Duluth, MN Climate & Monthly Averages

Minnesota, United States 🇺🇸 · humid continental climate
Annual avg
43°
Hottest month
July
Coldest month
January
Rainy days / yr
113
Sunshine
8.3 h/day
Right now: 72° and mist - see live conditions

The climate of Duluth

Weather in Duluth is shaped by its humid continental climate - expect warm summers and cold, often snowy winters. July afternoons typically reach 78°F (25°C), while January highs hover near 22°F (-6°C). Annual precipitation averages 33.1 inches (842 mm) over about 113 rainy days.

Climate quick facts

  • Hottest month: July - highs near 78°F (25°C)
  • Coldest month: January - highs near 22°F (-6°C)
  • Record high: 97°F (36°C) · Record low: -30°F (-34°C) (2015–2024)
  • Wettest month: August (10 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (12.6 h sun/day)
  • Climate type: humid continental - warm summers and cold, often snowy winters
  • Snow: about 27 days a year

Temperatures through the year

The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 78°F (25°C) and overnight lows stay near 63°F (17°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 22°F (-6°C) and lows around 9°F (-13°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 97°F (36°C) and dropped as low as -30°F (-34°C).

Rain, sun and snow

August is usually the wettest month. It brings about 3.8 inches (97 mm) of rain over 10 days, while January is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.6 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 27 days in a typical year, mostly from October through May.

Monthly climate table

Monthly averages for Duluth based on 2015–2024 weather data.
MonthHighLow Rain daysPrecipitation SunshineHumidity
January 22° 6 1.0 in 5.2 h/day 78%
February 24° 6 1.2 in 7.1 h/day 72%
March 37° 22° 7 2.1 in 8.3 h/day 70%
April 46° 32° 11 2.9 in 8.4 h/day 69%
May 60° 44° 11 3.6 in 10.2 h/day 70%
June 71° 55° 11 3.6 in 12.2 h/day 72%
July 78° 63° 10 3.4 in 12.6 h/day 73%
August 75° 62° 10 3.8 in 10.8 h/day 74%
September 69° 56° 10 3.5 in 9.2 h/day 75%
October 54° 43° 10 3.0 in 6.5 h/day 72%
November 40° 29° 9 2.5 in 5.1 h/day 72%
December 28° 16° 10 2.6 in 4.2 h/day 78%

Duluth month by month

Duluth weather in January

January brings highs around 22°F (-6°C), lows near 9°F (-13°C), about 6 wet days and roughly 5 snowy days - typically the coldest month and the driest month of the year in Duluth.

Duluth weather in February

February brings highs around 24°F (-4°C), lows near 8°F (-13°C), about 6 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days.

Duluth weather in March

March brings highs around 37°F (3°C), lows near 22°F (-5°C), about 7 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days.

Duluth weather in April

April brings highs around 46°F (8°C), lows near 32°F (0°C), about 11 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.

Duluth weather in May

May brings highs around 60°F (16°C), lows near 44°F (7°C), about 11 wet days.

Duluth weather in June

June brings highs around 71°F (22°C), lows near 55°F (13°C), about 11 wet days.

Duluth weather in July

July brings highs around 78°F (25°C), lows near 63°F (17°C), about 10 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Duluth.

Duluth weather in August

August brings highs around 75°F (24°C), lows near 62°F (17°C), about 10 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Duluth.

Duluth weather in September

September brings highs around 69°F (21°C), lows near 56°F (14°C), about 10 wet days.

Duluth weather in October

October brings highs around 54°F (12°C), lows near 43°F (6°C), about 10 wet days.

Duluth weather in November

November brings highs around 40°F (4°C), lows near 29°F (-2°C), about 9 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.

Duluth weather in December

December brings highs around 28°F (-2°C), lows near 16°F (-9°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 6 snowy days.

Seasons in Duluth

Spring (March through May)

Spring in Duluth is brisk and cold, with daytime highs averaging 48°F (9°C) and nights around 33°F (0°C); expect showers on roughly 30 days across the season, plus around 8 snowy days.

Summer (June through August)

Summer in Duluth is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 75°F (24°C) and nights around 60°F (16°C); expect showers on roughly 32 days across the season.

Fall (September through November)

Fall in Duluth stays on the cool side of mild, with daytime highs averaging 55°F (13°C) and nights around 43°F (6°C); expect showers on roughly 29 days across the season, plus around 4 snowy days.

Winter (December through February)

Winter in Duluth is frigid, with daytime highs averaging 25°F (-4°C) and nights around 11°F (-12°C); expect showers on roughly 22 days across the season, plus around 15 snowy days. Wind makes those temperatures feel harsher than they sound - pair the forecast winds with the wind speed converter to judge conditions on exposed skin.

Climate questions, answered

What is the average temperature in Duluth?
The year-round mean is 43°F (6°C). Days typically reach 51°F (10°C) and nights settle near 37°F (3°C).
Is Duluth hot in summer?
Only mildly - the July average high is a comfortable 78°F (25°C).
Is Duluth cold in winter?
Winter here means deep cold - 9°F (-13°C) is just an average January night, and it has dropped to -30°F (-34°C).
How many rainy days does Duluth get in a year?
Count on around 113 days of rain or snow annually - concentrated in August, sparsest in January.

Best time to visit Duluth

The best time to visit Duluth is generally May to September, when this window offers the warmest, brightest days of the year. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 71°F (22°C).

Pack for Duluth with a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 63°F (17°C).

Duluth temperature records (2015-2024)

Highest recorded
97°
in September
Lowest recorded
-30°
in January
Annual precipitation
33.1"
Snowy days / yr
27

Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.