Climate and monthly weather forecastMoorhead, MN
Climate and monthly weather forecast
The climate of Moorhead
Placed in the far north regions of the United States, Moorhead, Minnesota characteristically experiences a Humid continental climate, categorized as 'Dfb' by the Köppen climate classification. This classification signifies no dry season, while summers are typically warm. Throughout the year, weather conditions in Moorhead demonstrate a wide range, covering temperatures, rainfall, humidity, and sunlight hours.Notably, temperatures vary dramatically from an average high of 81°F (27.2°C) in mid-summer to a chilling low of 2.7°F (-16.3°C) in the heart of winter. The number of daylight hours also sees a significant range — peaking at a longest day length of 15.8 hours in June and diminishing to a shortest day length of 8.6 hours in December. Additionally, rainfalls show considerable fluctuation from 3.07" (78mm) in June to 0.55" (14mm) in January.
Unique weather patterns in Moorhead include a stark contrast in precipitation forms. During the colder months (October - April), the city witnesses snowfall, which reaches its highest point in December at 4.09" (104mm). However, from May to September, dry conditions prevail with no snowfall recorded.
The best time to visit Moorhead
Independent explorers, family vacationers, or business travelers planning a trip to Moorhead will be greeted with ideal weather conditions between the months of May and September. During these months, temperatures range from 65.8°F (18.8°C) to a summery 81°F (27.2°C). Rainfall is also in moderate quantities, not exceeding 3.07" (78mm). With relatively low humidity levels ranging from 64 to 75%, the atmospheric conditions are notably comfortable compared with other parts of the year. These milder months also see the longest daylight hours, promoting extended outdoor activities, city explorations, and experiences of the local culture.The worst time to visit Moorhead
Traveling to Moorhead between late November and early March is generally not recommended. During these chilly winter months, temperatures plummet to an average low of 10°F (-12.2°C) and only reach a high of 19.8°F (-6.8°C). Simultaneously, daylight is restricted to between 8.6 hours to 10.3 hours, and the city is frequently shrouded in cloud cover. The icy conditions also see regular snowfall, peaking at 4.09" (104mm) in December. Despite the scenic snowscapes, decreased visibility and severe cold create challenging conditions for outdoor activities and travel.Spring weather in Moorhead
Spring brings a gradual shift in Moorhead's weather. In this season, temperatures climb steadily from a low 35.8°F (2.1°C) in April to a high of 65.8°F (18.8°C) in May. Correspondingly, rainfall inches upwards from 0.91" (23mm) in March to 2.13" (54mm) by May. Notably, snowfall disappears entirely by the end of spring. Daylight hours also extend significantly, from 11.9 hours in March to 15.1 hours in May. As temperatures rise, humidity remains moderate, making spring a pleasant time to enjoy Moorhead's outdoor attractions.Summer weather in Moorhead
Summers in Moorhead bring the warmest weather. During June, July, and August, average temperatures range from 71.8°F (22.1°C) to a peak of 81°F (27.2°C). Though getting a substantial 3.07" (78mm) of rain in June, rainfall decreases progressively throughout the summer to 1.69" (43mm) in August. The summer season also holds the most extended daylight hours of the year, up to 15.8 hours in June. With an average relative humidity of 70%, the climate remains muggy yet bearable.Autumn weather in Moorhead
Autumn introduces an inevitable cooling in Moorhead. The season starts with mild temperatures from 71.8°F (22.1°C) in September, dropping steadily to a cooler 37.8°F (3.2°C) by November. Correspondingly, rainfall also retreats, starting at 1.26" (32mm) in September and tapering to 0.63" (16mm) by November. The gradual decrease in daylight hours from 12.5 hours in September to 9.4 hours in November hints at the approaching winter.Winter weather in Moorhead
Winter in Moorhead is indeed a colder affair. Temperatures oscillate between a low of 10°F (-12.2°C) in December progressing to a yet cooler 2.7°F (-16.3°C) by February. Moorhead witnesses regular snowfall in winter, peaking at 4.09" (104mm) in December. Daylight hours also reach their annual minimum, with December seeing just 8.6 hours of light. Relative humidity swings between 74% in November to 91% in January, intensifying the chill in the air. Despite the harsh conditions, the winter season presents a scenic, frosty landscape, appealing to admirers of wintry vistas.Weather in January
In Moorhead, Minnesota, USA, January is the middle of winter with both low air temperatures and short daylight hours. A persistent snow cover, resulting from accumulated many snowfall days, blankets the town. Although days are short, the 9 hours of daylight include an average of 3.2 hours of sunshine a day. Weather in January »Weather in February
Moorhead’s February weather is a continuation of the freezing winter temperatures. Compared to January, there is a slight increase in temperatures but the city remains cold and snowy. The town experiences improved visibility, making outdoor activities possible. Weather in February »Weather in March
As winter recedes in March, Moorhead starts to experience warmer temperatures and more daily sunshine hours. March brings dramatic changes in weather with a noticeable increase in temperatures and rainfall. Despite an increased presence of rain, snowfall continues at 3.19" (81mm) on average. Weather in March »Weather in April
