Southern Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
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Traveling to Southern Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America? If you're planning to go to Southern Minnesota, here is some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Southern Minnesota
- Important essentials for Southern Minnesota
- Activities for Southern Minnesota
- Southern Minnesota in January: weather and what to pack
- Southern Minnesota in February: weather and what to pack
- Southern Minnesota in March: weather and what to pack
- Southern Minnesota in April: weather and what to pack
- Southern Minnesota in May: weather and what to pack
- Southern Minnesota in June: weather and what to pack
- Southern Minnesota in July: weather and what to pack
- Southern Minnesota in August: weather and what to pack
- Southern Minnesota in September: weather and what to pack
- Southern Minnesota in October: weather and what to pack
- Southern Minnesota in November: weather and what to pack
- Southern 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 Southern Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America
Based on the climate and weather in Southern Minnesota, the best time to go is August. See below for details.
Important essentials for Southern Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Southern Minnesota, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
Travel insurance that includes COVID-19 coverage
Cases are climbing again, and areas are returning to lockdown. If you or a companion get COVID-19, you may be stuck with no way home -- but travel insurance can protect you. Learn more about COVID-19 and travel insurance
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is a good TSA-friendly choice.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks aren't sold for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
(U.S. Residents) Telehealth COVID-19 test for entry to U.S.
U.S. residents still need a certified COVID-19 test to return home, but it can now be via Zoom. Learn more
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
N95 masks
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
-
Touchless thermometer
A touchless thermometer is important to have.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards frequently wear out. An unreadable vaccination card may result in severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps avoid that.
General health necessities
Don't forget these
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A and B. This one is sufficent for most places, but check with your hotel.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Southern Minnesota. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying.
-
For families with young children
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
What to wear/what to pack for Southern Minnesota, Minnesota, United States of America by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January here can be bitter 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:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Heated gloves
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Coveralls
We love:
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Night cap
It's vital to wear a head protector at night here like this
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Thermal undergarments
Our choice is:
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Neck gaiter/ski mask
-
Thick pajamas
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, it's important to bring snow boots. For traveling to Southern Minnesota, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Southern Minnesota has some great 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
February
February in Southern Minnesota is freezing. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the single digits F (10+ below zero C). It tends to rain sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Insulated boots
The best value
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Thick pajamas
-
Heated socks.
We've found
these to be the best
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are an excellent value:
-
Neck gaiter/cold weather mask
-
Night cap
It's vital to wear something on your head at night here like this
-
Thermal undergarments
We like:
-
Fleece for under jacket
-
Coveralls
We like:
-
Goggles for eye protection
-
Extreme cold weather gear
-
Heated gloves
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, you should bring snow boots. For traveling to Southern Minnesota, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Southern Minnesota has some great ski areas 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
March
March in this region is pretty cool. Temperatures average in the low 40s F (single digits C) during the day. It rains once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Sweaters
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite:
-
Gloves
-
Lip balm
Our choice: here
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to regular shoes, you should bring snow boots. For travel to Southern Minnesota, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great choice.
-
Ski accessories
Southern Minnesota has some famous ski areas 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
April
Traveling to Southern Minnesota in April, you will notice that it is crisp. Expect it to rain a bit less than half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 50s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best is: this one
-
Extra socks
-
Jacket or coat
-
Fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
May
Traveling to Southern Minnesota in May, you will notice that it is balmy and somewhat rainy. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light skirts
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Extra socks
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are a lifesaver in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
June
June in Southern Minnesota is a perfect temperature and somewhat rainy. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) to low 70s 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
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Bug repellent
-
A rain poncho to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things don't get wet. We suggest:
July
If you are traveling to Southern Minnesota in July, you will notice that it is pretty consistently hot. Expect it to rain regularly. Daytime temperatures are in the 80s F (high 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you cool and guard against skin damage:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
August
August in Southern Minnesota is pretty consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) to low 80s F (high 20s C), although night temperatures can dip into the low 60s F (mid 10s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Skirts
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A breatheable shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and cool you.
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are a lifesaver in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We like:
September
If you vacation in Southern Minnesota during September, you will probably notice that it is a perfect temperature. Temperatures tend to hover around the 70s F (low 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the low 50s F (single digits C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about a third of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
A rain poncho to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
October
October in Southern Minnesota is chilly. The average overnight temperatures in the area are in the high 30s F (single digits C). It tends to rain once in a while.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Fleece
-
Light gloves or mittens
-
Jacket or coat
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Lip balm
In our opinion, the best pick: here
-
Standard footwear
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a great one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your things stay dry. We like:
November
Traveling to Southern Minnesota in November, you will notice that it is brisk. Expect it to rain occasionally. Daytime temperatures are in the low 40s F (single digits C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Heavy jacket
-
Insulated water bottle
Our fave:
-
Heavy socks
Such as:
-
Lip balm
Our pick: this one
-
Sweaters
-
Warm pants or jeans
-
Gloves
-
Cold weather footwear
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day shoes, it's important to bring snow boots. For visiting Southern Minnesota, we suggest these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A windproof umbrella
This is essential here. This one is a great option.
-
Ski accessories
Southern 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
December
December for Southern Minnesota is freezing. Temperatures average in the high 20s F (single digits below 0 C) during the day. It rains occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Pajamas
-
Thermal undergarments
Our picks:
-
Lip balm
The best choice: this
-
Scarf/neck warmer
-
Very heavy heated socks
Like these
-
Extreme cold weather gloves
-
Fleece inner layer
-
Heavy sweaters
-
Extreme weather jacket shell
These are a great value:
-
Insulated ice boots
We use:
-
Coveralls/snow pants
Here are some of the best values:
-
Waterproof snow boots
In addition to day-to-day footwear, you should bring snow boots. For visiting Southern Minnesota, a great option is these boots:
-
Waterproof jacket that can be used in snow
-
A umbrella
This is important here. This one is a perfect choice.
-
Ski accessories
Southern Minnesota has some famous 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
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