The climate of Albert Lea
Albert Lea,
Minnesota, USA, is categorized as a humid continental climate following the Köppen climate classification. It is within the Dfa climatic zone, indicating no dry season, but hot summers. This mid-latitude climate experiences high variability in temperature and precipitation throughout the year.
Specifically, the annual temperature fluctuates drastically between the average high of 79.2°F (26.2°C) in
July and the average low of 8.2°F (-13.2°C) in
January. The humidity shows slight variation from 72% in
April to 91% in January. Monthly rainfall is also diverse, with a noticeable increase in precipitation from 0.91" (23mm) in January to a peak of 4.37" (111mm) in
June. The number of days with rainfall fluctuates as well, with January seeing the least at about 3 days and June the most at close to 19 days.
A notable aspect of Albert Lea's climate is the snowfall. Albert Lea witnesses snow from
November to April with January being the peak month, registering about 5.91" (150mm) of snow. This is accompanied by an average of 13.2 snowfall days in January. The sun shines for a maximum of 9.8 hours in July and a minimum of 3.2 hours in January. Visibility remains a constant six miles for most of the year, except for January and
December where it drops to five miles.
The best time to visit Albert Lea
Considering the climatic conditions, the best time to visit
Albert Lea is between
May and
September. During these months, the average high temperatures range from 66.7°F (19.3°C) to 79.2°F (26.2°C), providing a comfortable and warm climate for outdoor activities. The average amount of rainfall is relatively high, reaching 4.37" (111mm) in
June, the wettest month, yet the humidity remains bearable staying below 73% until
April.
The worst time to visit Albert Lea
Conversely, the most challenging period to visit
Albert Lea would be from
November to
March. This interval sees the lowest temperatures, dipping down to an average low of 8.2°F (-13.2°C) in
January. It also experiences the highest snowfall, with January registering up to 5.91" (150mm). High humidity levels, peaking at 91% in January, and lower visibility of five miles, could make travel difficult.
Spring weather in Albert Lea
Spring in
Albert Lea, which spans from
March to
May, begins with a chilly weather characterized by temperatures rising gradually from an average low of 26.4°F (-3.1°C) in March to an average high of 66.7°F (19.3°C) in May.
April and May experience rainfall of 2.6" (66mm) and 3.5" (89mm), respectively. Sunshine hours go up from 5.6 hours in March to 8.5 hours in May, adding cheerfulness to the increasing vegetation.
Summer weather in Albert Lea
Summer, ranging from
June through
August, is the hottest and wettest season with an average high of 79.2°F (26.2°C) in
July and average rainfall amount of 4.37" (111mm) in June. However, cumulative sunshine hours peak during summer with up to 9.8 hours per day in July.
Autumn weather in Albert Lea
Autumn, from
September to
November, witnesses a gradual decrease in temperatures from an average high of 71.2°F (21.8°C) in September to 41°F (5°C) in November. Rainfall also consistently decreases during this period, falling from 2.28" (58mm) in September to 1.1" (28mm) in November.
Winter weather in Albert Lea
The winter months, from
December to
February, are characterized by frigid temperatures and snowfall. The average low dips down to 8.2°F (-13.2°C) in
January with 5.91" (150mm) of snowfall. The sunshine hours also reduce significantly, reaching as low as 3.2 hours per day in January. In addition to these harsh conditions,
Albert Lea also experiences the highest relative humidity of 91% during this season.
Weather in January
With temperatures ranging from a brisk 8.2°F (-13.2°C) to a high of 21.6°F (-5.8°C),
January in
Albert Lea,
Minnesota showcases a true winter climate. A thick, winter coat will be a requirement during this month as the city typically sees 5.04in of snow.
Weather in January »Weather in February
In
February,
Albert Lea experiences a slight increase in temperature, though still indicative of the winter season. The city's snowfall slightly thickens to 5.91in, making it ideal for winter recreational activities. The short yet increasing daylight hours, now averaging 10.5 per day, hint at the advancement of the year.
Weather in February »Weather in March
March marks a significant shift in
Albert Lea's weather pattern, with noticeable changes in temperature and precipitation. Moderating from
February, temperatures sit within a much wider band, now from 26.4°F (-3.1°C) to 40.1°F (4.5°C), signaling the approaching end of winter.
Weather in March »
Weather in April
Welcoming
April is the undeniable arrival spring, bringing a significant surge in temperature in
Albert Lea. An appreciable rise in precipitation is seen this month, with rainfall at 2.6in, a considerable increase from previous months.
Weather in April »Weather in May
May signaling the arrival of warmer temperatures from 50.4°F (10.2°C) to 66.7°F (19.3°C), results in
Albert Lea springing to life. Any last remnants of winter snow are often gone with an average snowfall of as low as 0.59in. It's worth noting that the increase in temperature is in tandem with longer daily sunshine, now averaging at 8.5 hours, and higher UV index reaching 5.
Weather in May » Weather in June
The advent of
June announces summer in
Albert Lea, catalyzing a significant increase in the city's temperature. Now rainfall hits its yearly peak at 4.37in, providing a refreshing balance to the warm days. As the month progresses the daylight hours extend to a year-long high of 15.4 hours, perfect for picnics and outdoor festivities.
Weather in June »
Weather in July
Albert Lea in
July showcases classic summer weather patterns. July touts the warmest temperatures experienced in the year, with records stretching from 62.4°F (16.9°C) to a scorching 79.2°F (26.2°C). Correspondingly, it results in an increase in demand for shade and air conditioning.
Weather in July » Weather in August
In
August,
Albert Lea continues to bask in the golden glory of the summer months. Although there is a slight decrease in rainfall to an average of just 2.6in, this month still ranks amongst the rainier periods of the year. The city's daily sunshine duration stays high at 9.6 hours, ensuring that outdoor activities remain a popular pastime.
Weather in August »Weather in September
September brings forth a noticeable change in the weather pattern in
Albert Lea. The city sees a small decrease in temperature, oscillating between a cool 53.1°F (11.7°C) and a still-warm 71.2°F (21.8°C). Shorter days and reduced UV index gradually signal a shift away from prolonged sun exposure.
Weather in September »
Weather in October
October sees the weather in
Albert Lea fully embracing the fall season. Coupled with the comfortable temperatures, rainfall drops to 2.13in, marking it as an ideal month for outdoor explorations. As summer fades and daylight hours reduce to 11 hours, the city comes alive in fall colors.
Weather in October » Weather in November
November in
Albert Lea brings the first hint of winter as temperatures start to drop significantly, measuring from 29.3°F (-1.5°C) to 41°F (5°C). The first snow of the year is often seen in November, with an average total of 2.52in.
Weather in November » Weather in December
December brings
Albert Lea into the full swing of winter with temperatures dropping further. Marked by an average snowfall of 4.41in, the city wears a blanket of white, etching a beautiful winter postcard scenery. The length of daylight drops to a yearly low of 9 hours, casting longer shadows yet adding to the festive ambiance.
Weather in December »