Memorial Day in Minnesota usually signals the unofficial start of summer, but the weather often has other ideas. Most years, you’ll see daytime highs in the 70s, cool mornings in the 50s, and a decent chance of rain during the holiday weekend.
Conditions might flip from sunny and warm to chilly and wet in just a day or two. Planning ahead becomes pretty important if you want to keep your outdoor plans on track.
It’s honestly surprising how much the weather can swing from one year to the next. Some Memorial Days have baked under heat close to 100 degrees. Others have shivered in the 40s with steady rain or even a few snowflakes in the far north.
This wild range is part of what makes Minnesota’s late May climate so unpredictable and, well, kind of interesting.
Where you spend the holiday matters too. The Twin Cities, Duluth, Rochester, or up near International Falls—each spot follows its own patterns.
If you know the averages and the extremes, you can set realistic expectations and enjoy the weekend, whatever the forecast decides to do.
Typical Memorial Day Weather in Minnesota
When you plan for Memorial Day in Minnesota, you should expect all kinds of weather. Temperatures might swing from chilly mornings to warm afternoons.
Rain often shows up, but not every year. Cloud cover can shift fast, so you can’t always count on sunshine for long.
Average Temperatures Across the State
Temperatures around Memorial Day really depend on your location. Northern cities like International Falls and Duluth usually see cooler highs in the 60s, with lows sometimes dipping into the 30s or 40s.
Farther south, in Rochester and the Twin Cities, highs often reach the 70s. Sometimes you even get a spike into the 80s or 90s.
Historical records reveal some wild swings. The Twin Cities once hit 100°F, while International Falls dropped to 29°F on Memorial Day.
These numbers show just how unpredictable the holiday can be.
If you’re setting up for outdoor events, it helps to bring both a light jacket for the morning and lighter clothes for the afternoon. You’ll probably use both.
Rainfall and Precipitation Trends
Rain likes to make an appearance during Memorial Day weekend in Minnesota. The holiday itself stays dry about 60–70% of the time, but when it rains, it can pour.
Rochester once got 3.33 inches in a single Memorial Day. International Falls saw 2.25 inches in another year.
In the Twin Cities, Memorial Day brings measurable rain about 38% of the time. Saturday and Sunday run a bit wetter, with nearly half of those days recording rain.
You’ll probably face a better chance of showers during the lead-up to the holiday than on Memorial Day itself.
Thunderstorms sometimes pop up too. Some years have even seen tornado outbreaks.
If you’re camping or boating, checking the forecast regularly is just smart.
Cloud Cover and Sunshine Patterns
Clouds really shape how the holiday feels. Many Memorial Day weekends bounce between sun and clouds, with partly cloudy skies showing up a lot.
Sometimes, Memorial Day ends up being the sunniest day of the weekend, even if rain hit the days before.
Sunshine hours shift depending on where you are. Southern Minnesota usually gets more sun breaks, while the north often deals with cooler, cloudier skies.
When the skies clear, daytime highs can jump quickly, especially in the Twin Cities and southern regions.
If you’re making plans, expect changing skies. Packing sunglasses and sunscreen is just as practical as grabbing an umbrella.
Minnesota’s Memorial Day weather keeps you guessing, but you can handle it if you come prepared.
Weather Variability and Extremes
When you look at Memorial Day weather in Minnesota, you’ll notice huge swings in both temperature and precipitation.
Conditions can flip from hot and dry to cold and stormy, sometimes within just a few years.
Temperature Records and Notable Years
Memorial Day temperatures in Minnesota have ranged from near-freezing mornings to summer-like highs.
In the Twin Cities, the coldest Memorial Day dropped to 39°F (1993), while the hottest hit 100°F (2018).
Other cities have seen similar extremes:
- International Falls: 29°F (1993) to 89°F (2006)
- Rochester: 38°F (1984) to 95°F (2006, 2018)
- St. Cloud: 38°F (1992, 1993) to 96°F (2018)
Most years, you’ll get highs in the low 70s, but much warmer or cooler conditions can still show up.
Planning outdoor activities like camping, fishing, or parades? You’ll want to check the forecast, because surprises happen.
Precipitation Extremes and Storm Events
Rain often visits Memorial Day weekend, with measurable rain reported in the Twin Cities about 40% of the time.
Some years stay dry, but others bring heavy downpours. Rochester picked up 3.33 inches in 2019, the wettest on record for that city.
Severe weather sometimes crashes the party too. Memorial Day 2022 brought a tornado outbreak in northern Minnesota.
