If you’re planning a trip to the North Star State or just trying to survive another season here, you probably think you know what weather in March in MN looks like. You’re picturing a gentle thaw, maybe a few puddles, and the first hints of green, right?
Honestly? You’re half right, but the other half might involve a literal blizzard that shuts down I-35 for two days. March is the ultimate "mood swing" month in Minnesota. It is officially meteorological spring, but the atmosphere hasn't always received the memo.
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One day you're wearing a light hoodie and sitting on a patio in Minneapolis, sipping a local IPA. The very next morning, you’re digging your car out from under eight inches of heavy, "heart attack" snow. It’s chaotic. It’s unpredictable. And if you don't respect the volatility, it will ruin your plans.
The Great Minnesota Temperature Rollercoaster
Most people look at averages and think they’ve got it figured out. In the Twin Cities, the average high starts at 34°F on March 1st and climbs to 49°F by the 31st. Sounds reasonable.
But averages are just the middle of a very wide, very wild range.
Take 2012, for example. That year was a complete outlier. We hit 80°F on St. Patrick’s Day. People were wearing shorts and golfing in Rochester and St. Cloud. Then look at 1899—the coldest March on record—where the statewide average was a brutal 10.9°F.
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You’ve got to prepare for both extremes. Basically, the weather in March in MN is a battle between retreating Arctic air and the strengthening sun. Since the sun sits much higher in the sky now (about 45° above the horizon by the equinox), it packs a punch. Even on a 30-degree day, that sun can melt snow off your driveway surprisingly fast.
Why the "Third Snowiest Month" Label Matters
Here is a stat that catches visitors off guard: March is historically the third snowiest month in Minnesota. It averages about 10 inches in the metro, but that snow isn't like the fluffy, dry powder of January.
It’s heavy. It’s wet.
Because the air is warmer, it holds more moisture. This leads to those massive, soaking snowfalls that snap tree branches and knock out power lines. Back in 1951, the Twin Cities got walloped with 40 inches of snow in March alone. If you're traveling here, don't put the ice scraper in the basement yet. You'll need it.
What to Wear (The Art of Layering)
If you walk outside in a heavy parka when it’s 45°F and sunny, you’re going to sweat. If you go out in a t-shirt because it "looks nice" and the wind picks up to 20 mph, you’re going to freeze.
The secret is the "Minnesota Layer."
- The Base: Start with a moisture-wicking synthetic or merino wool shirt. Skip the cotton; if you get damp from a brisk walk, cotton stays cold and heavy.
- The Middle: A fleece or a light "shacket" (shirt-jacket) is perfect.
- The Shell: You need something windproof. March is windy—averaging nearly 16 mph. That wind off the prairies or Lake Superior will cut right through a sweater.
- The Boots: This is the most important part. March is "Mud Season." The snow is melting, creating deep slush and giant "lake-sized" puddles at every crosswalk. Waterproof boots with good traction are non-negotiable.
Real-World Travel Tips for March in Minnesota
If you're coming for the high school hockey tournaments or just a weekend getaway, your itinerary needs to be flexible.
Watch the "32-Degree Isotherm"
Meteorologists like Mark Seeley often point out that Canada geese return to the state right as the 32°F average line moves north. If you see geese, spring is winning. If you don't, winter is still holding the fort.
The North Shore Factor
If your trip takes you to Duluth or Grand Marais, throw everything I just said out the window. Lake Superior is a giant ice bath this time of year. While the Twin Cities might be 50°F, Duluth could be 32°F with a "lake effect" breeze that feels like a slap in the face.
Indoor Backups are Essential
Always have an indoor plan. The Mall of America is an obvious one, but the Minneapolis skyway system is the real MVP. You can walk 80 city blocks without ever touching a snowflake.
Mud, Potholes, and Maple Syrup
One of the coolest things about weather in March in MN is the maple syrup season. The freeze-thaw cycle (nights below freezing, days in the 40s) is exactly what makes the sap flow. State parks like Wild River or Whitewater host "sugarbush" programs where you can see the process. It's the one time of year when the messy weather actually produces something delicious.
However, that same cycle is a nightmare for roads. March is peak pothole season. As the ground thaws, roads heave and crack. If you're driving a rental car, keep a sharp eye on the pavement, especially in the right-hand lanes where water collects.
Is March a Good Time to Visit?
Honestly? It depends on your vibe.
If you want the best of winter sports without the -20°F wind chills, early March is great for cross-country skiing on the Gunflint Trail. The days are longer, the sun is warmer, and the snow is usually still deep up north.
If you’re looking for "Spring Break" vibes, you’re better off waiting until May. March is for people who appreciate the transition—the sound of dripping eaves, the sight of the first robins (who usually look pretty annoyed by the cold), and the specific smell of wet earth as the permafrost finally gives up.
Final Actionable Steps for Your March Trip
- Download a Local Weather App: National apps often miss the "lake effect" or micro-climates of the Mississippi River valley. Use KARE11 or WCCO for more accurate local timing.
- Pack for Three Seasons: Bring a winter coat, a light jacket, and waterproof shoes. You will likely use all three in a 48-hour window.
- Check the "Ice Out" Reports: If you’re hoping to fish or boat, forget it. Most lakes in southern and central Minnesota don't clear their ice until mid-to-late April. March ice is "rotten" and dangerous to walk on.
- Book the Skyway Hotels: If staying in Minneapolis or St. Paul, choose a hotel directly connected to the skyway. It removes the weather stress from your evening dinner plans.
The weather in March in MN is a test of character. It’s the month that separates the locals from the tourists. Expect the worst, hope for the best, and always keep a pair of dry socks in your glove box. You'll thank me later.