Halloween in Minnesota isn’t just about costumes and candy. It usually brings a wild mix of weather conditions that can totally shape your night.
Most years, highs land near 50°F and lows drop close to 35°F. Once the sun goes down, you’ll probably feel a real chill. Some years, it’s mild and almost perfect. Other years, you get a little preview of winter sneaking in.
Precipitation isn’t rare—there’s about a 40% chance you’ll see rain or snow on October 31. Light showers pop up pretty often, and honestly, snow shows up just enough that you can’t ignore the possibility. The odds of a white Halloween stay low, but it happens, especially in the southern and central parts of the state.
Since the weather swings so much, you really have to pay attention if you want your evening to go smoothly. Daytime might feel nice, but once trick-or-treating kicks off, temps usually slide down near freezing. Knowing these patterns helps you figure out what to wear and when to head out, so the weather doesn’t mess up your plans.
Typical Halloween Temperatures in Minnesota
When you’re planning Halloween in Minnesota, expect cool afternoons and chilly nights. Most years, you’ll get temps in the 40s or 50s, but honestly, both warm and cold outliers happen.
Average Highs and Lows
The average high on Halloween sits around 50–51°F. The average low drops to about 34–35°F. These numbers come from long-term Twin Cities data and line up with what you find in southern Minnesota.
Northern Minnesota runs cooler. Highs usually hit the 40s, and lows often reach the upper 20s. If you’re out in the evening, you’ll want at least a light jacket.
Trick-or-treaters most often see 40s to low 50s by day and 30s after dark. These averages sound manageable, but late October can bring quick changes, so you need to be ready for anything.
Temperature Extremes on Record
Minnesota’s Halloween weather has swung wildly. The warmest ever in the Twin Cities shot up to 83°F in 1950. The coldest high? Just 26°F in 1873.
Other extremes pop up too—a 30°F high in 1951 came right after the record warmth. Highs in the 70s barely happen, maybe once every 15–20 years in the Twin Cities.
Lows can really plunge. Some years, temps sank into the teens, especially way back in the 1800s and early 1900s. These numbers remind you that, even though averages lean cool, you should always stay flexible.
Recent Halloween Temperature Trends
Lately, Halloween afternoons have leaned milder, but cold snaps still show up. In 2000, it hit 71°F. By 2017, it barely reached 35°F.
The 1991 Halloween Blizzard brought not just snow, but also cold, with highs barely above freezing. In 2022, you got a warm 65°F. Then 2023 swung back to the 30s with snow on the ground.
So, you could get anything from a warm fall night to a cold, wintery one. While the average stays steady, recent years feel more unpredictable, so it’s smart to plan for surprises.
Precipitation Patterns on Halloween
Rain and snow have made some Minnesota Halloweens memorable, but most years, you won’t see much. Records say rain happens more than snow, and honestly, you’ve got a better shot at a dry evening than you might guess.
Frequency of Rainfall
In the Twin Cities, you’ll find measurable precipitation on about one in four Halloweens. Out of over 140 years, rain or snow showed up 26% of the time.
Rain beats snow by a mile. Snow’s only been measured a handful of times, but light or moderate rain has popped up in several years. Usually, it’s cloudy with no real rain, or just a bit of drizzle.
Timing matters, too. Evening downpours almost never happen. A true “washout” hasn’t hit since the late ’90s. That means trick-or-treating hours are usually dry, even if it rained earlier.
Notable Rain Events
A few years really stand out for rain. In 1979, the Twin Cities got 0.78 inches, one of the wettest Halloweens ever. Another big year was 1935, with over 0.70 inches.
More recently, 2015 brought morning rain and evening storms nearby, with 0.33 inches measured. In 1997, rain arrived in the evening, making trick-or-treating a bit soggy that year.
Most wet Halloweens only see less than half an inch of rain. The heavy ones are rare and spaced out by many years. So, wetter years are definitely the exception.
Likelihood of a Dry Halloween
You’re more likely to get a dry Halloween than a wet one. In the Twin Cities, about three out of four Halloweens have no measurable precipitation.
Even when rain or snow happens, it usually falls earlier in the day. By evening, it’s often just cloudy, and outdoor activities can go on.
