Located in northwestern Minnesota, Alvarado is a charming small town with a rich agricultural heritage and a tight-knit community. Located in Marshall County, Alvarado is approximately 20 miles south of the Canadian border and 40 miles east of the city of Grand Forks, North Dakota. The town is surrounded by fertile farmland and bordered by the Snake River, offering picturesque views and recreational opportunities. With a population of around 350 residents, Alvarado maintains a peaceful and idyllic atmosphere, making it an ideal place to live for those seeking a quiet rural lifestyle. While Alvarado may be small in size, it boasts a strong sense of community pride and hosts various events and activities throughout the year. From its annual summer festival to its vibrant local businesses, Alvarado welcomes visitors with open arms and invites them to experience the warmth and hospitality of small-town life in Minnesota.

Climate and Weather Overview

Alvarado, Minnesota, experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by four distinct seasons with significant temperature variations throughout the year. Winters are cold and snowy, while summers are warm and humid. Spring and fall bring transitional weather with milder temperatures and changing foliage colors. The town’s proximity to the Canadian border and its location within the Great Plains region contribute to its climate patterns. Alvarado’s weather is heavily influenced by its northern latitude, resulting in shorter days during the winter months and longer days during the summer. Despite its inland location, Alvarado is also susceptible to occasional severe weather events such as thunderstorms, tornadoes, and blizzards. Residents and visitors alike must be prepared for these weather fluctuations and take appropriate precautions when necessary.

Average Temperature, Precipitation, and Sunny Days by Month

Below is a table detailing the average temperature, precipitation, and sunny days for each month in Alvarado, Minnesota:

Month	Average Temperature (°F)	Precipitation (inches)	Sunny Days
January	10	0.6	15
February	17	0.6	16
March	28	1.1	17
April	45	1.5	19
May	63	2.4	21
June	73	3.0	22
July	78	3.2	23
August	76	2.8	22
September	65	2.0	20
October	51	1.5	17
November	33	1.0	14
December	17	0.7	14

Weather by Month

January

January in Alvarado is typically the coldest month of the year, with average temperatures hovering around 10 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation is minimal, with an average of 0.6 inches, often falling as light snow. Residents can expect snowy landscapes and icy conditions during this time, making outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing popular choices. Indoor activities like cozying up by the fireplace with a book or participating in community events and gatherings provide warmth and entertainment during the chilly winter days.

February

February continues the cold weather pattern in Alvarado, with average temperatures rising slightly to 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation remains minimal at 0.6 inches, primarily in the form of snow. Despite the cold temperatures, residents may enjoy outdoor activities such as snowmobiling, ice skating, or winter hikes in nearby parks. Indoor activities such as visiting local museums, attending art classes, or baking homemade treats offer enjoyable alternatives for staying active and engaged during the winter season.

March

March brings the transition to spring in Alvarado, with average temperatures rising to 28 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation increases slightly to 1.1 inches, often in the form of snow or rain showers. As the snow begins to melt and the days grow longer, residents may engage in outdoor activities such as maple syrup tapping, birdwatching, or early spring gardening. Indoor activities such as attending spring craft fairs, joining fitness classes, or cooking seasonal recipes with fresh produce offer enjoyable ways to embrace the changing season.

April

April heralds the arrival of spring in Alvarado, with average temperatures rising to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation increases to 1.5 inches, often in the form of rain showers. As the snow melts away and the landscape begins to green, residents may participate in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or nature walks in local parks. April also marks the start of the planting season, with residents preparing their gardens and flower beds for the warmer months ahead. Indoor activities such as attending gardening workshops, joining community clean-up efforts, or exploring local history museums offer enjoyable alternatives for residents during the early spring season.

May

May brings milder temperatures and longer daylight hours to Alvarado, with average temperatures reaching 63 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation increases to 2.4 inches, with occasional showers helping to nourish the newly emerging foliage. May offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as fishing, boating, or picnicking in nearby lakes and rivers. Residents may also enjoy visiting local farmers’ markets, attending outdoor concerts, or participating in community festivals to celebrate the arrival of spring. Indoor activities such as attending art classes, trying new recipes with fresh spring produce, or exploring local craft shops offer enjoyable alternatives when seeking entertainment and relaxation during the late spring season.

