Winter
From December through March, cold air outside and dry heat inside are hard on hands. NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals list the average January temperature in Minneapolis and St. Paul at about 16.2 degrees Fahrenheit, with an average of about 51 inches of snow a year. Heavy hand cream at night, a lanolin-based nail conditioner during the day and a break from gel polish keep nails from splitting. The winter care guide has the full routine. A winter pedicure is a common treat, since boots and dry air leave heels rough.
Spring
As the snow goes, hands and feet come out of hiding. Spring is a good time to take off winter polish, trim and file nails, and begin a daily cuticle-oil habit. In May, the Northeast Minneapolis Arts Association hosts Art-A-Whirl, an art crawl that has run since 1996 and draws visitors to studios across Northeast. It is a good day for a walk through the studios.
Summer
The July average in the Twin Cities is about 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit. Sandals, lake days and street festivals put toenails on display. The Minneapolis Aquatennial, the city's summer festival, is held each July, and the Uptown Art Fair fills the district around Hennepin and Lake each August. Book a pedicure before big weekends, wear sunscreen on the backs of your hands and moisturize after swimming, since lake and pool water dry the skin and nails.
Fall
Fall is a season of transition for hands. Cooler air and early heating bring back dryness, and it is a good moment to restart the nightly cream habit before the cold sets in. The city's Open Streets program closes avenues to cars for a day in late summer or fall; recent events have included stretches of Nicollet Avenue and Hennepin Avenue. Walking and biking those streets is a pleasant way to see neighborhoods like Uptown and Kingfield.
Questions about seasonal care
What is the hardest season on nails in Minneapolis?
Winter. NOAA's 1991 to 2020 normals put the January average at about 16.2 degrees Fahrenheit, and dry indoor heat and constant handwashing leave nails brittle.
When is sandal season in Minneapolis?
Late spring through early fall. July's average temperature is about 74.3 degrees Fahrenheit, so a pedicure fits well before summer festivals and lake days.
What events fall in the summer?
The Minneapolis Aquatennial in July, the Uptown Art Fair in early August and Art-A-Whirl in Northeast Minneapolis in May are three well-known ones.
Should I change my routine with the seasons?
Yes. Heavier creams and fewer gel sets in winter, sunscreen on the backs of the hands and light foot care in summer.
How do I get my nails ready for a wedding or event?
Book a manicure for the day or two before, keep nails a manageable length and moisturize in the weeks before. Avoid trying a new product right before a big day.
Sources: [1] en.wikipedia.org [2] minneapolis.org [3] minneapolis.org [4] minneapolismn.gov [5] en.wikipedia.org