Madison is known for many things, including its chilly winters and beautiful lakes. If you're moving to or visiting this charming Midwest city, you'll want to be prepared: the Madison WI climate brings dramatic shifts throughout the year. This guide to Madison Wisconsin weather year round will help you know what to expect as a new resident or visitor.
The Madison WI climate type is humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfa). Madison experiences four distinct seasons and large seasonal changes in temperature. Winters are cold, with low temperatures often dipping below freezing. Summers are warm to hot and humid. Precipitation is spread across the year.
The average temperature in Madison, WI is about 46°F. However, this takes into account the city’s four seasons, which have a big difference in high and low temperatures. The Madison WI climate is diverse: average summer highs are up to 82°F, while average winter lows drop to 10°F.
The Madison WI climate offers four distinct seasons to enjoy. Here's what to expect with average temperatures, precipitation, and popular activities by season.
Running from March to May, spring in Madison brings a refreshing change after the cold Madison winter, but the weather is still brisk. The average temperature range during spring is from 35°F to 65°F.
The average precipitation during this time is moderate, with occasional rain showers that help green up the city’s parks and gardens. Spring gets about 8" of precipitation and 30 rainy days on average. There are usually four snowy days in March, one or two in April, and virtually no snowy days by May.
As the ice melts across the city and flowers begin to bloom, the city comes alive. Lakes and parks in Madison attract residents for outdoor activities like hiking the trails at the UW Arboretum or renting paddleboards and kayaks at Lake Mendota.
Capitol Square hosts many seasonal events and festivals, like the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in March and the Dane County Farmers' Market, one of the largest in the country, which opens in April. The International Festival is a hallmark spring event in Madison, celebrating the city's diverse heritage through live performances, food, and music.
Spring essentials: Rain jacket, sturdy umbrella, waterproof footwear, and layered clothing such as a light sweater, sweatshirt or hoodie, and a mid-weight jacket.
Madison, Wisconsin, is within USDA hardiness zone 5a. The growing season typically extends from late spring to early fall.
On average, the first frost in Madison happens between August 21 and October 31, and the last frost date in Madison is May 15. The frost-free growing season in Madison lasts for around 157 days. Gardeners should be prepared for frost between October 6 and May 2. It’s usually safe to plant cold-sensitive vegetables on May 20 and annual flowers on Memorial Day or the last Monday in May.
The Madison summer months of June, July, and August bring warm weather, with the average high temperature reaching around 82°F. There are plenty of fun things to do in Madison in the summer, such as swimming, boating, and kayaking on Mendota and Monona lakes and enjoying the city's many festivals like Taste of Madison, plus free summer concerts at the Wisconsin State Capitol lawn. This is a great time to visit the 16-acre Olbrich Botanical Gardens or the free Henry Vilas Zoo.
Summer essentials: Lightweight clothing, swimwear, a light rain jacket, and sun protection.
Madison autumn months are September, October, and November. Madison, Wisconsin in the fall has a range of temperatures that fluctuates between 45°F and 65°F, gradually cooling to the low 30s by November.
As the summer fades, fall activities in Madison, WI become the highlight of the season. It's an ideal time for visiting pumpkin patches, enjoying autumnal hikes, or attending football games. Fall is football season in Madison!
Fall essentials: Warm, layered clothing such as flannel shirts, sweaters, and light jackets, a fleece or insulated jacket, scarves and hats, and water-resistant footwear.
Madison, WI winter lasts from December to February. Winter in Madison is characterized by freezing temperatures, heavy snowfall, and a variety of Madison winter activities like ice skating and skiing. The average low temperature during the season is around 15°F, and the average winter temperature in Madison, Wisconsin is just 24°F.
Madison winter conditions can be harsh, with low temperatures often accompanied by icy winds and snowfall.
Winter essentials: Thermal layers for freezing days, a heavy winter coat with a hood and a windproof and waterproof outer shell, waterproof snow boots with good traction, gloves, thick scarves, and warm hats.
Madison WI snow is usually moderate, but heavy snowfall happens occasionally. Madison averages about 50 inches of snow each year. The snowiest months are typically December and January.
Madison can experience lake effect snow, a phenomenon that happens when cold air passes over warmer water, picking up warm moisture which rises and forms snow-producing clouds.
However, when you compare Madison to cities like Chicago and Cleveland, you’ll see the lake effect is not as strong. The Great Lakes region experiences strong lake-effect snow thanks to the sheer size of the Great Lakes.
The Wisconsin State Climatology Office tracks freeze and thaw dates for Monona, Mendota, and Wingra lakes. Records date back to the mid-19th century.
The average length of ice cover is 102 days for Lake Mendota and Lake Monona. Lake Wingra is frozen for an average of 113 days. Mendota and Monona usually freeze over between mid-December and early to mid-January and thaw between the beginning of March and the start of April.
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Ready to delve into the Madison WI climate in greater detail? Here's what to expect month by month, plus popular seasonal festivals and attractions to look forward to.
January is the coldest month in Madison, with average low temperatures around 10°F and high temperatures near 25°F. Snow is frequent, contributing to the city's winter wonderland. As the snowiest month, January gets an average of 13.3" of snowfall plus 1.2" of average rainfall.
