If you’re planning for St. Patrick’s Day in Minnesota, you basically have to be ready for anything. March weather here jumps from mild, almost spring afternoons to those mornings where it’s just bitter cold and snow is still hanging around. Most years, you’ll see highs in the 30s or low 40s, lows in the 20s, and there’s always a decent chance for snow or rain.
One year, you might catch some sunshine and feel brave enough for short sleeves. The next, you’re probably bundled up and fighting a sharp north wind. Minnesota’s history on March 17 is wild—blizzards, freak warmth, you name it. This holiday lands right in the middle of some of the most unpredictable weather all year.
Knowing these weather swings makes a difference, whether you’re hitting up a parade in the Twin Cities, joining a small-town party, or just hoping to be outside for a bit. With more than a hundred years of weather records on hand, you’ll spot trends, weird extremes, and see how often snow actually shows up for the holiday.
Typical St. Patrick’s Day Weather in Minnesota
St. Patrick’s Day usually brings chilly temps, maybe some light snow or rain, and often a decent breeze. You can expect a mashup of late winter and early spring, and the year-to-year swings can be pretty wild.
Average Temperatures on March 17
Most St. Patrick’s Days start cold and don’t warm up a ton. Down in southern Minnesota, like Rochester or the Twin Cities, average highs land around 38–42°F, with lows settling near 20–25°F. Up north, it’s colder—highs stick closer to the mid-30s.
Temperature swings can get dramatic. In 2012, some spots hit the low 80s. Meanwhile, back in 1941, a few places barely made it to 10°F. It’s unpredictable, to say the least.
If you’re heading outside, layering up is a must. Afternoon sun can feel okay, but once the sun drops, temps usually fall below freezing again. Overnight, icy patches and frost are pretty common, especially away from the city.
Precipitation Patterns and Probabilities
Precipitation isn’t a sure thing on March 17, but it happens often enough that you should plan for it. In Rochester, there’s about a 43% chance of precipitation on St. Patrick’s Day. La Crosse, just over the border in Wisconsin, sees around a 46% chance.
Snow beats out rain most years. About 30–35% of St. Patrick’s Days in southern Minnesota have snowfall. Measurable snow, meaning 0.1 inch or more, shows up on about 15–20% of those days.
Heavy snow isn’t common, but it definitely happens. In 1942, Rochester got slammed with over 8 inches of snow. And in 1965, a blizzard dumped over 11 inches in parts of the state. Those storms can cancel parades and make travel a mess.
Wind and Weather Conditions
Wind shows up nearly every St. Patrick’s Day in Minnesota. Typical speeds run from 15 to 25 mph, and gusts get even stronger in open spots. That wind can make it feel colder, especially when it’s already near freezing.
Strong winds can get nasty during snow events. In blizzard years, drifting snow has closed highways and rural roads. Even with light snow, blowing snow cuts visibility and makes roads slick.
Calm, mild days do happen, but honestly, they’re rare. You’ll probably deal with brisk winds that add a chill, so bring extra layers if you’re outside for a while.
Temperature Extremes and Notable Records
St. Patrick’s Day in Minnesota has seen just about every kind of weather, from deep freeze to record-breaking warmth. Most years stick close to seasonal averages, but the wild swings in extreme highs and lows make mid-March unpredictable.
Warmest and Coldest St. Patrick’s Days
March 17, 2012, stands out as the warmest St. Patrick’s Day on record in many Minnesota towns. Rochester hit 81°F, and La Crosse, just across the river, reached 83°F. Even overnight, it barely cooled off, with some places not dropping below the upper 50s.
On the flip side, March 17, 1941, brought some of the coldest weather ever seen on the holiday. Rochester and La Crosse both topped out at just 10°F. Morning lows dropped below zero, with Rochester hitting -10°F. That’s a brutal contrast.
For a little context, the 1991–2020 climate normal for St. Patrick’s Day is about 40°F for a high in Rochester and 46°F in La Crosse, with lows in the 20s. The wild years like 1941 and 2012 really stand out.
Historic Highs and Lows in March
If you look at all of March, Minnesota’s weather gets even more extreme. Statewide records show temperatures as low as -12°F and as high as 88°F on St. Patrick’s Day itself. In the broader month, it can hit the upper 80s, or drop below -30°F up north.
