How To Prepare For a Minnesota Winter: A Full Guide (2023)
Is it your first winter in Minnesota and you’re wondering, how the heck am I supposed to get through this crazy season?!
Or maybe you’re visiting during the cold season and you’re wondering the same exact thing?
It can be tough to understand exactly how to prepare for a Minnesota winter because they can be pretty tough and harsh.
But, if you just follow a few simple steps and tips, you can get yourself ready in no time and wonder how summer arrived so fast.
I know that winters can be rough, but us Minnesotans have to stick together and prepare ourselves for the next few months of “torture.” 😉
What’s the Weather Like in Minnesota During Winter?
Winters in Minnesota are known to be pretty harsh, cold, and snowy, and they last a pretty long time.
The temperatures change a lot throughout the months and can drop as low as -30 degrees F and rise as high as 40 degrees F.
Typically, it’ll stay between about 15 degrees F and 30 degrees F, but again, this can change greatly with the day.
Something that you’ll hear Minnesotans say a lot is, “if it weren’t for that darn wind chill it wouldn’t be so cold!”
And we’re always quite correct because the wind can really play a part in making the air temperature feel much colder than it actually is!
It’s really important to check the “feels like” temperature to ensure you know what the air actually feels like outside!
Minnesota usually sees an average of around 40 inches of snow per year, but can see up to 70 inches closer to Lake Superior!
When is the Winter Season in Minnesota?
Winters tend to last a really long time up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and in fact, some people say that it lasts for 9 months out of the year!
While that isn’t entirely true, it sometimes does feel like that.
The winter season typically takes place from around December to April, so for about 5 months.
It sometimes does start earlier or go later, but it really depends on the year and how generous Mother Nature is feeling… 😉
Snow usually starts to fall in late November and begins to melt in mid-April, and that’s about when the temperatures begin to change as well.
Preparing Your Home for Winter
Preparing your home for the cold and ice that’s about to hit the entire state is important to ensure that you don’t have any damage or issues in the dead of winter.
These are a few things that can help make your winter at home more comfortable and help you stay warm indoors.
Insulate Your Windows
This may seem silly, but doing something as simple as putting some plastic up over your windows can keep you warmer and save you money!
Sneaky drafts can make their way into your home through windows, which can make it colder inside.
Plus, your heating system will have to work harder to keep up, costing you more in the end.
Before the cold hits, get yourself a plastic shrink window kit, which basically helps you seal up any cracks in the window frame.
You can also try using this transparent window sealing tape to create an air-tight seal around the frames.
And for an even easier solution, simply hang a pair of thermal blackout curtains, which help keep the heat inside.
Shovel as Snow Falls
Make your life as easy as possible and don’t wait to shovel until the snow storm is done.
Waiting will just make the snow heavier, which will be harder on your back and will take more time.
If it’s snowing at night and the forecast states that it’s supposed to continue to snow, get out there and at least get some of it done.
I know it seems counterproductive to start during the middle of a storm, but I promise that you’ll be thanking yourself when you aren’t lifting super heavy snow after the storm.
Have Snow Removal Tools at the Ready
Plan to have your snow removal tools out and ready to be used no later than November 1st.
One of the most important parts of preparing for a Minnesota winter is digging out those shovels!
Snow can fall anytime, and you’re not going to want to have to trudge through snow to get to the shed where your shovel is.
Use a Door Draft Stopper
Another way to keep cold drafts from sneaking their way into your home is by using a door draft stopper to block off the cracks under doors.
There are multiple models of these, one of the best being a plastic adhesive strip that simply stays attached to your door.
The next best is a fabric “bean bag” style that slides under the door and also helps block out the cold air.
Place a Rubber Mat at Your Front Door
This one will help you keep your entryway clean and free of puddles from melted snow.
Simply place a rubber shoe mat near your front door for everyone to put their shoes on when they come inside.
Trust me when I say that the last thing you want to do when you’re heading out for the day is step in a puddle and have a soaking wet sock.
Keep Your Heat at a Consistent Temperatures
Instead of constantly increasing the temperature when you get chilly, just set the thermostat at a consistent temperature and leave it there.
Throw on an extra blanket instead, as raising the temperature will also only raise your bill!
