Flying in Rochester, MN
There are 12 airfields within 93 miles of Rochester — the nearest is Rochester International Airport (KRST), about 8 miles out. Daylight runs from about 15h 18m of daylight at midsummer down to about 8h 42m at midwinter, so your VFR window shifts a lot through the year. Below: the airfields nearby, the seasonal daylight and weather, and where to find the official charts.
Airfields near Rochester
Public and private airfields within 93 miles, nearest first.
Rochester International Airport
Dodge Center Airport
Fillmore County Airport
Austin Municipal Airport
Winona Municipal Airport Max Conrad Field
Red Wing Regional Airport
Owatonna Degner Regional Airport
Stanton Airfield
Faribault Municipal Airport-Liz Wall Strohfus Field
Albert Lea Municipal Airport
Waseca Municipal Airport
Airlake Airport
Daylight & the VFR window
Most VFR flying happens between sunrise and sunset, so daylight length is your practical flying window. Times below are local solar time (clock times shift with your time zone and DST). Plan night currency and reserves around the short end of the year.
| Time of year | Sunrise–sunset | Daylight |
|---|---|---|
| June solstice (Jun 21) | 04:21–19:39 | 15h 18m |
| Equinox (Mar 20) | 06:04–17:56 | 11h 53m |
| December solstice (Dec 21) | 07:39–16:21 | 8h 42m |
Typical weather
Seasonal averages from 2021–2023. A guide to what to pack and plan for — always check current METARs, TAFs, and NOTAMs before you fly.
| Season | Avg high | Avg low | Avg wind | Wet days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring | 12.9°C / 55°F | 2.7°C / 37°F | 22 km/h | 34% |
| Summer | 27.1°C / 81°F | 17.1°C / 63°F | 18 km/h | 32% |
| Autumn | 15°C / 59°F | 6.2°C / 43°F | 20 km/h | 23% |
| Winter | -2.4°C / 28°F | -11.3°C / 12°F | 20 km/h | 26% |
Airspace & charts
For the exact airspace classes, frequencies, restricted areas, and airfield plates around Rochester, go straight to the official sources — never plan a route off this page alone.
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