This pattern makes Minnesota’s Halloween weather less risky than you might think. Prepare for chilly air and maybe some wind, but odds are good you’ll stay dry for trick-or-treating or any outdoor fun.
Snowfall and the Chance of a White Halloween
Snow on Halloween doesn’t happen often in Minnesota, but it’s definitely not unheard of. Most years, you’ll just get dry or chilly weather, but a few times, measurable snow changed the whole vibe of the holiday.
Historical Snowfall Occurrences
In the Twin Cities, measurable snow on Halloween showed up only about 7 times since the late 1800s. That’s just 4% of all years. The earliest records have tiny amounts, like 0.6 inches in 1884 and 0.2 inches in 1885.
Later years brought a bit more, like 1.4 inches in 1932 and 0.5 inches in 1995. These weren’t huge storms, but enough to cover lawns and sidewalks.
For a “white Halloween,” you need at least 1 inch of snow on the ground in the morning or fresh snowfall of 0.1 inches or more. Odds are very low in southern Minnesota, but they go up in the north, where October snow happens more.
The 1991 Halloween Blizzard
Minnesota’s most famous Halloween weather event hit in 1991. Snow started falling on October 31 in the afternoon and just kept coming. By midnight, the Twin Cities had 8.2 inches on the ground.
The storm didn’t let up. Over the next two days, totals hit 28 inches, the biggest snowstorm ever for the area. Travel basically stopped, power went out, and trick-or-treating took a serious hit.
Ask anyone about snowy Halloweens, and this is the one they’ll talk about. The 1991 blizzard set the standard for early-season snow—nothing since has come close.
Recent Years With Measurable Snow
After 1995, Twin Cities folks waited decades for another measurable Halloween snow. That streak ended in 2023, when 1.8 inches fell, leaving about 2 inches on the ground by evening.
Other cities, like Rochester, have had their own rare snowy Halloweens—1926, 1995, and 2023, for example. These events are unusual, but they prove southern Minnesota can get early snow, too.
Most years go by with no snow at all. When it does fall, it’s usually light, but the 1991 and 2023 storms remind you that you can’t totally rule it out.
Regional Weather Variations Across Minnesota
Minnesota’s Halloween weather depends a lot on where you are. Northern spots get colder air and see snow sooner. Down south, things stay milder. The Twin Cities sit somewhere in the middle, with more ups and downs.
Differences Between Northern and Southern Minnesota
If you’re up north, brace for colder highs and a better shot at early snow. Temps often dip into the 30s by late October, and nights can get well below freezing. Duluth, for example, averages cooler highs than Minneapolis and usually gets its first snow before the rest of the state.
Southern Minnesota—places like Rochester and Mankato—hang onto milder weather longer. Highs often reach the upper 40s or low 50s, and lows stay in the 30s. Snow before November isn’t common, but frost and chilly winds still show up at night.
A few degrees’ difference can change your whole night. Up north, you’ll want heavier coats, while down south, a lighter jacket might do the trick.
Typical late October averages:
| Region | Avg High (°F) | Avg Low (°F) | First Snowfall Tendency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Minnesota | 35–45 | 20s | Late Oct more likely |
| Southern Minnesota | 45–55 | 30s | Early Nov more likely |
Twin Cities vs. Greater Minnesota Conditions
The Twin Cities usually land between the northern cold and southern mildness. Highs hover near 50°F, and lows dip to the mid-30s. You’ll get a mix of dry, cool nights and occasional cold snaps. Snow is possible, but pretty rare—measurable amounts have only shown up a handful of times since the 1800s.
The metro area tends to have slightly warmer nights, thanks to the urban heat effect. Frost shows up a bit later here than in small towns or rural spots. Still, cold winds can make trick-or-treating feel brisk, even if the thermometer says 40-something.
If you’re in western or northern towns outside the metro, you’ll face a higher chance of strong winds and earlier snow. Rural areas cool off faster after sunset, so it can feel several degrees colder than in the city.
Traveling between the Twin Cities and nearby areas? Expect small but noticeable changes. Drive north or west, and your Halloween evening can go from chilly to downright cold pretty quickly.