Have a Stockpile of Snacks
In the event that we get one of those dreaded Minnesota blizzards where every road is shut down and you can’t go anywhere, you’ll want a small stockpile.
I’m not talking going overboard here, but at least have a few essentials like pasta, beans, and some of your shelf-stable favorite snacks.
This will help you out so that you don’t have to leave the house and put yourself in danger on the roads.
Driving During Winter in Minnesota
Perhaps one of the most stressful parts of either living in or visiting Minnesota is having to drive in the snow and ice.
I totally get it. I’ve lived here for my entire life and it still terrifies me to drive when there’s any more than a dusting of snow on the road.
But if you’re prepared for any circumstances, you can help set your mind at ease and hopefully make the process a lot easier on yourself.
Get Remote Start For Your Car
If the thought of walking outside and getting into a freezing cold car makes you sick, don’t worry, it does the same to everyone else in Minnesota.
To make this a little better, do yourself a favor and install a remote car starter.
With the click of a button, you can start your car from inside the house and let it warm up as you finish getting ready.
Drive Slower Than You Think
One of the top tips that I can give for driving safely and preparing for a Minnesota winter is to always remember to drive slower than you think you need to.
Stopping time is a lot longer than normal when there’s snow and ice on the ground.
You need to leave extra space between you and other cars and don’t wait until the last minute to stop, because it won’t work.
This is a safety tip, so don’t take this one lightly!
Use Heated Seats
If you’re lucky enough to hae built-in heated seats, put those babies to use!
If not, get yourself a set of these heated seat covers that strap to your seat and then plug into your DC outlet.
To be honest, I don’t think that I could get through a Minnesota winter without my heated seats!
Carry an Emergency Kit With You
It’s important to always create a “car emergency kit” to keep with you during the winter months.
In mine, I store an extra jacket, hat, gloves, socks, and a blanket.
I also have some first aid supplies, granola bars, and jumper cables.
You can aslo purchase one such as this one here, if you prefer not to put one together.
Leave Earlier Than You Need to
ANother safety tip, to ensure that you aren’t rushing, is leaving earlier than needed.
Since you’ll need to drive slower and allow more time, you’ll want to leave yourself extra time when you’re leaving for work in the morning.
I know, I know. No more leaving at 8:01 to get there by 8:00. I get it.
Always Carry an Ice Scraper
A simple mistake could be forgetting to have an ice scraper in your car, which can be a lifesaver when there’s frost or ice on your windshield.
I like having an extendable one with a brush because I can reach the top of my car to clear the snow from there as well.
In a pinch, a credit card will work, but be careful not to bust it in half.
What to Wear for a Minnesota Winter
It can be really tough determining what to wear in the cold, especially if this is your first time living in or experiencing cold weather.
Below I’ve got a few of the best things to wear to prevent you from getting too cold.
☃️ Base Layer: Start with a base layer that is moisture wicking and will keep you warm, such as this great option from Smartwool that I use!
☃️ Mid-Layer: Layer with a sweater or something to keep you warm underneath your coat, like this Columbia quarter zip that is so soft and cozy.
☃️ Outer Layer: This layer is going to block the wind, snow, and cold from getting to your skin. This knee-length Marmot jacket is so warm!
☃️ Snow Pants: Keep your legs and body warm and dry with a pair of thick and waterproof snow pants, such as these Columbia Bugaboos.
☃️ Wool Socks: Your toes are one of the first parts of your body to get cold, so wear some thick Smartwool wool socks to keep them warm.
☃️ Warm Boots: Again to keep your feet warm, get some heavy-duty boots like these Baffin Chloe boots which are stylish and warm.
☃️ Hat: Protect your ears and keep heat in your head by wearing a hat when you’re outside.
☃️ Gloves: You should also definitley have a pair of warm, waterproof gloves such as these Carhartt insulated ones!
☃️ Buff: A Buff can keep your neck warm as well as double as a face mask if you are to need one. This one is fleece and will be the warmest.
Other Must-Have Essentials for a Winter in MN
Below you’ll find a few must-have items that aren’t clothes, that everyone who lives in a cold climate should own.
These will help keep you warm and help turn those dreary days into something a little better.
