Honestly, if you're checking the temp in Stillwater MN right now, you’re probably either planning a weekend getaway to the "Birthplace of Minnesota" or you're a local trying to figure out if it's finally time to dig out the heavy-duty Sorels.
It’s January 16, 2026, and Stillwater is currently sitting at a crisp 20°F. But here’s the kicker: with a 16 mph wind whipping in from the northwest, it actually feels like 5°F.
That’s Minnesota for you. One minute you’re admiring the Victorian architecture on Main Street, and the next, a gust off the St. Croix River makes you question every life choice that led you north of the Mason-Dixon line.
The Current State of Stillwater’s Winter
Right now, the sky is doing that classic Midwestern "light showers of snow" thing. We’re looking at a 22% chance of precipitation today, but the real story is the falling temperature. While we hit a high of 31°F earlier this morning, things are sliding fast. By tonight, we’re bottoming out at 10°F.
If you’re out and about, the humidity is hanging around 76%, which makes the air feel a bit "heavy" even in the cold.
Stillwater is a weirdly vertical town. If you’re down by the historic Lift Bridge, you’re shielded a bit by the bluffs, but once you head up those famous "stairs to nowhere" toward the scenic overlook, the wind speed—currently gusting around 17 mph—really starts to bite.
Why the Numbers Don't Tell the Whole Story
People see 20 degrees on a weather app and think, "Oh, that's not so bad."
They’re wrong.
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In Stillwater, the geography changes the game. The St. Croix River acts like a giant cold-sink. When that northwest wind hits the water, even if it's frozen, it creates a microclimate that feels significantly sharper than it does in, say, Woodbury or Oakdale.
- Current Temperature: 20°F
- Wind Chill: 5°F
- Wind Direction: Northwest
- Visibility: About 8 miles
What to Actually Do in This Weather
Look, 20 degrees is basically "Minnesota Tropical." It’s cold enough to keep the ice rinks solid but warm enough that your face won't instantly shatter.
If you’re heading downtown today, the World Championship Snow Sculpting Contest prep is usually in full swing this time of year. Those artists actually prefer these temps; if it gets too warm (above 30°F), the snow loses its structural integrity and their masterpieces start to slump.
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The Survival Guide for Today
- Park strategically: Use the ramps or find a spot on Main Street to minimize your wind exposure.
- Layers, obviously: But specifically, a windbreaker layer. That 16 mph wind will cut right through a wool sweater.
- The "River Factor": If you’re walking the Lift Bridge path into Wisconsin, expect the temp to feel 5-10 degrees colder the moment you step over the water.
Historical Context: Is 20°F Normal?
Historically, Stillwater in mid-January is usually colder. The average low for late January is around 8°F or 9°F, so staying in the double digits today is actually a bit of a win. We’ve seen records in Minnesota drop to -60°F in the past, so 20°F is practically a gift.
That said, the humidity is a bit higher than the historical 75% average for January, which is why the air feels damp.
Moving Forward
The forecast for the rest of the day suggests the snow showers will linger, with less than an inch of accumulation expected. It's not a blizzard, just enough to make the brick storefronts look like a Christmas card.
Actionable Insights for your Stillwater Visit:
If you're heading out, check the wind gust data specifically for the Lake Elmo Airport (K21D) station, as it’s the most accurate for this immediate area. Pack a pair of thermal socks if you plan on standing around watching the snow carvers—the heat loss through the pavement is real. Lastly, if the 5°F wind chill gets to be too much, duck into a spot like Leo’s Grill or one of the shops on Main; the thermal mass of those old buildings keeps them remarkably cozy even when the Minnesota winter is doing its worst.