December in Minneapolis is one of the coldest months in the continental US, with average highs of only 27°F and lows around 11°F — wind chills regularly dip to -10°F or below. A parka rated for extreme cold, wool or down base layers, insulated waterproof boots, and full face coverage (balaclava or neck gaiter plus hat) are essential for any time outdoors. The city's connected skyway system lets you navigate downtown in lighter layers, but exposure between skyway stops remains unforgiving.
top / Thermal Top
long-sleeve thermal
moisture-wicking base layer — keeps cold air off skin
bottom / Jeans
straight-leg
chinos for a slightly smarter look
footwear / Waterproof Boots
ankle boots
rubber sole for traction — keep feet dry all day
outerwear / Heavy Coat
puffer coat
insulated for sub-freezing temps
top / Sweater
crew neck
for chilly mornings or heavy AC
fleece zip-up if it gets colder
Based on typical December conditions in Minneapolis. Weather varies year to year — check the live forecast when you're within two weeks of your trip.
Minneapolis in December is not cold in a polite, photogenic-snow-globe way — it is genuinely, relentlessly cold, with lows averaging 11°F and wind chills that push well below zero when the northwest wind picks up across the frozen lakes. The Chain of Lakes parks and Stone Arch Bridge are beautiful under snow but demand serious gear for anyone spending more than a few minutes outside. About 9 days of precipitation fall in December, mostly as snow. The city's downtown skyway system — 80 blocks of climate-controlled walkways connecting hotels, restaurants, and the IDS Center — is the best tool locals use to survive December in office-appropriate clothing. Outside the skyway, the local style tendency runs maximum function: Canada Goose or Patagonia parkas over performance base layers, Sorel or Bogs insulated boots, fleece-lined leggings, and full-face buffs. Visitors who pack as if for a typical winter trip typically regret it by day two.
A polished cold-weather look built around a statement camel faux fur coat layered over a rich ivory ribbed turtleneck and slim dark indigo jeans. Black knee-high boots keep out the chill while adding sleek structure, and a camel wool scarf ties the earthy palette together effortlessly.
A camel coat over dark indigo jeans is the snow-commute uniform that doesn't sacrifice polish. A tan crossbody and black ankle boots keep things clean through the weather.
The burgundy quilted jacket handles freezing temps and snowfall without losing personality. Matching boots and a knit beanie make the colour work harder.
A black longline parka over fleece-lined leggings covers down to the knee in heavy freezing snow. The cream chunky cardigan underneath adds loft where the cold gets in.
A burgundy quilted jacket with a cream knit maxi skirt and matching boots creates a tight colour story in the snow. The cream beanie seals the tonal palette.
An all-cream stack from teddy coat to knit maxi skirt makes the most of a snow day. Brown suede knee-high boots are the only interruption — and the right one.
A camel faux fur coat over matching tailored trousers and a black turtleneck is the statement formal look for snow days that still require occasion dressing. Burgundy ankle boots are the single break in the palette.
Start with a moisture-wicking thermal base layer — wool or synthetic, never cotton. Add a mid-layer (heavyweight fleece or down vest), then a parka rated for -20°F or colder wind chills. Insulated waterproof boots with at least 400g insulation handle the lakes area and sidewalks. Cover every exposed area: wool or fleece hat, balaclava or neck gaiter, insulated mittens. If using the downtown skyway, you can transition to lighter layers indoors, but carry your full outer shell — every building exit sends you back into the cold.
It depends entirely on your cold tolerance. Minneapolis in December features excellent indoor culture — the Walker Art Center, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the downtown restaurant scene are all accessible via skyway with minimal outdoor exposure. Ice skating at the Depot Rink and holiday events around Nicollet Mall are genuinely fun. But the cold is extreme and non-negotiable — visitors who dislike temperatures near zero will find May or September far more comfortable.
Insulated, waterproof winter boots are the only practical footwear — Sorel, Bogs, or similar brands rated for at least -25°F. The Chain of Lakes paths and uncleared sidewalks in residential areas demand lug soles with genuine traction. Yaktrax or similar ice cleats add grip on glazed surfaces. Bring a bag to carry dress shoes if you're attending events in venues accessible via skyway — you can change on arrival.
Average highs are 27°F with lows around 11°F, but the wind chill from northwest winds regularly pushes the apparent temperature to -10°F or colder. It is not uncommon for Minneapolis to record temperatures of 0°F or below multiple times per December. Snow accumulation is consistent, and the city averages about 9 days of precipitation, mostly as snow.
Pack a parka rated for extreme cold (-20°F or lower), heavyweight wool or synthetic base layers, a mid-layer fleece, insulated waterproof boots, wool socks, a balaclava or neck gaiter, ear-covering hat, and insulated mittens (warmer than gloves). Chemical hand warmers are useful for extended outdoor activities like ice skating. Bring moisturizer — the combination of extreme cold outside and dry heated air inside causes significant skin dehydration.