Minneapolis (MN)’s weather, including sunshine hours, humidity levels, and temperature data, visit our Minneapolis (MN) Climate page.