Soil Temperature in Minnesota
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Minnesota is 65°F, based on 4 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 60°F to 69°F. Last updated July 2, 2026.
Current Planting Conditions
Summer conditions across Minnesota with soil averaging 65°F at 2 inches. Warm-season grasses are in peak growth; keep cool-season lawns mowed high and watered deep. The next application windows arrive in fall, starting with pre-emergent as soil falls back through 70°F.
Grass Seed Germination in Minnesota
Grass seed germination
Grass seed germination temperatures across Minnesota. Soil warmth varies by location, so check a city page for the live reading and what germinates there now.
| Grass species | Germination optimum | Days |
|---|---|---|
| Kentucky bluegrass | 59–86°F | 14-30 |
| Tall fescue | 68–86°F | 7-12 |
| Perennial ryegrass | 68–86°F | 5-10 |
| Fine fescue | 59–77°F | 7-14 |
| Bermudagrass | 75–85°F | 10-30 |
Monitoring Stations in Minnesota (4)
For root-zone timing (fertilizer, aeration, weed control), see the 4-inch soil temperature for Minnesota. For accumulated-heat timing, see growing degree days for Minnesota. See the Minnesota soil temperature map for the full station view.
| Station | 2" Temp | Last Reading |
|---|---|---|
| Crescent Lake #1 (Sherburne) | 69°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Glacial Ridge (Polk) | 65°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Goodridge 12 NNW | 60°F | 2026-07-02 |
| Sandstone 6 W | 67°F | 2026-07-02 |
Cities in Minnesota (29)
| City | ZIP | Current Temp |
|---|---|---|
| Bemidji | 56601 | 65°F |
| Burnsville | 55306 | 69°F |
| Detroit Lakes | 56501 | 65°F |
| Duluth | 55801 | 67°F |
| Eden Prairie | 55344 | 69°F |
| Elko New Market | 55020 | 69°F |
| Fergus Falls | 56537 | 75°F* |
| Grand Rapids | 55730 | 66°F* |
| Hibbing | 55746 | 66°F* |
| Hopkins | 55305 | 69°F |
| Howard Lake | 55349 | 69°F |
| Inver Grove Heights | 55076 | 69°F |
| Loretto | 55357 | 69°F |
| Mankato | 56001 | 77°F* |
| Maple Plain | 55348 | 69°F |
| Minneapolis | 55401 | 69°F |
| Monticello | 55362 | 69°F |
| Moorhead | 56560 | 65°F |
| Norwood | 55383 | 69°F |
| Osseo | 55311 | 69°F |
| Rochester | 55901 | 75°F* |
| Rockford | 55373 | 69°F |
| Saint Cloud | 56301 | 69°F |
| Saint Paul | 55101 | 69°F |
| Stacy | 55078 | 69°F |
| Stillwater | 55082 | 69°F |
| Virginia | 55777 | 66°F* |
| Waite Park | 56387 | 69°F |
| Young America | 55394 | 69°F |
Modeled estimate from Open-Meteo where no monitoring station is within 75 miles; all other readings are measured at USDA and NOAA stations.
Lawn Care Timing Guides for Minnesota
- Summer Lawn Dormancy: Keep Cool-Season Grass Alive in Heat
Cool-season grass slows once 2-inch soil sustains 75°F and goes dormant near 85°F.
- When to Apply Grub Control: The 65-70°F Soil Window
Apply preventive grub control (chlorantraniliprole or imidacloprid) before eggs hatch, when 2-4 inch soil holds 65-70°F: late June through July in most regions.
- Lawn Fungus by Temperature: Brown Patch, Dollar Spot & More
Brown patch and Pythium strike when humid nights hold above 68°F on lush, over-fertilized turf; dollar spot, red thread, and rust hit slow-growing lawns at 60-85°F.
- Grass Seed Germination Soil Temperature by Species
The soil temperature each grass species needs to germinate, from 15+ university extensions: tall fescue and perennial ryegrass 68-86°F, Kentucky bluegrass 59-86°F, fine fescue 59-77°F, cool-season 50°F trigger, warm-season 65°F.
Soil Temperature FAQ for Minnesota
What is the current soil temperature in Minnesota?
The current average 2-inch soil temperature across Minnesota is 65°F, based on 4 USDA and NOAA monitoring stations. Readings range from 60°F to 69°F depending on location and elevation.
When should I apply pre-emergent in Minnesota?
Apply pre-emergent herbicide when soil at 2 inches reaches 55°F for several consecutive days. Timing varies across Minnesota, so check your city's page for station-specific readings and the pre-emergent timing recommendation.
When can I plant grass seed in Minnesota?
Cool-season grasses (fescue, bluegrass) can be seeded when soil holds between 50 and 65°F. Warm-season grasses (bermuda, zoysia) need soil above 65°F. Timing varies by location, so check your city's planting window for the dates specific to your area.