Minneapolis

Minnesota Weather in December

Average temperatures, rainfall, sunshine and the best places to visit in Minnesota, the United States of America in December.

Thinking about venturing to Minnesota, the United States of America this December and curious about the weather conditions to expect? This page holds all the key information you seek, responding to your question:

What to Expect in Minnesota in December

Minnesota, the United States of America is a region in the United States of America. December in Minnesota generally has very cold temperatures, with precipitation levels ranging from low to moderate. During December, winter is in full swing.

Temperatures

The average maximum temperatures are very cold and range from -7°C (19°F) in Thief River Falls to -1°C (30°F) in Winona. Nighttime temperatures generally drop to -9°C (16°F) in Winona and -16°C (3°F) in Thief River Falls. In many areas in the United States of America, December brings with it chilling temperatures. When visiting these parts during this time, it's of utmost importance to be ready. Choose clothing that is both layered and insulating to combat the cold effectively.

For specific regional insights in Minnesota, the United States of America, refer to the map provided below.

Precipitation

In December, precipitation varies across different areas. From low snowfall in Bemidji with an average of 21 mm (0.8 in) to moderate snowfall in Two Harbors with 54 mm (2.1 in).

Average sunshine

Sunshine is moderately available across various locations. In Minneapolis, you can expect around 116 hours of sunlight in December, which gives a pleasant combination of sun and shade. For those who want maximum sunshine, our weather planner can point you toward the sunniest places on Earth.

Explore Minnesota by month

Pick a month to see the average temperature, rainfall and sunshine in Minnesota - and find the best time to visit. (based on Minneapolis)

Best Places to Visit in Minnesota in December

Click on a destination dot for more details. Toggle the map to compare temperatures or precipitation across Minnesota.

perfect weather
pleasant
tolerable
unpleasant
poor

Perfect weather is subjective. On this map perfect weather has been defined with temperatures between 20°C (68°F) and 29°C (84°F) and not too much precipitation (less than 90 mm (3.5 in) a month).

Popular Destinations in Minnesota

What is the weather like in December for some of the most popular destinations in Minnesota, the United States of America?

Temperature range in Minnesota (December)

Precipitation variation in Minnesota (December)

Minneapolis

In December Minneapolis generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -2°C (28°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -10°C (14°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
7°C (45°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Min temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-10°C (14°F)
-13°C (9°F)
Monthly sun hours
114 hours
116 hours
153 hours
Monthly snowfall
33 mm (1.3 in)
47 mm (1.9 in)
17 mm (0.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
8 days
10 days
8 days
Weather conditions

Bloomington

In December Bloomington generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -2°C (28°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -10°C (14°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
7°C (45°F)
-2°C (28°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Min temperature
-2°C (28°F)
-10°C (14°F)
-13°C (9°F)
Monthly sun hours
114 hours
116 hours
153 hours
Monthly snowfall
29 mm (1.1 in)
45 mm (1.8 in)
16 mm (0.6 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
10 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Duluth

In December Duluth generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -5°C (23°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -13°C (9°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
3°C (37°F)
-5°C (23°F)
-7°C (19°F)
Min temperature
-5°C (23°F)
-13°C (9°F)
-16°C (3°F)
Monthly sun hours
100 hours
104 hours
133 hours
Monthly snowfall
36 mm (1.4 in)
53 mm (2.1 in)
19 mm (0.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
9 days
10 days
8 days
Weather conditions

Eagan

In December Eagan generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -3°C (27°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -10°C (14°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
7°C (45°F)
-3°C (27°F)
-5°C (23°F)
Min temperature
-3°C (27°F)
-10°C (14°F)
-14°C (7°F)
Monthly sun hours
114 hours
116 hours
153 hours
Monthly snowfall
35 mm (1.4 in)
50 mm (2 in)
17 mm (0.7 in)
Monthly rainy days
7 days
10 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Saint Cloud

In December Saint Cloud generally has very low temperatures with maximum daytime temperatures around -4°C (25°F), minimum nighttime temperatures around -13°C (9°F) and moderate monthly snowfall. So on average the conditions are less favorable that month.

November
December
January
Max temperature
5°C (41°F)
-4°C (25°F)
-6°C (21°F)
Min temperature
-5°C (23°F)
-13°C (9°F)
-16°C (3°F)
Monthly snowfall
23 mm (0.9 in)
35 mm (1.4 in)
12 mm (0.5 in)
Monthly rainy days
6 days
9 days
7 days
Weather conditions

Is your destination not in the list? Have a look at all destinations in Minnesota, in the United States of America.

Popular cities in December

Day & night temperatures, rainfall and average weather in Minnesota in December.

City Weather Day temp Night temp Rainfall
Minneapolis -2°C (28°F) -10°C (14°F) 47 mm (1.9 in)
Bloomington -2°C (28°F) -10°C (14°F) 45 mm (1.8 in)
Duluth -5°C (23°F) -13°C (9°F) 53 mm (2.1 in)
Eagan -3°C (27°F) -10°C (14°F) 50 mm (2 in)
Saint Cloud -4°C (25°F) -13°C (9°F) 35 mm (1.4 in)
Mankato -2°C (28°F) -11°C (12°F) 43 mm (1.7 in)

Minnesota weather in December: frequently asked questions

What is the weather like in Minnesota, the United States of America in December?

December in Minnesota, the United States of America brings less favorable weather. In Minneapolis, daytime temperatures are typically around -2°C (28°F) and nighttime lows hover near -10°C (14°F).

What is the average temperature in Minnesota, the United States of America in December?

Average temperatures in Minnesota, the United States of America during December range from a nighttime low near -10°C (14°F) to a daytime high around -2°C (28°F) in Minneapolis.

Does Minnesota, the United States of America get a lot of snow in December?

December is on the drier side in Minnesota, the United States of America. Minneapolis averages only about 47 mm (1.9 in), with most days staying dry.

Is December a Good Time to Visit Minnesota, the United States of America?

Given the typically less favorable weather conditions in Minneapolis, December may not be the ideal time to visit Minnesota, the United States of America.

Generally speaking, the best visiting conditions can be found in September offering mostly excellent weather in Minneapolis. On the other hand, the weather in January, February, March, November and December tend to be less favorable.

Interested in more climate information?

We have much more information about the climate in Minnesota.

Weather and climate has detailed information for every country in the world. Are you going to the United States of America? Get detailed historical weather averages for many cities in the United States of America.

Not sure yet where to go? We now have a tool which recommends destinations that suit your ideal travel conditions. Find out where to go with our weather planner.

Bucket list

Need travel inspiration? Check out our bucket list articles and be inspired.