Minnesota sits right between stubborn winter cold and the first hints of spring. You might see snow-covered streets, or you might luck out with shirtsleeve weather. Local events and parades have had to work around both icy sidewalks and random warm afternoons.
The timing of winter’s end really shapes what you’ll see. Some years, there’s over half a foot of snow on the ground. Other times, you’ll see bare lawns and maybe a few hints of green.
Frequency of Unseasonable Warmth
Extreme warmth isn’t the norm, but it’s happened enough to notice. St. Patrick’s Day highs in the 70s or 80s have popped up several times, especially down south. The 2012 heat wave gets all the attention, but it’s not the only year with a big warm-up.
Recent climate data shows that March temperatures in Minnesota have crept up by a few degrees compared to the early 1900s. That means mild or even springlike weather around March 17 is a bit more likely these days.
Still, you can’t count on warmth every year. Cold snaps show up often, and plenty of St. Patrick’s Days only hit the 20s or 30s. That mix of possible outcomes is what makes planning outdoor celebrations in Minnesota a bit of a gamble.
Snowfall and Snow Depth Trends
Snow is a regular part of mid-March in Minnesota, but how much you get changes a lot year to year. Sometimes it’s just a trace, but other years, heavy snowstorms leave deep drifts and a lasting snowpack.
Chances of Snow on St. Patrick’s Day
You’ve got about a one-in-three shot at seeing snow on the ground or falling from the sky on St. Patrick’s Day. Rochester’s records show snow on roughly 30% of March 17ths, with measurable snow on about 19% of those days.
In the Twin Cities, snow isn’t quite as common, but it still happens. The record there is 11.2 inches in 1965—that was a wild one. Most years, it’s just flurries or a dusting.
Even if it doesn’t snow on the day, leftover snow from earlier storms still covers the ground many years. That’s why snow feels like part of the holiday’s scenery across most of the state.
Historic Snowfall Events
A few St. Patrick’s Days really stand out for snow. In 1942, Grand Meadow, Minnesota, picked up 11 inches in one day. The infamous 1965 blizzard buried parts of southern Minnesota and western Wisconsin, with 8.4 inches in La Crosse and 7.5 inches in Spring Grove. Roads stayed closed for days.
Not every year gets that wild, but those late winter storms can still hit in mid-March. In 1989, freezing rain and snow made roads icy across northern Iowa and southern Wisconsin, with heavy snow totals like 10 inches in Green Lake, WI.
Most St. Patrick’s Days are pretty tame, but you always have to be ready for anything from a few flurries to a flat-out blizzard.
Snow Depth Observations
Snow depth jumps all over the place depending on where you are and what kind of winter it’s been. In Rochester, people have woken up to measurable snow on the ground on over 70% of St. Patrick’s Days. La Crosse, Wisconsin, only sees snow cover about 32% of years—it’s a little warmer there.
Depths can be just a dusting or more than a foot. Rochester once had 16 inches on the ground in 1962. La Crosse saw 23 inches in 1959. Those big numbers usually come after weeks of active winter weather.
If you’re traveling, you’ll probably see snow-covered landscapes across much of Minnesota in mid-March. Even if it doesn’t snow that day, old snow often lingers, especially up north and in the middle of the state.
Regional Weather Variations Across Minnesota
Minnesota’s weather for St. Patrick’s Day really depends on where you are. The north and south can feel like totally different worlds, and airport records make these differences pretty clear.
Differences Between Southern and Northern Minnesota
Southern Minnesota is usually a bit milder in mid-March. Average highs there, like around Rochester, reach the low 40s °F. Up north in Duluth, highs stick closer to the mid-30s °F. Nights in the north often dip below 20 °F, while the south hangs around the mid-20s °F.
Snowfall changes, too. The north keeps deeper, more reliable snow cover, with several inches still on the ground. In the south, snowpack is less certain, but you still get measurable snow about a third of the time.
Storms tend to linger in northern Minnesota, while southern areas are more likely to get a mix of rain, sleet, or wet snow. That makes travel conditions more unpredictable the farther south you go.
Weather in Major Cities and Airports
Airport records tell you a lot about local patterns. At Rochester International Airport, the normal high is about 40 °F and the low is around 24 °F. The snowiest St. Patrick’s Day there saw over 8 inches in 1942. Precipitation gets recorded nearly half the time, but it’s usually light.
