Climate and monthly weather forecast
Moorhead, MN

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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 »
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Frequently asked questions

What time of the year is the coldest in Moorhead?

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).

What is the most humid month in Moorhead?

The most humid month in Moorhead is January, with an average relative humidity of 91%.

What is the driest month in Moorhead?

January is the month with the least rainfall. Rain falls for 2 days and accumulates 0.55" (14mm) of precipitation.

How much does it rain in Moorhead?

In Moorhead, during the entire year, the rain falls for 102.5 days and collects up to 17.17" (436mm) of precipitation.

When does it snow in Moorhead?

January through May, October through December are months with snowfall in Moorhead.

How many days does it snow in Moorhead?

Throughout the year, there are 64.4 snowfall days, and 19.69" (500mm) of snow is accumulated.

What is the month with the least sunshine in Moorhead?

With an average of 3.2h of sunshine, January has the least sunshine of the year in Moorhead.

When is the lowest UV index in Moorhead?

January and December, with an average maximum UV index of 1, are months with the lowest UV index in Moorhead, Minnesota.

When is Daylight Saving Time (DST) in Moorhead?

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.

What is the wettest month in Moorhead?

June is the month with the most rainfall in Moorhead, Minnesota. Rain falls for 15.5 days and accumulates 3.07" (78mm) of precipitation.

When it does not snow in Moorhead?

In Moorhead, Minnesota, snow does not fall in June through September.

When are the longest days in Moorhead?

June has the longest days of the year in Moorhead, with an average of 15h and 48min of daylight.

What are the months with the highest UV index in Moorhead?

The months with the highest UV index in Moorhead, Minnesota, are June and July, with an average maximum UV index of 6.

What month is the hottest in Moorhead?

The warmest period in Moorhead, Minnesota, falls in July and August, when the average high-temperature reaches 81°F (27.2°C).

What month has the most sunshine in Moorhead?

The month with the most sunshine is July, with an average of 10.9h of sunshine.

What is the least humid month in Moorhead?

September is the least humid month, with an average relative humidity of 63%.

When does it snow the most in Moorhead?

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.

What is the month with the shortest days in Moorhead?

December has the shortest days of the year in Moorhead, with an average of 8h and 36min of daylight.

Average temperature
Moorhead, MN

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).

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Average pressure
Moorhead, MN

Average pressure - Moorhead, MN

The month with the highest atmospheric pressure is February (30.17"Hg).
The month with the lowest atmospheric pressure is June (29.86"Hg).

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Average wind speed
Moorhead, MN

Average wind speed - Moorhead, MN

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).

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Average rainfall
Moorhead, MN

Average rainfall - Moorhead, MN

The wettest month (with the highest rainfall) is June (3.07").
The driest month (with the least rainfall) is January (0.55").

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Average rainfall days
Moorhead, MN

Average rainfall days - Moorhead, MN

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).

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Average snowfall
Moorhead, MN

Average snowfall - Moorhead, MN

The month with the highest snowfall is December (4.09").
The months with the least snowfall are June, July, August and September (0").

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Average snowfall days
Moorhead, MN

Average snowfall days - Moorhead, MN

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).

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Average daylight / Average sunshine
Moorhead, MN

Average daylight / Average sunshine - Moorhead, MN

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).

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).

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Average sunshine days
Moorhead, MN

Average sunshine days - Moorhead, MN

The month with the most sunshine days is September (19.7 days).
The month with the least sunshine days is June (11.3 days).

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Average visibility
Moorhead, MN

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).

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Moorhead, Minnesota, USA

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