Albert Lea is a charming city located in Freeborn County, Minnesota, United States. Situated in the southern part of the state, Albert Lea is approximately 90 miles south of Minneapolis, the state capital. With a population of around 18,000 residents, Albert Lea offers a perfect blend of small-town charm and modern amenities. Covering an area of approximately 13 square miles, the city is known for its beautiful lakes, parks, and historic downtown district.
Albert Lea’s location in southern Minnesota places it within the Midwestern region of the United States. The city is bordered by several lakes, including Fountain Lake and Albert Lea Lake, which provide scenic beauty and recreational opportunities for residents. While Albert Lea is primarily residential, it is home to several major companies in industries such as healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture.
Despite its modest size, Albert Lea boasts a rich history and several landmarks that reflect its heritage. The city’s historic downtown district features well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries, including the Freeborn County Courthouse and the Albert Lea City Hall. Major landmarks in the area include Myre-Big Island State Park, a popular destination for hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing.
With its friendly atmosphere, natural beauty, and diverse amenities, Albert Lea offers residents a high quality of life in the heart of southern Minnesota.
Climate and Weather Overview
Albert Lea experiences a humid continental climate, typical of the Midwestern region of the United States. The city enjoys four distinct seasons, with cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. Situated inland, Albert Lea’s climate is influenced by its distance from major bodies of water, resulting in temperature extremes and occasional severe weather events.
Average Monthly Climate Data
Below is a table detailing the average temperature, precipitation, and sunny days for each month in Albert Lea:
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Precipitation (inches) | Sunny Days |
| January | 19 | 0.86 | 10 |
| February | 24 | 0.79 | 11 |
| March | 35 | 2.12 | 14 |
| April | 49 | 3.13 | 15 |
| May | 61 | 3.95 | 16 |
| June | 71 | 4.41 | 15 |
| July | 75 | 4.48 | 15 |
| August | 73 | 4.26 | 14 |
| September | 65 | 3.44 | 13 |
| October | 52 | 2.51 | 12 |
| November | 37 | 2.00 | 10 |
| December | 23 | 1.05 | 9 |
Weather by Month
January
January is the coldest month in Albert Lea, with average temperatures around 19°F. Snowfall is common during this time, with the city receiving an average of 0.86 inches of precipitation. Residents can expect cold, snowy conditions, with occasional winter storms bringing significant accumulations of snow. Outdoor activities may be limited due to the colder weather, but residents can still enjoy winter sports such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing.
Recommended Activities: Skiing or snowboarding at nearby resorts, snowshoeing on local trails, ice fishing on frozen lakes.
February
February brings continued cold temperatures to Albert Lea, with average highs reaching around 24°F. Snowfall may continue, although accumulations tend to be lighter compared to January. Residents can still enjoy outdoor activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding, with opportunities for winter sports abound. Indoor attractions such as museums, art galleries, and theaters provide alternatives for residents seeking entertainment.
Recommended Activities: Cross-country skiing or snowshoeing in local parks, sledding at nearby hills, visiting indoor attractions.
March
March marks the transition to spring in Albert Lea, with temperatures gradually warming up as the days grow longer. While snowfall is still possible early in the month, it becomes less frequent as the weather begins to thaw. Residents can expect milder weather and the gradual emergence of spring blooms. Outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and birdwatching become more popular as the landscape comes alive with new growth.
Recommended Activities: Hiking or biking on scenic trails, birdwatching in local parks, photography outings to capture spring blooms.
April
April brings milder temperatures and the first signs of spring to Albert Lea, with average highs reaching into the upper 40s°F. While snowfall may still occur early in the month, it becomes less common as temperatures continue to warm up. Residents can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing as the landscape comes alive with blooming flowers and budding trees.
Recommended Activities: Hiking or biking on scenic trails, fishing in local lakes and rivers, picnicking in parks and nature reserves.
May
May brings warmer temperatures and longer days to Albert Lea, with average highs reaching into the low 60s°F. Spring is in full swing, and residents can enjoy a wide range of outdoor activities such as camping, gardening, and wildlife viewing. The city’s parks and nature reserves offer scenic spots for picnicking and relaxation, with opportunities for birdwatching and photography abound.
Recommended Activities: Camping in local campgrounds, gardening and landscaping projects, wildlife viewing in nature reserves.
June
June marks the beginning of summer in Albert Lea, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine making it the perfect time for outdoor adventures. Residents can enjoy activities such as hiking, biking, and picnicking in the city’s parks and nature reserves. June also marks the start of the camping season, with families and outdoor enthusiasts flocking to nearby campgrounds to enjoy the great outdoors.
Recommended Activities: Hiking or biking on scenic trails, picnicking in parks and nature reserves, camping in local campgrounds.
July
July is the warmest month in Albert Lea, with average highs reaching into the mid-70s°F. Residents seek relief from the heat by spending time at local lakes and rivers, enjoying activities such as swimming, boating, and fishing. The city’s parks and beaches offer scenic spots for picnicking and sunbathing, while nearby trails provide opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing.
Recommended Activities: Swimming or boating at local lakes, picnicking in parks and nature reserves, hiking on scenic trails.
August
August brings continued warm temperatures to Albert Lea, with average highs remaining in the low 70s°F. Residents continue to enjoy outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, and hiking, with opportunities for recreation abound. August also marks the peak of the summer tourist season, with visitors flocking to the area to enjoy the natural beauty of southern Minnesota.
Recommended Activities: Swimming or boating at local lakes, hiking on scenic trails, attending outdoor festivals and events.
September
September marks the transition to fall in Albert Lea, with temperatures starting to cool down as summer comes to an end. While still warm, the weather becomes more comfortable for outdoor activities such as hiking, camping, and nature walks. Residents can enjoy the changing colors of the season as trees begin to shed their leaves, creating a scenic backdrop for outdoor adventures.
Recommended Activities: Hiking or camping in local parks and forests, leaf-peeping drives along scenic routes, attending fall festivals and events.
October
October brings cooler temperatures and the vibrant colors of fall foliage to Albert Lea, making it a beautiful time to explore the outdoors. Residents and visitors can enjoy leaf-peeping drives, hikes through wooded trails, and visits to local pumpkin patches and orchards. The city’s parks and nature reserves offer scenic spots for picnicking and wildlife viewing, with opportunities for outdoor recreation abound.
Recommended Activities: Leaf-peeping drives along scenic routes, hiking in nearby parks and forests, visiting pumpkin patches and orchards.
November
November brings cooler temperatures and the first signs of winter to Albert Lea, with residents preparing for the holiday season ahead. Outdoor activities such as hiking and biking may still be enjoyed, but residents should be prepared for cooler temperatures and occasional rainfall. Indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, and theaters offer entertainment options for those seeking refuge from the colder weather.
Recommended Activities: Visiting indoor attractions, attending cultural events and performances, exploring local shops and boutiques.
December
December brings cold temperatures and the holiday spirit to Albert Lea, with residents and visitors embracing the festive season. Outdoor activities may be limited due to the colder weather, but residents can still enjoy activities such as ice skating, sledding, and holiday light displays. Indoor attractions such as holiday markets, craft fairs, and seasonal concerts offer opportunities for shopping and entertainment.
Recommended Activities: Ice skating at local rinks, sledding at nearby parks, attending holiday events and festivals.