June

June marks the beginning of summer in Alvarado, with warm temperatures and increased outdoor recreation opportunities. Average temperatures rise to 73 degrees Fahrenheit, and precipitation increases to 3.0 inches, often in the form of thunderstorms. June offers long sunny days and mild evenings, perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, or kayaking on nearby waterways. Residents may also enjoy attending outdoor barbecues, music festivals, or community picnics to celebrate the start of summer. Indoor activities such as visiting art galleries, attending cooking classes, or exploring local history museums offer enjoyable alternatives when seeking entertainment and relaxation during the summer season.

July

July brings the peak of summer in Alvarado, with warm temperatures and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Average temperatures rise to 78 degrees Fahrenheit, and precipitation increases to 3.2 inches, providing much-needed relief from the summer heat. Despite the occasional storms, July offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as swimming, boating, or hiking in nearby state parks. Residents may also enjoy attending Fourth of July celebrations, county fairs, or outdoor movie nights under the stars. Indoor activities such as visiting air-conditioned museums, attending indoor sports games, or trying new recipes with seasonal produce offer enjoyable alternatives when seeking entertainment and relaxation during the height of summer.

August

August continues the warm weather pattern in Alvarado, with average temperatures remaining around 76 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation remains steady at 2.8 inches, with occasional thunderstorms providing temporary relief from the summer heat. August offers long sunny days and warm evenings, perfect for outdoor activities such as camping, fishing, or attending outdoor concerts. Residents may also enjoy visiting local orchards, berry farms, or vineyards to pick fresh produce or sample local wines. Indoor activities such as attending art classes, trying new restaurants, or attending theater performances offer enjoyable alternatives when seeking entertainment and relaxation during the late summer season.

September

September brings the transition to fall in Alvarado, with gradually cooling temperatures and changing foliage colors. Average temperatures drop to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and precipitation decreases to 2.0 inches, often in the form of light rain showers. September offers ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking, apple picking, or attending fall festivals. Residents may also enjoy taking scenic drives to admire the changing foliage colors or participating in outdoor yoga classes to embrace the autumn season. Indoor activities such as visiting art studios, attending wine tastings, or trying seasonal dishes at local restaurants offer enjoyable alternatives when seeking entertainment and relaxation during the early fall season.

October

October heralds the arrival of fall foliage in Alvarado, with cooler temperatures and vibrant autumn colors. Average temperatures drop to 51 degrees Fahrenheit, and precipitation decreases to 1.5 inches, often in the form of light rain showers or drizzle. October offers perfect weather for outdoor activities such as leaf-peeping, hiking, or visiting pumpkin patches. Residents may also enjoy attending fall festivals, hayrides, or haunted attractions to celebrate the Halloween season. Indoor activities such as visiting cider mills, attending craft workshops, or trying seasonal beers at local breweries offer enjoyable alternatives when seeking entertainment and relaxation during the fall season.

November

November brings cooler temperatures and the possibility of occasional snowfall to Alvarado, with average temperatures dropping to 33 degrees Fahrenheit. Precipitation remains minimal at 1.0 inch, often in the form of light snow showers. November offers a mix of outdoor and indoor activities for residents to enjoy, including hiking in scenic state parks, attending holiday craft fairs, or taking scenic drives to admire the fall scenery. Residents may also enjoy attending cultural events, visiting historical sites, or participating in community service projects to celebrate the Thanksgiving season. Indoor activities such as visiting art galleries, attending cooking classes, or attending live theater performances offer enjoyable alternatives when seeking entertainment and relaxation during the late fall season.

December

December ushers in the holiday season in Alvarado, with cool temperatures and occasional snowfall. The average temperature drops to 17 degrees Fahrenheit, and precipitation averages 0.7 inches for the month, primarily falling as snow or sleet. December offers a festive atmosphere with holiday lights, decorations, and community events throughout the town. Residents and visitors may enjoy outdoor activities such as holiday markets, ice skating, or attending tree-lighting ceremonies. Indoor activities such as holiday shopping, attending craft workshops, or cozying up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa offer enjoyable alternatives when seeking entertainment and relaxation during the holiday season.