Wisconsin Weather by Month
Wisconsin is located in the north-central United States, bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, and Michigan to the north. It became the 30th state on May 29, 1848. Known for its dairy production, Wisconsin is often referred to as “America’s Dairyland.” Major cities include Milwaukee (the largest city), Madison (the capital), Green Bay, Kenosha, and Racine. Significant landmarks include the Wisconsin State Capitol in Madison, the Harley-Davidson Museum in Milwaukee, the scenic Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, and the Wisconsin Dells, known for its natural water parks and rock formations. Wisconsin’s economy is diverse, with key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture, and healthcare.
Weather Overview:
Wisconsin experiences a humid continental climate, characterized by cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers. The state has four distinct seasons with significant temperature variations.
| Month | Average Temperature (°F) | Average Precipitation (inches) |
|---|---|---|
| January | 18.1 | 1.42 |
| February | 22.7 | 1.18 |
| March | 33.6 | 1.98 |
| April | 46.1 | 3.11 |
| May | 57.8 | 3.36 |
| June | 67.6 | 4.02 |
| July | 72.6 | 3.68 |
| August | 70.5 | 4.15 |
| September | 62.5 | 3.62 |
| October | 50.4 | 2.43 |
| November | 37.0 | 2.31 |
| December | 23.0 | 1.55 |
January
January in Wisconsin brings the heart of winter, with cold temperatures and snowy landscapes dominating the state. Average temperatures range from the single digits to the low 20s°F (-13 to -6°C) across the state, with colder temperatures in the northern regions and along the Lake Superior shoreline. Snowfall is common throughout January, especially in the northern and central parts of the state, making it an ideal time for winter sports enthusiasts to visit. Wisconsin’s ski resorts, such as Granite Peak and Cascade Mountain, offer excellent skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing opportunities for visitors of all skill levels. Additionally, January is a great time for ice fishing on Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers, with many communities hosting ice fishing tournaments and events. Urban areas like Milwaukee and Madison offer indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, and theaters, providing entertainment options for travelers seeking refuge from the cold. Overall, January is a quieter time for tourism in Wisconsin, making it ideal for travelers who enjoy winter activities and prefer fewer crowds.
February
February continues the cold temperatures and snowy conditions of winter in Wisconsin, although signs of spring begin to emerge towards the end of the month. Average temperatures range from the single digits to the mid-20s°F (-13 to -4°C) across the state, with slightly milder conditions in the southern regions. Snowfall remains common, especially in the northern and central parts of the state, making February an ideal time for winter sports enthusiasts to visit. Wisconsin’s ski resorts continue to offer excellent skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing opportunities, while ice fishing remains popular on the state’s lakes and rivers. February is also a great time for snowmobiling on Wisconsin’s extensive network of trails, with many communities hosting snowmobile races and events. Urban areas like Milwaukee and Madison offer indoor attractions such as museums, galleries, and restaurants, providing entertainment options for travelers seeking refuge from the cold. Overall, February offers a variety of outdoor activities and cultural experiences for visitors to enjoy, making it an ideal time to visit Wisconsin.
March
March marks the transition from winter to spring in Wisconsin, with fluctuating temperatures and the potential for both cold snaps and mild days. Average temperatures range from the mid-20s to the mid-40s°F (-4 to 7°C) across the state, with slightly milder conditions in the southern regions. Snowfall begins to decrease compared to the previous months, although winter sports enthusiasts can still enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing at resorts like Granite Peak and Cascade Mountain. March is also a great time for ice fishing on Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers, with many communities hosting ice fishing tournaments and events. As temperatures warm, outdoor enthusiasts can begin to enjoy activities like hiking, biking, and wildlife viewing in Wisconsin’s parks and natural areas. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail and Kettle Moraine State Forest offer scenic trails and outdoor recreation opportunities for visitors to explore. Additionally, March is a popular time for attending maple syrup festivals, where travelers can learn about the tradition of maple sugaring and sample fresh maple syrup and maple products.
April
April brings warmer temperatures and blooming landscapes to Wisconsin, marking the beginning of spring in earnest. Average temperatures range from the mid-30s to the mid-50s°F (about 2 to 13°C) across the state, with milder conditions in the southern regions. Snowfall becomes less common, especially in the southern and central parts of the state, although some areas may still experience occasional snow showers. April is an ideal time for outdoor activities and exploration in Wisconsin’s parks and natural areas. The Ice Age National Scenic Trail and Kettle Moraine State Forest offer scenic hiking and biking trails, while Door County’s parks provide opportunities for birdwatching, wildflower viewing, and scenic drives along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Additionally, April is a popular time for attending spring festivals and events, including Earth Day celebrations, garden tours, and birding festivals, where travelers can experience Wisconsin’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.
May
May is a delightful time to visit Wisconsin, with warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and longer daylight hours creating ideal conditions for outdoor adventures and sightseeing. Average temperatures range from the mid-40s to the mid-60s°F (about 7 to 18°C) across the state, with milder conditions in the southern regions. Spring foliage is in full bloom, creating a tapestry of vibrant colors across the state, while wildlife becomes more active, providing opportunities for birdwatching and photography. May is an excellent time for hiking, biking, and exploring Wisconsin’s parks and natural areas. Door County’s parks offer scenic trails and vistas, while Devil’s Lake State Park and the Chequamegon-Nicolet National Forest provide opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Additionally, May is a popular time for attending outdoor festivals and events, including food fairs, craft shows, and Memorial Day celebrations, where travelers can experience Wisconsin’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit.