In the Twin Cities, the wettest Memorial Day was 2019 with 1.83 inches of rain.
Saturday and Sunday usually have higher rain chances than Memorial Day itself. Historically, Monday winds up drier than the rest of the weekend.
Rare Weather Phenomena
Every now and then, Memorial Day brings something unusual. Snow flurries have shown up in northern Minnesota during late May, though it’s rare.
Strong winds sometimes blow through when warm and cold air masses collide. Gusts over 40 mph have happened before.
You might also see big temperature swings within the same weekend. A warm Saturday can turn into a chilly Monday, just to keep you on your toes.
These rare shifts are a good reminder: Memorial Day weekend weather in Minnesota always deserves a close watch.
Regional Differences: Twin Cities and Beyond
Memorial Day weather in Minnesota changes a lot depending on where you are. Temperature swings, chances for rain, and even the risk of severe storms all shift between the Twin Cities, the southern farmland, and the northern lake country.
Twin Cities Memorial Day Weather History
In the Twin Cities, Memorial Day weekend often comes with big temperature ranges. Highs have soared to 100°F in late May, but some years barely make it out of the 40s.
On average, you’ll see highs in the low to mid-70s and nighttime lows in the 50s.
Rain shows up often, but not always. About 38% of Memorial Days in the Twin Cities get measurable rainfall.
The holiday itself usually stays drier than Saturday or Sunday. When rain does fall, it’s usually modest, but heavy downpours like 1.83 inches in 2019 have happened.
If you’re planning something outdoors, be ready for anything. Some years bring sunshine and warmth, while others deliver cool air, clouds, or storms.
Weather in Greater Minnesota
Outside the metro, Memorial Day weather depends a lot on location.
In Rochester, highs can reach the mid-90s, but lows in the upper 30s have also happened. Rainfall extremes include more than 3 inches in 2019, making this region one of the wettest during the holiday.
St. Cloud usually runs a few degrees cooler than the Twin Cities. Records show highs near 96°F and chilly mornings in the upper 30s.
Rainfall tends to be lighter than in Rochester, but showers and storms still happen.
Duluth, right on Lake Superior, usually stays cooler. Highs rarely top the low 80s, and the coldest Memorial Day morning hit 30°F.
Rainfall is usually moderate, but lake breezes can make it feel colder than the numbers suggest.
Comparing Northern and Southern Minnesota
Northern Minnesota, including International Falls, is the coolest part of the state on Memorial Day weekend.
Highs often stick in the 60s or low 70s. Frosty mornings in the 30s aren’t rare.
Rainfall can be heavy, with 2.25 inches recorded in 2022.
Southern Minnesota warms up faster. Rochester and nearby areas often hit the 70s or 80s, sometimes even the 90s.
Rain falls more frequently and in heavier bursts here, so outdoor plans can be risky if storms roll in.
The Twin Cities sit in the middle. You get warmer averages than the north, but less frequent heavy rain than the far south.
That’s probably why Memorial Day in the metro often feels more stable than in other parts of the state.
Memorial Day Weekend Weather Patterns
Memorial Day weekend in Minnesota can bring just about any kind of weather.
Most years, you’ll see mild temperatures, scattered rain chances, and sometimes a burst of heat or a storm.
Day-by-Day Weekend Outlook
Looking at the four days from Friday through Monday, Memorial Day itself tends to be one of the drier and more pleasant days.
Records from the Twin Cities since the 1970s show measurable rain on Memorial Day about 38% of the time, compared to nearly half of the Saturdays and Sundays.
Average high temperatures climb a bit over the weekend. Friday and Saturday usually hit the low 70s, while Monday averages closer to the mid-70s.
Nights cool off into the low to mid-50s, making camping or evening events comfortable if you bring layers.
Extreme conditions can happen, but not often. Highs have ranged from the upper 40s in cold years to near 100°F during heat waves.
Knowing this helps you prepare for both cool mornings and warm afternoons.
Likelihood of Rain or Sunshine
Rain shows up a lot during Memorial Day weekend. In the Twin Cities, measurable rain has fallen on 42–46% of Fridays through Sundays, so showers or storms are almost as likely as clear skies.
Monday usually stays a bit drier, but you can’t count on it.
Storm intensity varies. Some years bring light, scattered showers, while others see severe weather.
Long-track tornadoes and heavy downpours have hit parts of Minnesota on past holiday weekends. Rochester, for example, recorded over 3 inches of rain on Memorial Day in 2019.