At La Crosse Regional Airport in Wisconsin, it’s a bit warmer. The normal high is 46 °F, the low is near 27 °F. There was a big 8.4-inch snow event in 1965, but measurable snow hasn’t shown up much in recent years.
These airport stats really show how much things can change—you could get anything from sunny and dry to heavy snow and strong winds. When you’re planning, expect the unexpected and pack for both winter and spring.
Long-Term Climate Trends for March
March in Minnesota is all over the place, from deep cold to almost-spring warmth. Over the years, records show both wild weather events and slow changes that tweak what St. Patrick’s Day feels like.
Historical Changes in March Temperatures
When you look back over more than a century of records, March in Minnesota swings wildly from deep winter to surprisingly warm days. Some years, St. Patrick’s Day highs have even hit the 80s, while in others, lows have plunged below zero.
The Twin Cities got walloped with 11.2 inches of snow on March 17, 1965. But in 2012, March 17 brought the earliest 80°F reading on record. These examples really show just how unpredictable mid-March can get.
Average March temperatures have crept up since the late 1800s. Earlier decades saw more subzero mornings, but those have become less common lately. You can still get cold snaps, though they usually don’t stick around as long.
| Period | Average March High | Average March Low | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1901–1930 | ~36°F | ~18°F | More frequent late-season snow |
| 1961–1990 | ~39°F | ~22°F | Transition period |
| 1991–2020 | ~41°F | ~24°F | Fewer extreme cold events |
You can’t rule out snow or freezing nights, but the odds of milder conditions keep going up.
Warming Trends and Climate Shifts
March has started to show a clear warming trend across Minnesota in recent decades. Average highs and lows have both ticked up compared to the early 1900s. So, you’re more likely to see rain or a wintry mix than heavy snow by mid-March.
St. Patrick’s Day snow totals have dropped off, though the occasional burst still happens. Spring tends to arrive earlier, and snow cover doesn’t last as long in many parts of the state.
Weather has become more unpredictable, too. Warm stretches can send highs into the 50s or 60s, but a cold front might still bring a sharp temperature drop. That back-and-forth is classic March, but now the warm spells seem to happen more often.
If you’re planning travel or events, you probably pack for milder afternoons but still keep an eye out for late-season storms.
Weather Impacts on St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
St. Patrick’s Day in Minnesota usually brings a mix—cold mornings, brisk winds, maybe some snow or rain. These conditions can shape your plans, whether you’re heading to a parade, an outdoor event, or driving across the state.
Outdoor Activities and Parade Considerations
Parades and outdoor gatherings are a big part of St. Patrick’s Day, but Minnesota’s March weather doesn’t always cooperate. Average highs in places like Rochester and the Twin Cities usually land in the 30s or 40s °F, though records show anything from below zero to the 70s.
Cold winds can make standing outside pretty uncomfortable, especially for kids or older folks. Dressing in layers, wearing insulated shoes, and bringing hand warmers really helps. If there’s still snow, sidewalks and parade routes might get slushy or icy, so waterproof boots come in handy.
Rain or wet snow can mess with parade plans. Organizers sometimes shorten routes or delay things if the weather turns rough. Carrying a small umbrella or poncho keeps you dry without blocking anyone’s view.
If you’re heading to crowded outdoor events, remember that visibility and footing can change fast when the weather shifts. Planning ahead for a place to sit, some shelter, or a warm drink makes everything a lot easier.
Travel and Safety Tips
Driving on St. Patrick’s Day in Minnesota can get tricky—sometimes it snows, sometimes it doesn’t. About a third of March 17ths here come with at least a dusting, and even a little bit of snow can turn roads into a mess.
Rural highways might get hit with drifting snow, while city streets can end up slushy or icy. That’s just how it goes.
Before you head out, take a minute to check the weather and road reports. If you’re driving to a parade or meeting friends in another town, give yourself extra time.
Honestly, it’s never a bad idea to keep an emergency kit in the car—blankets, snacks, a flashlight, you know the drill.
Celebrations with alcohol always bring up safety issues. If you plan to have a drink or two, make sure someone else drives or just hop on public transit if you can.
Police usually step up patrols on March 17, so driving safely really matters.
Wind can throw another curveball. Strong gusts make it tough to handle bigger vehicles, and blowing snow can make it almost impossible to see in open spots.
Just stay alert and slow down if you run into those conditions. It’s usually the best move.