In April, spring is firmly established in Moorhead. Compared to March, there are fewer snowfall days and a noticeable increase in rainfall. The increased temperature and longer daylight hours facilitate outdoor activities. Weather characteristics include increased rainfall, wind speed, and longer sunlight duration. Weather in April »Weather in May
May is a pleasant contrast in Moorhead after the long winter with warmer temperatures and sunnier days. Compared to April, rain increases heavily but without the presence of snowfall. With the longer daylight hours and increased average temperatures, the last signs of winter vanish completely. Weather in May »Weather in June
June in Moorhead is characterized by longer sunshine hours, higher temperatures, and increased humidity. The weather is significantly different from May with the transition of spring to summer. Despite the high average temperature, rainfall is also increased compared to the previous month. Weather in June »Weather in July
July is usually the warmest month in Moorhead with peak summer temperatures. It's significantly different from June as it becomes dry with the decrease of rainfall. The long summer days mean more hours of sunshine and high UV index. Weather in July »Weather in August
The Moorhead weather in August is slightly cooler than July though it remains a warm summer month. It's marked by a decrease in temperatures and humidity from the previous month. A slight drop in temperature signals the eventual transition from summer to fall. Weather in August »Weather in September
September marks the onset of autumn in Moorhead, characterized by a decline in temperatures and daylight hours. The weather is significantly cooler than August signaling a transition from summer to autumn. The frequency of rain might be lower, but it does not completely disappear. Weather in September »Weather in October
In Moorhead, October is synonymous with crisp autumn temperatures and shorter daylight hours. The weather in October is notably different from September with further decrease in temperatures. The arrival of fall is shown by an increase in wind speed while the sky often remains overcast. Weather in October »Weather in November
November in Moorhead is solidly in the fall season leading into the colder winter months. This month sees a marked decrease in average temperatures from October. Although daylight continues to decrease, the remaining hours are often sunny. Weather in November »Weather in December
In Moorhead, December marks the beginning of the peak winter season, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Weather conditions in December are decidedly different from November as it becomes colder and darker. However, despite being one of the darkest months, it still has more sunshine days than most summer months. Weather in December »Updated: Feb 12, 2024
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Published by: Weather U.S. | About Us
Data Sources | Weather Forecasting & Climate
Frequently asked questions
Moorhead, Minnesota, records the coldest temperatures in January, averaging a high of 16.2°F (-8.8°C) and a low of 2.7°F (-16.3°C).
The most humid month in Moorhead is January, with an average relative humidity of 91%.
January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 2 days and accumulates 0.55" (14mm) of precipitation.
In Moorhead, during the entire year, the rain falls for 102.5 days and collects up to 17.17" (436mm) of precipitation.
January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Moorhead.
Throughout the year, there are 64.4 snowfall days, and 19.69" (500mm) of snow is accumulated.
With an average of 3.2h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year in Moorhead.
January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Moorhead, Minnesota.
On Sunday, March 10. 2024, at 2:00 am, Daylight Saving Time starts, and the time zone changes from CST to CDT. Daylight Saving Time ends Sunday, November 3. 2024, at 2:00 am, and the time zone reverts from CDT to CST.
June is the month with the most rainfall in Moorhead, Minnesota. Rain falls for 15.5 days and accumulates 3.07" (78mm) of precipitation.
In Moorhead, Minnesota, snow does not fall in June through September.
June has the longest days of the year in Moorhead, with an average of 15h and 48min of daylight.
The months with the highest UV index in Moorhead, Minnesota, are June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 6.
The warmest period in Moorhead, Minnesota, falls in July and August, when the average high-temperature reaches 81°F (27.2°C).
The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 10.9h of sunshine.
September is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 63%.
The month with the most snowfall in Moorhead is December, when snow falls for 13.5 days and typically aggregates up to 4.09" (104mm) of snow.
December has the shortest days of the year in Moorhead, with an average of 8h and 36min of daylight.
Average temperature
Moorhead, MN
The warmest months (with the highest average high temperature) are July and August (81°F).
The month with the lowest average high temperature is January (16.2°F).
The month with the highest average low temperature is July (61°F).
The coldest month (with the lowest average low temperature) is January (2.7°F).
Average pressure
Moorhead, MN
- Average pressure in January:
30.15"Hg - Average pressure in February:
30.17"Hg - Average pressure in March:
30.09"Hg - Average pressure in April:
29.98"Hg - Average pressure in May:
29.94"Hg - Average pressure in June:
29.86"Hg
- Average pressure in July:
29.92"Hg - Average pressure in August:
29.92"Hg - Average pressure in September:
29.97"Hg - Average pressure in October:
29.96"Hg - Average pressure in November:
30.05"Hg - Average pressure in December:
30.12"Hg
The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (30.17"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.86"Hg).