Despite the rain risk, sunshine still sneaks in. On average, two days of the weekend are mostly dry, giving you a fair shot at outdoor plans like boating, camping, or parades.
Bringing rain gear and watching the forecast keeps you flexible.
Temperature Swings Over the Holiday
Temperatures during Memorial Day weekend can swing wildly from year to year.
Since 1971, Minnesota’s climate record shows highs from the upper 40s to near 100°F. The Twin Cities hit 100°F in 2018, while International Falls dropped to 29°F in 1993.
Most years, you’ll get highs in the upper 60s to mid-70s. Lows usually settle in the 40s and 50s, which can feel chilly at night, especially in places like Duluth or International Falls.
These swings mean you’ll want to prepare for both warm afternoons and cool evenings. Light jackets, layered clothing, and sun protection all come in handy.
If you’re traveling across the state, keep in mind that southern cities like Rochester usually run several degrees warmer than the north.
Planning for the Memorial Day Holiday
Weather during Memorial Day in Minnesota jumps between cool mornings, mild afternoons, and the occasional rain.
You can make the most of the long weekend by picking activities that fit these patterns and getting ready for both sunshine and sudden showers.
Best Outdoor Activities Based on Weather
Temperatures during Memorial Day weekend usually range from the 50s in the north to the 70s or low 80s in the south.
Hiking, biking, and fishing work well, especially in the morning when it’s cooler.
Lakes and rivers draw crowds, but water often stays cold in late May. If you plan to swim or paddle, expect chilly conditions and bring the right gear.
Picnics and barbecues remain popular since the holiday usually brings at least one dry day.
Records show Memorial Day itself is often drier than Saturday or Sunday, so outdoor gatherings may work best on Monday.
If storms threaten, indoor attractions like museums or local events make great backup plans.
Having flexible options lets you enjoy the weekend, no matter how the weather turns.
Packing and Preparation Tips
Pack for both warm and cool weather. You’ll want a light jacket or sweatshirt in the mornings and evenings, but short sleeves and breathable clothes feel best during the day.
Don’t forget rain gear. A compact umbrella or waterproof jacket comes in handy if showers pop up, which happens about 40% of the time during Memorial Day weekend in the Twin Cities.
If you’re eating outside, bring a cooler with ice packs to keep your food safe when it gets warm. Sunscreen, insect repellent, and hats help protect you if you’re out for hours.
Camping? Expect overnight lows in the 40s or 50s. A warm sleeping bag and some layers will keep you comfortable.
Always check the forecast before you go. Minnesota weather can shift fast, especially around the holiday.
Long-Term Climate Trends Around Memorial Day
Minnesota’s Memorial Day weather swings all over the place. You’ll see hot spells, chilly mornings, and heavy rain events on the record books.
Long-term climate shifts show up in both temperature and precipitation patterns, and these changes really affect how you plan for the weekend.
Climate Change Impacts
You might notice warmer average highs in late May compared to years ago. These days, Twin Cities Memorial Day weekend highs usually hit the mid-70s. Earlier records show more cool days in the 60s, so that’s a real shift.
Hot days in the 80s and 90s happen more often now. That warming trend feels impossible to ignore some years.
Rainfall extremes are more common too. Rochester picked up over 3 inches of rain on Memorial Day in 2019. International Falls had more than 2 inches in 2022.
These heavy downpours fit a bigger pattern across Minnesota. We see more sudden rains now than steady, gentle ones.
Warmer nights are another change. Minimum temperatures in the 50s are typical for Memorial Day weekend these days. That reduces the risk of frost, which used to be a real concern in northern Minnesota.
This shift affects outdoor plans and even changes when local crops and gardens get started.
Shifts in Late May Weather Patterns
Late May in Minnesota used to feel cooler and drier. In recent decades, though, the weather’s become a lot less predictable.
You might luck out with a dry Memorial Day, but honestly, the days around it often bring showers. In the Twin Cities, it actually rains on Memorial Day about 40% of the time since 1971. Saturday and Sunday? They have even slightly higher chances.
Temperatures bounce all over the place now, and the extremes seem to have changed. The Twin Cities actually hit 100°F on Memorial Day back in 2018. Meanwhile, International Falls has even dropped below freezing some years.
These wild ranges really show how unpredictable late May can get, even though the overall trend feels warmer.
If you’re planning anything, expect a grab bag: mild or warm afternoons, sometimes a humid stretch, and a real chance for thunderstorms. Severe weather, including tornadoes, has popped up during Memorial Day weekend. Late spring in Minnesota can surprise you with dangerous storms or just a taste of summer warmth.