❄️ Ice Scraper: Always keep an ice scraper in your car to ensure that you can clear your windshield after a storm. This one is extendable and has a brush.
❄️ Hand Warmers: I love using hand warmers all winter long because my fingers get so dang cold! You can get either reusable ones or disposable ones.
❄️ Heated Insoles: Keep your feet even more warm with remote-controlled heated insoles that slip right in your shoes.
❄️ Heated Blanket: For those extra cold nights where you just can’t seem to get warm, a heated blanket, such as this one with 6 settings, will be a total lifesaver.
Mentally Preparing for Minnesota Winters
As much as you can prepare physically for a long Minnesota winter, I understand that it can be really tough to mentally prepare.
Many people in cold climates experience Seasonal Affective Disorder when winter rolls around, which can be tough to combat.
Below you’ll find a few ways to brighten up those dark days of winter that can take a toll on all of us.
Find a Winter Hobby
One of the best ways to keep yourself busy during the winter season and make the most of it is to find a hobby.
There are so many great outdoor activities that you can take part in such as skiing, snowshoeing, and skating (more on this below!).
If you aren’t up for going outside, many cities have indoor classes or activities that you can sign up for.
Connect With Others
It can be really easy during the winter months in Minnesota to shut off from the world and just stay in your warm home.
But it’s important and good for you to connect with others.
Whether that be a once-a-week phone call to a friend or family member, or a meet-up at a coffee shop with that same person.
Get Fresh Air
On days when the weather warms up a bit, take advantage of it and get outside for some fresh air.
We don’t get much of it when it’s cold out, and fresh air has been proven to boost spirits and help us feel better!
Take a Staycation
If you just can’t stand the thought of being stuck in your home by 5:00 pm for another night, then consider booking a “staycation.”
This could be booking a hotel in your hometown just to get out, or booking one that’s a few hours away.
Book the hotel and plan a few fun activities around that town or bring stuff to do during your stay.
Just seeing new sights will lift your spirits and make you feel better.
What to Do During Winter in Minnesota
Although winter may seem to send everyone into hibernation for the season, that isn’t really the case, as there is still plenty going on!
Here are a few of the top activities that are doable almost anywhere around the state.
⛷️ Cross Country Skiing: A nice, peaceful way to get outside and on the trail in the winter.
⛷️ Snowshoeing: One of the easiest activities for anyone to learn, and can be done almost anywhere in the state!
⛷️ Downhill Skiing: A more thrilling and fun version of cross-country skiing, with beautiful views all around Minnesota!
⛷️ Ice Skating: One of my personal favorite activities, done on lakes, ponds, and at indoor ice rinks!
⛷️ Snowmobiling: Another favorite activity that requires a machine, which can be rented in many places around the state.
When to Start Preparing for the Winter
If you’re looking to prepare for a Minnesota winter, you’ll want to start before the cold and snow starts to really set in.
Especially for prepping your home and car, as you’ll want these things done before they’re needed!
I typically start preparing myself no later than mid-October, because there are times when we see snow by Halloween.
Cold Weather Safety Tips
FAQs
Minnesota winters can be very harsh, cold, and snowy.
The temperatures can get very cold and it can be miserable at times.
But, that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t visit, because it oftentimes is very beautiful and has a lot of great activities.
People who live in Minnesota have typically gotten used to the cold and have created their own ways to thrive during the cold season.
There really isn’t one way to “handle” the season because it is long and can be draining, but the best way is to find something that you enjoy and stick with it.
January is the snowiest month in Minnesota with an average of around 12 to 15 inches.
The coldest month is also January, with an average temperature of around 10-24 degrees F.
Typically it snows from late November to mid-April.
So around 5-6 months of the year.
The best ways to keep warm during a Minnesota winter are to dress in layers and stay inside when it’s cold out.
Other ways include drinking warm beverages, staying active, and having fun gadgets such as heated insoles or hand warmers.
Conclusion: Preparing For Winter in Minnesota
Whether it’s your first winter here, you’re just paying a visit, or you’ve been living in Minnesota for years, there are plenty of things to know about getting ready for the cold.
From patching up your home to stocking your car and just getting outside, it can be tough to know how to prepare for a Minnesota winter.
I hope that this post has left you feeling a bit more confident about the cold season and ready to prepare yourself.
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