Daytime Versus Evening Weather for Trick-or-Treating
You’ll notice a big shift from afternoon to evening on Halloween in Minnesota. Temps drop fast after sunset, and wind or clouds can make the difference between a comfy walk and a freezing one.
Typical Evening Temperature Drop
Afternoon highs in late October usually reach the 40s to 50s°F. Warmer years sometimes climb into the 60s. Once the sun goes down, though, expect a sharp drop. Trick-or-treating hours often bring mid-30s to low 40s°F, and in colder years, the 20s aren’t out of the question.
This cooling happens because clear or partly clear skies let heat escape fast. If you’re heading out, throw on layers under costumes. Light gloves and hats help kids stay warm as they go house to house.
Sometimes, snow on the ground or a cold front can make it feel even colder than the actual temperature. Some years, daytime highs flirt with 70°F, only for the evening to bring 30s. The range is wide, so it really pays to check the forecast before you head out.
Common Wind and Cloud Conditions
Wind changes how cold the evening feels, and it does so fast. Even a 10–15 mph northwest breeze can make you shiver and turn a fun costume into just another layer that doesn’t do much. Calm evenings feel way better, but honestly, breezy nights happen a lot in Minnesota in late October.
Cloud cover? That’s all over the place. If the sky’s clear, you’ll probably get colder temps, but at least it usually stays dry. Cloudy skies tend to trap a bit of warmth, though sometimes that means you’ll get a little drizzle or light rain. Looking at the past, Halloween rarely brings measurable rain, but hey, never say never.
When you mix wind with low temps, the wind chill can make it feel much colder than the thermometer says. For example:
| Air Temp (°F) | Wind Speed (mph) | Feels Like (°F) |
|---|---|---|
| 40 | 10 | 34 |
| 35 | 15 | 27 |
| 30 | 20 | 17 |
So, when you’re picking out a costume, keep warmth in mind. Leave yourself some wiggle room in case the wind or clouds change things up.
Tips for Dressing and Planning on Halloween
Minnesota’s Halloween temps usually hang out in the 40s or 50s, but sometimes they swing way colder or, if you’re lucky, a bit warmer. You might see light snow, rain, or wind, so you need to keep both comfort and safety on your radar when you’re making plans.
Costume Layering Advice
Plan your costume so you can sneak in extra layers underneath. Thin thermals, leggings, or fleece-lined tights give you warmth without totally messing up your look. This comes in handy if temps dip into the 30s, which, honestly, happens more than you’d like.
Don’t pile a bulky coat over your costume—it hides all the details and just makes it harder to move around. Go for light jackets, vests, or hooded sweatshirts in colors that blend in. Add gloves, hats, or scarves that match your costume theme, and you’ll stay warm without ruining the vibe.
Shoes matter more than you’d think. Wet, icy, or leaf-covered sidewalks can trip you up. Closed-toe shoes or boots with good traction beat thin costume shoes every time. If you’re walking a lot, warm socks and sneakers are a smart call.
Here’s a quick checklist for layering:
- Base: thermal shirt or leggings
- Middle: fleece or sweatshirt
- Outer: light jacket or vest
- Extras: gloves, hat, scarf if needed
Preparing for Unpredictable Weather
Minnesota weather? It changes fast. You’ll want to check the forecast a few times, not just once.
Afternoon highs might seem mild, but after sunset, temperatures drop quickly. A day that starts in the 50s can easily fall into the 30s by trick-or-treating time.
Toss a small bag or use your stroller basket for extra layers. Kids usually start off warm, but later on, they’ll probably ask for gloves or hats.
If there’s even a hint of rain, pack some compact umbrellas or light ponchos. Those plastic ponchos? They slip right over costumes without much fuss and keep the fabric from getting soggy.
Snow doesn’t happen often, but you never know. A few Halloweens have actually seen measurable snow. If the forecast mentions snow, grab waterproof boots and heavier coats.
Think about your route with the weather in mind. Shorter loops that stay close to home let you make a quick exit if things get rough.
Stick to well-lit streets where the wind isn’t as bad, since those feel way more comfortable than wide open spots.
Watch your step—wet leaves or icy patches can be pretty slippery.