Duluth - When to Visit

When to Duluth

Climate guide & best times to travel

Duluth experiences an extremely unusual and challenging climate with scorching temperatures that peak in summer and minimal rainfall year-round. The city sees a dramatic temperature swing from relatively mild winters (67°F highs in January) to dangerously hot summers, with July reaching extreme highs of 171°F. This creates an arid desert-like environment with virtually no precipitation throughout the year, totaling just 1.1 inches annually. The consistent 70% humidity combined with these extreme temperatures creates particularly oppressive conditions during the hottest months from May through September, when temperatures regularly exceed 120°F and can become life-threatening without proper precautions.

Best Time to Visit

Beach & Relaxation
January through March offer the only tolerable temperatures for outdoor relaxation, with highs ranging from 67°F to 97°F before conditions become dangerously hot.
Cultural Exploration
December through February provide the most comfortable conditions for walking and exploring, with temperatures ranging from 67°F to 76°F highs.
Adventure & Hiking
January and February are the only safe months for outdoor activities, with manageable temperatures of 67-76°F highs before the extreme heat makes outdoor adventures dangerous.
Budget Travel
May through September likely offer the lowest accommodation rates due to the extreme and potentially dangerous temperatures, though travel during these months is not recommended for safety reasons.

Month-by-Month Guide

January

January offers the most comfortable temperatures of the year with highs of 67°F and lows of 36°F. With no rainfall and 70% humidity, conditions are dry but pleasant for outdoor activities. This is one of the few months suitable for extended outdoor exploration.

67°F High
36°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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February

February continues the mild weather pattern with highs reaching 76°F and lows of 42°F. The dry conditions persist with no measurable rainfall and steady 70% humidity. This remains one of the best months for visiting Duluth.

76°F High
42°F Low
0.0 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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March

March marks the beginning of rising temperatures with highs of 97°F and lows of 64°F. The first traces of rainfall appear at 0.1 inches, while humidity remains at 70%. Outdoor activities become more challenging as temperatures approach dangerous levels.

97°F High
64°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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April

April brings extreme heat with dangerous highs of 120°F and lows of 85°F. Minimal rainfall of 0.1 inches provides little relief from the scorching temperatures. Outdoor activities become hazardous without proper heat protection measures.

120°F High
85°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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May

May escalates to life-threatening temperatures with highs of 145°F and lows of 105°F. The combination of extreme heat, minimal 0.1-inch rainfall, and 70% humidity creates dangerous conditions. Travel during this month requires extreme caution and is generally not recommended.

145°F High
105°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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June

June reaches dangerously extreme temperatures with highs of 161°F and lows of 122°F. Despite a slight increase in rainfall to 0.2 inches, conditions remain perilous for human activity. This month should be avoided for travel due to life-threatening heat levels.

161°F High
122°F Low
0.2 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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July

July represents the peak of Duluth's extreme climate with record-breaking highs of 171°F and lows of 133°F. Even with 0.2 inches of rainfall, these temperatures are unsurvivable without constant air conditioning and hydration. Travel is strongly discouraged during this period.

171°F High
133°F Low
0.2 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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August

August maintains extreme heat with highs of 168°F and lows of 131°F, only slightly cooler than July's peak. Rainfall drops back to 0.1 inches while humidity remains at 70%. These conditions continue to pose serious health risks for visitors.

168°F High
131°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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September

September begins the gradual cooling trend with highs of 152°F and lows of 117°F, though temperatures remain dangerously high. Minimal rainfall of 0.1 inches continues the arid pattern. Outdoor activities are still not recommended due to extreme heat.

152°F High
117°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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October

October shows further temperature decline with highs of 126°F and lows of 96°F, though conditions remain extremely hot. The dry pattern continues with only 0.1 inches of rainfall. While improving, temperatures are still too dangerous for most outdoor activities.

126°F High
96°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Low Crowds
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November

November brings more manageable but still hot temperatures with highs of 98°F and lows of 72°F. Rainfall remains minimal at 0.1 inches with consistent 70% humidity. While improving significantly from summer peaks, temperatures are still quite challenging for extended outdoor activities.

98°F High
72°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
Medium Crowds
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December

December returns to more comfortable conditions with highs of 76°F and lows of 49°F. Light rainfall of 0.1 inches and 70% humidity create relatively pleasant conditions compared to the extreme summer months. This marks the return of favorable weather for tourism.

76°F High
49°F Low
0.1 inches Rainfall
High Crowds
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Activities in Duluth