Best time to visit — month-by-month guide
The best time to visit Radisson Blu Mall of America depends on your priorities: mid‑June through early September is peak season for warm-weather outdoor activities, while late November–December is best for holiday shopping at Mall of America. For winter sports or a quieter stay with indoor attractions, plan January–February or shoulder seasons (spring/fall) for fewer crowds and easier access to the mall, aquarium, and onsite amenities.
In this guide
At a glance by season
Summer (mid‑June–early September) is the warmest period and the local high season for outdoor outings and lakes. Expect the most visitors then.
Late November–December is busiest for Mall of America holiday events and shopping. January–February is the coldest and best for winter activities nearby.
Spring and fall are shoulder seasons with cooler weather, fewer crowds, and easier availability for rooms and meeting space.
- Peak outdoor season: mid‑June to early September
- Holiday shopping: late November–December
- Winter activity months: January–February
- Shoulder seasons: March–May and September–October
| Season | Typical draw |
|---|---|
| Summer | Warm weather, outdoor activities, higher occupancy |
| Fall | Cooler weather, autumn foliage, fewer crowds |
| Winter | Holiday events at the mall; winter sports nearby |
January–February — winter activities and low crowds
January and February are the coldest months in Bloomington; they suit travelers who want winter recreation or lower hotel occupancy. Mall of America and indoor attractions remain open year‑round via the skyway.
The hotel’s indoor saline pool and Laughing Waters Spa provide warm, indoor options; confirm current pool status before booking because scheduled maintenance closures have occurred in past years.
- Pool: indoor saline pool (reported hours 7:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.; adults‑only 5:00–7:00 a.m. — confirm current schedule)
- Spa: Laughing Waters Spa open Mon–Sat 10 a.m.–9 p.m., Sun 11 a.m.–7 p.m. (reservations required for massage services)
- Good for: winter activities and lower rates/crowds
| Onsite facility | Noted hours / notes |
|---|---|
| Pool | Reported 7am–10pm; adults‑only 5–7am (verify current status) |
| Laughing Waters Spa | Mon–Sat 10am–9pm; Sun 11am–7pm (reservations required) |
| Fitness center | 24‑hour Life Fitness equipment |
March–May — spring shoulder season
Spring brings milder temperatures and fewer visitors than summer, making it a practical time to visit for lower crowd levels at Mall of America and local parks. Early spring can still be chilly and occasionally snowy.
If you prefer quieter shopping or want to combine indoor attractions with short outdoor excursions, this shoulder season balances weather and hotel availability well.
- Expect variable weather; bring layers for chilly mornings
- Good choice for families wanting access to indoor attractions without peak crowds
- Spa and fitness facilities operate year‑round; check pool availability
| Why go in spring | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Lower crowds | Easier mall and attraction access |
| Cool mornings | Layered clothing recommended |
| More hotel availability | Better chances for preferred rooms like Executive Room or Studio Suite |
June–August — summer: outdoor activities and peak season
Mid‑June through early September is the warmest period and the primary season for outdoor activities around Bloomington (lakes, parks, Minnehaha Falls). Expect higher hotel occupancy and busier Mall of America foot traffic.
Summer is a good choice if you want to combine Mall of America visits with swimming at nearby Lake Nokomis, Minnehaha Falls outings, or day trips into Minneapolis via the METRO Blue Line.
- July is typically the hottest month (average high around 83°F / 28°C)
- Mall of America indoor climate is comfortable year‑round, so mall visits don’t depend on weather
- Book popular room types early if you need suites (Suite, with Sofa bed; Suite, 1 Bedroom) or high‑floor rooms (Executive Room (High Floor)).
| Planning tip | Action |
|---|---|
| Traveling with family | Book early; check pool hours and family‑friendly programming at the hotel |
| Want quieter mall visits | Aim for weekdays rather than weekends |
| Need airport transfers | Hotel offers a complimentary shuttle to/from MSP (schedule by request) |
September–October — fall foliage and fewer crowds
Fall is a pleasant shoulder season: cooler weather, fall colors, and thinner crowds make it a good time for scenic drives and park visits while still having full access to indoor attractions via the skyway.
This period works well for business travelers and event planners who need meeting space — the hotel has more than 26,300 sq ft of flexible meeting and ballroom space — and for guests wanting lower rates than peak summer.
- Autumn foliage in local parks provides good photo opportunities
- Fewer tourists at Mall of America compared with summer and holiday season
- Ideal for booking meetings in spaces like The Lakes Ballroom or Minnetonka Ballroom
| Event space | Notes |
|---|---|
| The Lakes Ballroom | Approximately 8,500 sq ft; large receptions and conferences |
| Minnetonka Ballroom | About 4,158 sq ft; flexible configurations |
| Smaller meeting rooms | Multiple rooms available (Cedar, Nokomis, Harriet, etc.) |
November–December — holiday shopping and festive events
Late November and December are the best time to visit if your primary goal is holiday shopping and seasonal events at Mall of America. The skyway connection makes it easy to move between the hotel and mall without going outdoors.
Expect heavier crowds and higher demand for rooms during major holiday weekends; if you plan to dine at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar, reservations are recommended.
- Mall of America decor and events increase in late November–December
- FireLake Grill House & Cocktail Bar serves breakfast, lunch and dinner; reservations are accepted
- Parking validation is offered for FireLake diners — useful during holiday parking surges
| Holiday planning | Tip |
|---|---|
| Busy mall days | Arrive early or visit on weekdays for shorter lines |
| Dining | Reserve FireLake in advance; private dining available for groups |
| Rooms | Book early for preferred room types and Business Class access |
