Minneapolis in October
In October, Minneapolis averages 14°C (56°F) during the day and 5°C (41°F) at night, with around 13 days of rain (88 mm total).
Off-peakConditions are cool — bring a jacket for evenings. Plan for unsettled weather and bring rain gear.
It's peak hurricane season in Minneapolis during October. Travel is possible but expect storm risk, possible flight disruption, and generally lower travel insurance coverage.
How October compares to the rest of the year in Minneapolis
October is in the middle of the year for warmth in Minneapolis (6th of 12) and moderately rainy compared to the rest of the year (9th of 12). Daytime temperature runs 1°C above the annual average (13°C). October runs 9°C cooler than September (23°C) and cools 8°C in November (5°C).
October sunrise & sunset in Minneapolis
Times shown for Minneapolis local time (America/Chicago), calculated for the 15th of October. They shift by a few minutes day to day across the month.
Photography light in Minneapolis — October
Golden-hour and blue-hour windows for the 15th of October, in Minneapolis's local time. Use these for soft warm light (golden) or cool architectural twilight (blue).
📅 When to book — Minneapolis in October
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 October's tier (Off-peak) and Minneapolis's popularity.
Crowds & pricing — October in Minneapolis
This is off-peak for Minneapolis — the lowest prices of the year and the fewest crowds, but with real trade-offs: some restaurants, hotels, and beach businesses may close for the season; weather conditions can make outdoor activities unpredictable; and a handful of seasonal sights run reduced hours or close entirely. Great if you prefer a quiet local rhythm and don't mind the climate giving you reasons to choose indoor activities.
Why this tier: peak hazard season (1 active)
Sun & mosquito risk — October 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.
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 October weather
🌍 See the full ranked list of climate twins for Minneapolis in October →
Frequently asked questions
How hot is Minneapolis in October?
In October, Minneapolis averages a high of 14°C (56°F) and a low of 5°C (41°F) — generally cool.
Does it rain a lot in Minneapolis in October?
October can be fairly wet in Minneapolis, with about 13 rainy days on average.
Is October a good time to visit Minneapolis?
October is cool. It suits travelers who are comfortable with cool weather; check the month-by-month ranking to compare it against the rest of the year.
What should I pack for Minneapolis in October?
Pack a warm jacket and layers, plus a compact umbrella or rain jacket. See the full October packing list for Minneapolis for a complete, climate-based checklist.
Check the live 10-day forecast and sunrise/sunset.