Will I need a jacket in Minneapolis in January?

Yes — average lows hit about 7°F, so plan on a heavy coat with insulated layers.

Is January rainy in Minneapolis?

Expect roughly 9 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.

January Packing List for Minneapolis – What to Wear & Bring

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Essentials

If you only pack a few things, pack these.

Heavyweight Down ParkaEssential
A heavy down parka is essential for Minneapolis when the open prairie winds can push windchill to -20°F even if it's only 7°F.
Merino Wool Base LayersEssential
In Minneapolis, merino wool base layers are essential because January lows of 7°F make cotton dangerously inadequate for the cold.
Thermal LeggingsEssential
In Minneapolis, thermal leggings are vital for walks around the Chain of Lakes when temperatures drop to 7°F.
Insulated Waterproof BootsEssential
Insulated waterproof boots are essential for navigating the 9 precipitation days in Minneapolis without getting soaked by slush.
Thick Wool SocksEssential
Thick wool socks are necessary to prevent frostbite during Minneapolis's January lows of 7°F when walking near the Chain of Lakes.
Heavyweight Knit BeanieEssential
A heavy knit beanie is essential to protect your head from windchill in Minneapolis when it feels like -20°F.
Insulated MittensEssential
Insulated mittens are essential for keeping fingers warm while walking through the open prairie-adjacent terrain of Minneapolis in 7°F weather.
Thermal ScarfEssential
A thick thermal scarf is necessary to block wind when navigating the 9 precipitation days and freezing temperatures in Minneapolis.
Windproof GlovesEssential
Windproof gloves are essential to protect against the -20°F windchill common in Minneapolis's open prairie terrain.

Clothing

Heavyweight Down ParkaEssential
A heavy down parka is essential for Minneapolis when the open prairie winds can push windchill to -20°F even if it's only 7°F.
Merino Wool Base LayersEssential
In Minneapolis, merino wool base layers are essential because January lows of 7°F make cotton dangerously inadequate for the cold.
Mid-weight Fleece LayerRecommended
A mid-weight fleece is perfect for layering when moving between the freezing outdoors and heated areas in the Minneapolis Skyway system during January's 24°F highs.
Thermal LeggingsEssential
In Minneapolis, thermal leggings are vital for walks around the Chain of Lakes when temperatures drop to 7°F.

Footwear

Insulated Waterproof BootsEssential
Insulated waterproof boots are essential for navigating the 9 precipitation days in Minneapolis without getting soaked by slush.
Thick Wool SocksEssential
Thick wool socks are necessary to prevent frostbite during Minneapolis's January lows of 7°F when walking near the Chain of Lakes.
Ice Cleats/GripsRecommended
In Minneapolis, ice cleats are recommended for navigating slippery paths near the Chain of Lakes when temperatures hover around 24°F.
Water-resistant OverbootsRecommended
Water-resistant overboots are recommended for navigating Minneapolis's 9 precipitation days without getting soaked by snow.

Accessories

Heavyweight Knit BeanieEssential
A heavy knit beanie is essential to protect your head from windchill in Minneapolis when it feels like -20°F.
Insulated MittensEssential
Insulated mittens are essential for keeping fingers warm while walking through the open prairie-adjacent terrain of Minneapolis in 7°F weather.
Thermal ScarfEssential
A thick thermal scarf is necessary to block wind when navigating the 9 precipitation days and freezing temperatures in Minneapolis.
Windproof GlovesEssential
Windproof gloves are essential to protect against the -20°F windchill common in Minneapolis's open prairie terrain.

Local tips for Minneapolis in January

Utilize the Minneapolis Skyway system to traverse downtown blocks without having to face the extreme windchill directly.

Always check the wind chill forecast, as the open prairie winds can make a 7°F day feel significantly colder.

If you plan on visiting the Chain of Lakes for winter recreation, ensure your footwear is fully waterproof and insulated.

FAQ — Minneapolis in January

Yes — average lows hit about 7°F, so plan on a heavy coat with insulated layers.
Expect roughly 9 days of rain across the month. Pack a compact umbrella and shoes that can handle wet pavement.
If you plan on visiting the Chain of Lakes for winter recreation, ensure your footwear is fully waterproof and insulated. See our full shoe picks for January: full shoe guide →

More tools for Minneapolis in January

What to wear

Outfit ideas for Minneapolis in January →

Layering looks and style guidance matched to the month's weather.

Best shoes

Shoe picks for January →

Waterproof, breathable, insulated — matched to the month.

Pack or skip

Umbrella? Winter coat? Sunscreen? →

Item-by-item verdict for January.

Comfort check

Will I be cold or hot? →

Day and night temp bands for January.

Packing tools

Decide jackets, outfits, shoes, and bag fees for Minneapolis in January

Free calculators — city and month pre-filled when we know them. No account required. Start with how many outfits, sudoku packing, or bag fees.

Trip

Planning a trip to one city?

One city → typical weather for your month, packing counts that fit your bags, and email your plan.

Outfits

How many outfits for this trip?

Trip length, bag size, and climate → exact tops, bottoms, layers, and outfit combinations.

Jacket

Not sure about a jacket?

City + month → base / mid / shell stack and pack-or-skip verdicts for rain jacket, coat, and thermals.

Shoes

Shoes for this climate?

Climate, activities, and bag size → pair count, primary/backup types, and climate-matched picks.

Bags

Will this trip cost bag fees?

Airline + fare bucket + bags you plan to bring → fit verdicts and typical carry-on / checked fee ranges.

Capsule

Try sudoku packing for this climate?

City + month → climate-ready 3 tops / 3 bottoms / 3 layers you can edit — up to 27 mix-and-match outfits.

All packing tools

January Packing List for Minneapolis — What to Wear & Bring

Hotels in Minneapolis