Average wind speed
Moorhead, MN
- Average wind speed in January:
9.9mph - Average wind speed in February:
9.6mph - Average wind speed in March:
9.8mph - Average wind speed in April:
10.4mph - Average wind speed in May:
9.8mph - Average wind speed in June:
8.8mph
- Average wind speed in July:
8.1mph - Average wind speed in August:
8.2mph - Average wind speed in September:
9.6mph - Average wind speed in October:
10.7mph - Average wind speed in November:
10mph - Average wind speed in December:
9.8mph
The windiest month (with the highest average wind speed) is October (10.7mph).
The calmest month (with the lowest average wind speed) is July (8.1mph).
Average humidity
Moorhead, MN
The month with the highest relative humidity is January (91%).
The month with the lowest relative humidity is September (63%).
Average rainfall
Moorhead, MN
- Average rainfall in January:
0.55" - Average rainfall in February:
0.63" - Average rainfall in March:
0.91" - Average rainfall in April:
1.46" - Average rainfall in May:
2.13" - Average rainfall in June:
3.07"
- Average rainfall in July:
2.01" - Average rainfall in August:
1.69" - Average rainfall in September:
1.26" - Average rainfall in October:
2.01" - Average rainfall in November:
0.63" - Average rainfall in December:
0.83"
The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (3.07").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.55").
Average rainfall days
Moorhead, MN
- Average rainfall days in January:
2 days - Average rainfall days in February:
1.7 days - Average rainfall days in March:
7.6 days - Average rainfall days in April:
10.2 days - Average rainfall days in May:
14.1 days - Average rainfall days in June:
15.5 days
- Average rainfall days in July:
12.8 days - Average rainfall days in August:
10.4 days - Average rainfall days in September:
8.9 days - Average rainfall days in October:
10.6 days - Average rainfall days in November:
5.3 days - Average rainfall days in December:
3.4 days
The month with the highest number of rainy days is June (15.5 days).
The month with the least rainy days is February (1.7 days).
Average snowfall
Moorhead, MN
- Average snowfall in January:
3.54" - Average snowfall in February:
3.7" - Average snowfall in March:
3.19" - Average snowfall in April:
2.44" - Average snowfall in May:
0.35" - Average snowfall in June:
0"
The month with the highest snowfall is December (4.09").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").
Average snowfall days
Moorhead, MN
- Average snowfall days in January:
13.6 days - Average snowfall days in February:
12.9 days - Average snowfall days in March:
9 days - Average snowfall days in April:
4.8 days - Average snowfall days in May:
0.4 days - Average snowfall days in June:
0 days
- Average snowfall days in July:
0 days - Average snowfall days in August:
0 days - Average snowfall days in September:
0 days - Average snowfall days in October:
2 days - Average snowfall days in November:
8.2 days - Average snowfall days in December:
13.5 days
The month with the highest number of snowfall days is January (13.6 days).
The months with the least snowfall days are June, July, August and September (0 days).
Average daylight / Average sunshine
Moorhead, MN
- Average daylight in January:
9h and 0min - Average daylight in February:
10h and 18min - Average daylight in March:
11h and 54min - Average daylight in April:
13h and 36min - Average daylight in May:
15h and 6min - Average daylight in June:
15h and 48min
- Average daylight in July:
15h and 24min - Average daylight in August:
14h and 12min - Average daylight in September:
12h and 30min - Average daylight in October:
10h and 54min - Average daylight in November:
9h and 24min - Average daylight in December:
8h and 36min
The month with the longest days is June (Average daylight: 15h and 48min).
The month with the shortest days is December (Average daylight: 8h and 36min).
- Average sunshine in January:
3h and 12min - Average sunshine in February:
3h and 36min - Average sunshine in March:
4h and 42min - Average sunshine in April:
7h and 24min - Average sunshine in May:
8h and 54min - Average sunshine in June:
9h and 42min
- Average sunshine in July:
10h and 54min - Average sunshine in August:
10h and 36min - Average sunshine in September:
8h and 54min - Average sunshine in October:
5h and 30min - Average sunshine in November:
4h and 42min - Average sunshine in December:
3h and 24min
The month with the most sunshine is July (Average sunshine: 10h and 54min).
The month with the least sunshine is January (Average sunshine: 3h and 12min).
Average sunshine days
Moorhead, MN
- Average sunshine days in January:
17.2 days - Average sunshine days in February:
15.4 days - Average sunshine days in March:
15.6 days - Average sunshine days in April:
15.2 days - Average sunshine days in May:
15.1 days - Average sunshine days in June:
11.3 days
- Average sunshine days in July:
16.4 days - Average sunshine days in August:
19 days - Average sunshine days in September:
19.7 days - Average sunshine days in October:
17.5 days - Average sunshine days in November:
18.7 days - Average sunshine days in December:
16.3 days
The month with the most sunshine days is September (19.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (11.3 days).
Average UV index
Moorhead, MN
The months with the highest UV index are June and July (UV index 6).
The months with the lowest UV index are January and December (UV index 1).
Average cloud cover
Moorhead, MN
The month with the most cloud cover is January (Cloud cover 65).
The months with the least cloud cover are July and August (Cloud cover 25).
Average visibility
Moorhead, MN
The months with the highest visibility are April, May, June, July, August, September, October and November (6mi).
The months with the lowest visibility are January, February, March and December (5mi).
