Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Minnesota, we have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Minnesota
- Important essentials for Minnesota
- Activities for Minnesota
- Minnesota in January: weather and what to pack
- Minnesota in February: weather and what to pack
- Minnesota in March: weather and what to pack
- Minnesota in April: weather and what to pack
- Minnesota in May: weather and what to pack
- Minnesota in June: weather and what to pack
- Minnesota in July: weather and what to pack
- Minnesota in August: weather and what to pack
- Minnesota in September: weather and what to pack
- Minnesota in October: weather and what to pack
- Minnesota in November: weather and what to pack
- Minnesota in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Minnesota, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Minnesota, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection you can have.
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an excellent TSA-friendly option.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently become worn. An unreadable card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks don't exist for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one should be sufficient for most places, but you may want to check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
For families with young children
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Minnesota. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
Airplane or car necessities
What to wear/what to pack for Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January in Minnesota can be dangerously cold. Temperatures average in the low 10s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains sometimes and snows sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Thick pajamas
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Neck warmer/cold weather mask
-
Heated gloves
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Night cap
It's a good idea to wear something on your head at night in this weather like this
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Minnesota, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Minnesota has some excellent ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you visit the Minnesota Children's Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
February
February here is biting cold. Temperatures average in the 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice:
-
Night cap
It's important to wear something on your head at night in this climate like this
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Heated gloves
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Thick pajamas
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Minnesota, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Minnesota has some famous ski slopes If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you visit the Minnesota Children's Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
March
March in Minnesota is brisk. Temperatures average in the high 30s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains once in a while and snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Pajamas
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Lip balm
The best option: this one
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Minnesota, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect option.
-
Ski accessories
Minnesota has some good ski slopes If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you visit the Minnesota Children's Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
April
April in Minnesota is cool. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 30s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Jacket or coat
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For travel to Minnesota, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is worth investing in for this weather. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Minnesota has some good skiing If you plan to ski, we would recommend:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you visit the Minnesota Children's Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
May
If you vacation in Minnesota during May, you will probably notice that it is mild. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 40s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Pants or jeans
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We like:
If you visit the Minnesota Children's Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
June
If you are traveling to Minnesota in June, you will notice that it is warm and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain 5-10 days this month. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases remain dry. We recommend:
If you visit the Minnesota Children's Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
July
July in Minnesota is extremely warm. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also removes dangerous contaminants:
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can keep you cool and protect you from UV rays:
-
Sunglasses
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
If you visit the Minnesota Children's Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
August
August here is hot. Temperatures average in the low 80s F (high 20s C) during the day. It rains 5-10 days this month.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things remain dry. We recommend:
If you visit the Minnesota Children's Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
September
September in Minnesota is balmy. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 40s F (single digits C), with a few days below 32 F (single digits C). It tends to rain regularly.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Extra socks
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We suggest:
If you visit the Minnesota Children's Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
October
If you go to Minnesota in October, you will notice that it is relatively cool. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best choice: here
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We recommend:
If you visit the Minnesota Children's Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
November
November in Minnesota can be very chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the low 20s F (single digits below 0 C). It tends to rain occasionally. It also snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sweaters
-
Lip balm
Our pick is: this
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Minnesota, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is something you need here. This one is an excellent option.
-
Ski accessories
Minnesota has some great skiing If you plan to ski, we also suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you visit the Minnesota Children's Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
December
December in Minnesota can be dangerously cold. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain sometimes. It also snows occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heated gloves
-
Thick pajamas
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Thermal undergarments
We chose:
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Coveralls
We pick:
-
Night cap
It's suggested to wear something on your head at night in this weather like this
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather face mask
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to standard shoes, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Minnesota, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential in this type of weather. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Minnesota has some excellent skiing If you plan to ski, we would suggest:
- day pack
- mittens (in addition to gloves)
- thermal pants
- lip balm with SPF
- ski socks (at least 2 pairs)
- ...and of course your ski gear
If you visit the Minnesota Children's Museum, wear museum-appropriate clothing and take:
-
Small portable cooler
Save money on drinks with this portable cooler.
-
Ultralight day pack
Like this, so you don't have to lug around a heavy suitcase.
-
Comfy walking shoes
Activities for Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Minnesota.
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