What to do: Wisconsin Fest showcasing the state’s diverse musical artists with eight genres like punk, metal, jazz, pop, and blues across three venues over five nights; Beer & Cheese Fest with samples from hundreds of cheese makers and brewers from across Wisconsin; Frozen Fest in Sun Prairie
February remains chilly, with average temperatures between 12°F and 28°F. Snowfall continues, but it begins to decrease towards the end of the month. On average, you'll get 10.8 inches of snow in February plus 1 inch of rain.
What to do: Frozen Assets Festival with a 5K on ice; Winter Carnival on the UW Madison campus; Bockfest; Femmestival
March is the start of spring in Madison. Temperatures start to rise, averaging between 25°F and 45°F. Precipitation in the form of rain becomes more common as winter thaws. You'll still get 7.9" of snow on average through March, plus 1.9 inches of rain.
What to do: St. Patrick's Day Parade
April marks the start of warmer weather, with temperatures ranging from 35°F to 55°F. Rain becomes frequent as the city transitions fully into spring. As the saying goes, April showers bring May flowers: you'll get 3 inches of rain on average this month. Snow isn't uncommon in April, though; you'll get 2.4" on average.
What to do: Opening day for the Dane County Farmers' Market, Madison Craft Beer Week, and the Midwest Horse Fair, one of the nation's largest equestrian events
May brings warmer temperatures, with averages between 45°F and 68°F. Spring rain showers help Madison’s gardens and parks bloom. Expect an average of 3.4 inches of rain in May. This is the first month without snow – mostly. On average, early May gets just 0.1" of snowfall.
What to do: SpringFest Arts & Crafts Fair, the World's Largest Brat Fest, the Madison Irish Fest, and the LunART Festival
June is the start of summer in Madison, WI, with temperatures rising to an average high temperature of 78°F. The weather is warm and welcoming, perfect for summer activities. Just be prepared for rain: it's the wettest month by rainfall, with 4.2" on average.
What to do: Verona Hometown Days, a huge family-friendly festival in the suburb of Verona; Festa Italia in Fitchburg, the annual Marquette Waterfront Festival with the iconic Fools Flotilla; Heidi Folk Festival in New Glarus (New Switzerland); the New Glarus Beer, Bacon & Cheese Fest; the International Festival, and the 10-day Madison Jazz Festival
July is typically the sunniest and warmest month, with daily highs reaching up to 85°F. This is the best time to enjoy fun things to do in Madison in the summer, such as lake activities. You'll still want to keep your umbrella handy: July gets 4" of average rainfall.
What to do: Midwest Fire Fest celebrating all things made with fire, smoke, and heat featuring fire dancers, a community iron pour, and fire feast; the Dane County Fair; Maxwell Street Days, a sidewalk sale on State Street held for 40 years; and WaunaFest in Waunakee
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August remains warm and it brings the most humid weather and the most rainy days. On average, there are 10 rainy days in April. This month experiences an average of 4.1 inches of rain. Warmer temperatures in August range from 65°F to 82°F. Humidity levels can be high, making it a muggy month.
What to do: Great Taste of the Midwest, one of America’s top beer festivals with 190+ Midwestern craft brewers; Sweet Corn Festival in Sun Prairie; Orton Park Festival, one of the longest-running outdoor music festivals in the nation; and Taste of Madison with music and food from 80+ vendors
September brings cooler weather as the official start of the Madison, WI fall season. Expect daily temperature averages between 55°F and 70°F. It’s a transitional month between summer and fall with comfortable temperatures and just 3" of total rainfall on average, perfect for outdoor festivals.
What to do: Wauktoberfest; New Glarus Oktoberfest; Willy Street Fair, the longest-running neighborhood event in Madison with 150+ vendors and five stages of entertainment; and the annual Chili Cook-Off in Monona
October temperatures drop to 45°F to 60°F, bringing crisp air and popular fall activities in Madison WI, such as visiting apple orchards and pumpkin patches. You'll enjoy pleasant and mostly dry weather with just 2.4" of average rainfall. Even though it's the middle of autumn, snow in October is common, with an average of 0.4 inches.
During October, the city is transformed with red, yellow, and orange fall foliage.
What to do: Wisconsin Science Festival with events in Madison and throughout the state
November is much cooler, with temperatures ranging from 30°F to 45°F. There are still many rainy days with 2.1" of average rainfall, but a good number of days with light snow, hinting at the winter season ahead. On average, November experiences 4.4 inches of snowfall.
What to do: Madison Hmong New Year festival; Winter Art Fair Off the Square featuring 135+ local artists; Holiday Fantasy in Lights, a free drive-through holiday tradition that runs through December
This month marks the start of the most dreaded aspect of the Madison WI climate: sometimes brutal winters. Madison Dec. weather is frigid, with average temperatures between 15°F and 30°F. Hail and snow are common, signaling the start of the Madison winter season. Average rainfall drops to just 1.5" as winter takes hold. You can expect 11.1" of snowfall on average during December in Madison.
What to do: Starkweather Winter Solstice Celebration
Official Madison WI climate data is based on readings observed from the Dane County Regional Airport.
The best time to visit Madison is late spring (May to June) or early fall (September to October). You will enjoy mild weather and the least amount of precipitation, perfect for enjoying the city’s scenery and outdoor activities.
If you haven't been scared off by the Madison WI climate and you're ready to embrace frigid, snowy winters and hot summers on the lakes, Dairyland Moving and Storage is here to help with the moving process. Call the best movers in Madison for a free moving quote today at (608) 856-6683.
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