Minneapolis in March
In March, Minneapolis averages 6°C (42°F) during the day and -5°C (23°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (53 mm total).
ShoulderConditions are cold — pack winter layers. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
March in Minneapolis is outside the typical sweet spot for sightseeing weather. It can still be a great time to visit if you have specific reasons (festivals, off-season pricing, etc.).
How March compares to the rest of the year in Minneapolis
March is in the middle of the year for warmth in Minneapolis (8th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (8th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 7°C below the annual average (13°C). March runs 9°C warmer than February (-4°C) and warms a further 6°C into April (12°C).
March sunrise & sunset in Minneapolis
Times shown for Minneapolis local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of March. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Minneapolis — March
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of March, in Minneapolis's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Minneapolis in March
Travel writers usually only tell you when to go. Here's when to book flights and lodging for the best mix of price and availability, based on March's tier (Shoulder) and Minneapolis's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — March in Minneapolis
Minneapolis is in a shoulder season month — fewer crowds, slightly lower prices, and a calmer atmosphere than peak weeks. Most major sights stay open with normal hours, though a handful of seasonal restaurants or boat trips may run reduced schedules. Many regulars consider these months the best time to visit because you trade a small amount of weather reliability for a much more pleasant on-the-ground experience.
Sun & mosquito risk — March in Minneapolis
UV is a clear-sky sea-level estimate — clouds, altitude, and reflective surfaces (snow, water) shift it ±30%. Mosquito risk is climate-derived only; for current disease advisories (dengue, malaria, zika) check the CDC or WHO travel pages before your trip.
🌬 Frosty nights — Minneapolis in March
Gear: Cold nights, milder days. Light insulated jacket fine for daytime, real coat for after dark.
Minneapolis in other months
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Rainfall | Rain days | Snow days |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | -5°C / 24°F | -14°C / 7°F | 28 mm | 13 | — |
| February | -4°C / 25°F | -14°C / 6°F | 34 mm | 11 | — |
| March | 6°C / 42°F | -5°C / 23°F | 53 mm | 13 | — |
| April | 12°C / 54°F | 1°C / 35°F | 89 mm | 19 | — |
| May | 21°C / 69°F | 9°C / 49°F | 122 mm | 17 | — |
| June | 27°C / 80°F | 16°C / 61°F | 115 mm | 16 | — |
| July | 28°C / 83°F | 18°C / 64°F | 95 mm | 16 | — |
| August | 27°C / 80°F | 17°C / 62°F | 120 mm | 16 | — |
| September | 23°C / 73°F | 14°C / 56°F | 98 mm | 15 | — |
| October | 14°C / 56°F | 5°C / 41°F | 88 mm | 13 | — |
| November | 5°C / 41°F | -3°C / 27°F | 51 mm | 13 | — |
| December | -1°C / 29°F | -9°C / 15°F | 45 mm | 11 | — |
Other cities with similar March weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Minneapolis in March →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Minneapolis in March?
In March, Minneapolis averages a high of 6°C (42°F) and a low of -5°C (23°F) — generally cold.
Does it rain a lot in Minneapolis in March?
March can be fairly wet in Minneapolis, with about 13 rainy days on average.
Is March a good time to visit Minneapolis?
March is cold. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cold weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Minneapolis in March?
Pack heavy winter layers, a coat, hat and gloves, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full March packing list for Minneapolis for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.