Minneapolis · December
Run in the midday.
Cold: average high 30°F, low 15°F. Layering becomes the workout. Humidity averages 77% — the limiting factor on most runs. Subfreezing mornings mean midday is the only reliably runnable window. Layer up and watch for wind chill.
Avg high / low
30° / 15°F
Humidity
77%
Rain days
11/mo
Wind
11 mph
What December feels like in Minneapolis
Sunrise
08:43
Mid-month average
Sunset
17:33
Mid-month average
Time-of-day breakdown
Morning
Coolest, driest air of the day. The window before sunrise is the most reliable comfortable hour.
Midday
Often the warmest few hours of a cold day. If you can only run once, midday gives you the most temperate window.
Evening
Cold drops back in fast after sunset. Tight window — done before headlamp territory.
What to wear running in Minneapolis in December
The kit for December in Minneapolis: cold-weather layers, gloves, and ear coverage on most mornings.
December vs the surrounding months
vs November
-12° avg high
0 rain days
Minneapolis in November →
December
30°F avg high
11 rain days
Best: midday
vs January
+7° avg high
+2 rain days
Minneapolis in January →
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of day to run in Minneapolis in December?+
Midday. Subfreezing mornings mean midday is the only reliably runnable window. Layer up and watch for wind chill.
What's the average temperature in Minneapolis in December?+
Average high 30°F, average low 15°F.
How does December compare to surrounding months in Minneapolis?+
Compared to November (avg high 42°F), December is cooler. Compared to January (avg high 23°F), December is warmer.
Does it rain often in Minneapolis in December?+
Expect about 11 measurable rain days in December, on average.