June
June brings the onset of summer in Wisconsin, with warm temperatures, sunny skies, and longer daylight hours providing ideal conditions for outdoor activities and exploration. Average temperatures range from the mid-50s to the mid-70s°F (about 13 to 24°C) across the state, with slightly warmer conditions in the southern regions. June is an excellent time for hiking, camping, and water sports in Wisconsin’s parks and natural areas. Devil’s Lake State Park and Peninsula State Park offer scenic trails and camping areas for outdoor enthusiasts, while the Wisconsin Dells provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and water skiing on the Wisconsin River. June is also a popular time for attending outdoor concerts, festivals, and events, including music festivals, food fairs, and county fairs, where travelers can experience Wisconsin’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Overall, June offers the perfect combination of warm weather, outdoor activities, and cultural events, making it an ideal time to visit the Badger State.
July
July is the peak of summer in Wisconsin, with hot temperatures and sunny skies prevailing across the state. Average temperatures range from the mid-60s to the mid-80s°F (about 18 to 29°C) across the state, with slightly cooler conditions in the northern regions. July is an ideal time for outdoor recreation and exploration in Wisconsin’s parks and natural areas. Door County’s parks offer scenic trails and beaches for hiking, swimming, and picnicking, while the Apostle Islands provide opportunities for kayaking, sailing, and exploring scenic sea caves. July is also a popular time for camping, fishing, and boating on Wisconsin’s lakes and rivers, with many state parks and campgrounds offering facilities and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts. Additionally, July is a popular time for attending outdoor festivals and events, including Fourth of July celebrations, music festivals, and county fairs, where travelers can experience Wisconsin’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Overall, July offers the perfect combination of warm weather, outdoor activities, and cultural events, making it an ideal time to visit the Badger State.
August
August continues the hot and sunny conditions of summer in Wisconsin, making it one of the best times to visit the state for outdoor activities and exploration. Average temperatures range from the mid-60s to the mid-80s°F (about 18 to 29°C) across the state, with slightly cooler conditions in the northern regions. August is an ideal time for hiking, camping, and water sports in Wisconsin’s parks and natural areas. Devil’s Lake State Park and the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest offer scenic trails and camping areas for outdoor enthusiasts, while the Wisconsin Dells provide opportunities for boating, fishing, and water skiing on the Wisconsin River. August is also a popular time for attending outdoor concerts, festivals, and events, including music festivals, food fairs, and county fairs, where travelers can experience Wisconsin’s rich cultural heritage and community spirit. Overall, August offers the perfect combination of warm weather, outdoor activities, and cultural events, making it an ideal time to visit the Badger State.
September
September marks the transition from summer to fall in Wisconsin, with gradually cooling temperatures and the arrival of fall foliage in some areas. Average temperatures range from the mid-50s to the mid-70s°F (about 13 to 24°C) across the state, with slightly cooler conditions in the northern regions. September is an excellent time for hiking, camping, and leaf-peeping in Wisconsin’s parks and natural areas. Door County’s parks offer scenic trails and vistas for hiking, while the Northern Highland-American Legion State Forest and Kettle Moraine State Forest provide opportunities for camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing. Additionally, September is a popular time for attending fall festivals and events, including apple festivals, harvest festivals, and county fairs, where travelers can experience Wisconsin’s rich agricultural heritage and community spirit. Overall, September offers the perfect combination of mild weather, fall foliage, and outdoor activities, making it an ideal time to visit the Badger State.
October
October is synonymous with fall foliage in Wisconsin, as the leaves change colors and the landscape transforms into a breathtaking tapestry of reds, oranges, and yellows. Average temperatures range from the mid-40s to the mid-60s°F (about 7 to 18°C) across the state, with slightly cooler conditions in the northern regions. Cool, crisp days and clear skies make October perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, scenic drives, and photography. The Door County peninsula offers some of the best opportunities for leaf-peeping, with scenic overlooks and hiking trails providing breathtaking views of the fall foliage. October is also a popular time for visiting Wisconsin’s pumpkin patches, corn mazes, and apple orchards, where travelers can enjoy seasonal activities and taste the flavors of autumn. Overall, October offers the perfect combination of mild weather, fall foliage, and outdoor activities, making it an ideal time to visit the Badger State.
November
November marks the transition to winter in Wisconsin, with cooling temperatures and occasional frost towards the end of the month. Average temperatures range from the mid-30s to the mid-50s°F (about 2 to 13°C) across the state, with slightly cooler conditions in the northern regions. While early November may still feel like fall, with lingering foliage and mild weather, colder conditions become more prevalent as the month progresses. November is a time of transition, with outdoor activities giving way to indoor pursuits such as holiday shopping and cultural events. Travelers visiting Wisconsin in November can experience the changing seasons, from the last traces of fall to the first hints of winter, making it an ideal time for cozy getaways and exploring indoor attractions.
December
December brings winter weather to Wisconsin, with cold temperatures and the potential for occasional snowfall across the state. Average temperatures range from the low 20s to the mid-30s°F (-6 to 1°C) across the state, with colder conditions in the northern regions. While snow is relatively rare in some parts of the state, it can occur, especially in the northern and central regions. December also brings festive holiday celebrations and events, offering opportunities to experience the magic of the season. Outdoor activities such as skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding are popular, providing entertainment for visitors of all ages. December can be a cozy and enchanting time to visit Wisconsin, with the promise of winter festivities and seasonal cheer.
