Madison, WI Weather

MADISON WEATHER

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Madison, WI Weather by Season

Madison, Wisconsin experiences a classic humid continental climate (Köppen: Dfa), delivering four sharp and dramatically different seasons each year. With an annual average temperature of around 47°F, that single number hides extremes that range from bitter cold winters to warm, humid summers. Here is what to expect throughout the year.

❄️ Winter (December – February)

Madison winters are cold, snowy, and unrelenting. Average lows hover around 9–15°F, while daytime highs rarely climb above the upper 20s°F. January is the coldest month, with overnight lows averaging around 9°F. The city accumulates roughly 50 inches of snow annually, with December and January being the snowiest months. Wind chill can make temperatures feel dangerously low, so layering is essential — think thermal underlayers, a heavy insulated coat, waterproof boots, and a windproof outer shell. The driest month of the year is also January, with only about 1.25 inches of total precipitation.

🌸 Spring (March – May)

Spring arrives gradually and often reluctantly. March still brings an average of nearly 8 inches of snow alongside early rain showers, with temperatures ranging from 25°F to 45°F. By May, snow is essentially gone and highs climb into the mid-60s°F. Overall, spring delivers average temperatures between 35°F and 65°F and around 8 inches of precipitation across roughly 30 rainy days. As the ice melts on Lakes Mendota and Monona, outdoor enthusiasts flock back to the city’s parks, trails, and waterways. Late May and early June are considered among the best times to visit, offering mild conditions and lush scenery.

☀️ Summer (June – August)

Madison summers are warm, humid, and occasionally punctuated by thunderstorms. Average highs reach around 82°F in July — the warmest month — while overnight lows average a comfortable 59°F. The season sees the most sunshine, with July averaging over 10 hours of daylight per day. June is typically the wettest month of the year, with precipitation reaching around 4.6 inches. Despite the humidity, summer is the city’s most beloved season, perfect for boating, kayaking, and swimming across Madison’s five lakes. Thunderstorms can bring heavy bursts of rain, so keeping an eye on the forecast is wise.

🍂 Autumn (September – November)

Fall in Madison is crisp, colorful, and relatively mild in its early weeks. September temperatures range comfortably from the mid-60s°F down through the 40s°F by November. Autumn brings some of the most visually stunning weather of the year as the surrounding forests put on a brilliant foliage display. Early fall (September–October) is considered one of the best times to visit Madison, combining comfortable temperatures with lower precipitation and fewer crowds. By November, temperatures dip sharply and the first snowflakes of the season can begin to appear, signaling winter’s imminent return.

Key Climate Takeaways

  • Annual average temperature: 47°F
  • Hottest month: July (avg. high 82°F)
  • Coldest month: January (avg. low ~9°F)
  • Annual snowfall: ~50 inches
  • Wettest month: June (~4.6 inches of precipitation)
  • Best times to visit: Late May–June or September–October

Back in the 90s, MadisonClick was an email newsletter (called MadisOn-Line), and there was a call that came in from MadisonClick every morning to Channel 27. They would give us a weather report to type and send out to our list. So, we honor that by giving them a link on this page.

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