Weather in Madison

Planning your day in Madison? Check out the latest weather data, forecasts, and useful charts right in this section.

Madison, located in the United States, welcomes its guests with a distinct continental climate. This means you can fully enjoy the change of four seasons here, each possessing its own unique character and temperature regime, offering diverse experiences throughout the year.

Winters in Madison are generally cold, with average temperatures dropping significantly below freezing, especially in January (average -5.7°C) and February (average -4.5°C). Frosts are not uncommon during these months. Summers, on the other hand, are warm and pleasant: from June to August, average temperatures hover around +21°C to +23°C, creating comfortable conditions for walks and outdoor activities.

Spring and autumn serve as transition periods when the weather gradually changes from winter cold to summer warmth and back. For example, in March, the average temperature rises to +2.7°C, while in October, it drops to +11.4°C. Regarding precipitation, it is distributed quite evenly throughout the year, with small amounts (averaging 2-4 mm per month), without a distinct rainy season. The number of rainy days varies from 7 to 13 per month, making trip planning reasonably predictable in this regard.

The climate in Madison is characterized by significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, offering residents and visitors a full spectrum of seasonal sensations. The hottest month is usually July, when the average temperature reaches +23.2°C. During this period, daytime highs can rise to +27.9°C, and nighttime lows rarely drop below +18.4°C. Conversely, January brings the coldest days with an average temperature of -5.7°C. At night, the thermometer can fall to -9.5°C, and daytime values often remain below freezing, around -1.9°C.

The summer months in Madison, from June to August, provide truly warm weather. Daytime temperatures consistently stay in the range of +26°C to +28°C, creating excellent conditions for outdoor recreation. Evenings and nights bring pleasant coolness, with temperatures around +16°C to +18°C. Winter, covering the period from December to February, is distinguished by frosty weather. During the day, air temperatures often fluctuate around zero or slightly below (from -2°C to +0.4°C), and at night regularly drop to -9°C, and sometimes lower, especially in January and February, when minimum average temperatures reach -9.5°C and -9.3°C respectively.

Throughout the year in Madison, noticeable diurnal temperature fluctuations are observed. The difference between daytime highs and nighttime lows often ranges from 7°C to 11°C. This means that even on warm summer days, evenings can be perceptibly cooler, and on cold winter days, nights become even frostier. The transitional seasons – spring and autumn – demonstrate rapid changes in temperature regimes. For instance, in March, the average temperature is +2.7°C, but nights can still be frosty (down to -2.1°C), whereas by May, comfortable warmth sets in with daytime highs up to +21.3°C. In autumn, in October, the average temperature drops to +11.4°C, heralding the arrival of winter.

In Madison, precipitation falls throughout the year, with its distribution being quite even, without a clearly defined rainy season or dry period. The total amount of precipitation in the city is moderate, fluctuating monthly in the range of 2 mm to 4 mm, which allows for planning trips without fear of encountering prolonged downpours.

The highest amount of precipitation, reaching 4 mm, usually falls in May, June, and September. These months can be considered the wettest in terms of moisture volume. On the other hand, the "driest" months, with a figure of about 2 mm of precipitation, are January, February, March, November, and December. Speaking of frequency, the most days with precipitation are observed in April and May – up to 13 days in each, while November is usually the "calmest" in this regard, counting on average only 7 days with precipitation.

The nature of precipitation in Madison depends directly on the time of year and air temperature. In the winter months – from December to February, as well as partially in November and March – when the thermometer consistently stays below freezing (for example, the average January temperature is -5.7°C), precipitation falls primarily as snow. With the arrival of warmth, from April to October, the city is refreshed by rains. In transitional seasons, such as March and November, mixed precipitation can be expected, where rain may alternate with snow. Given the total amount of precipitation distributed over several days, it is most often moderate or light.

When planning a trip to Madison, it is important to consider the distinct change of seasons. In winter (from December to February, as well as in November and March), it is quite cold here, with average temperatures below freezing and frequent frosts, so your suitcase must contain warm clothes: sweaters, fleece jackets, thermal underwear, a winter coat or down jacket, a hat, a scarf, and gloves. Given that precipitation at this time often falls as snow, waterproof footwear will also be useful. Do not forget the principle of layering to easily adapt to temperature changes indoors and outdoors.

Summer in Madison (from June to August) is warm and pleasant, with average temperatures around +21°C to +23°C. For this period, light clothing is suitable: T-shirts, shorts, dresses, and sandals. However, since evenings can be cooler (around +16°C to +18°C), it is worth bringing a light jacket or cardigan. Don't forget sunscreen and a hat for sun protection. Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) are transitional seasons with changeable weather. The temperature can fluctuate, so layered clothing is your best choice. A light jacket, sweater, jeans, or trousers will be appropriate. In April and May, as well as in October, the number of days with precipitation increases, so a compact umbrella or raincoat will be a useful addition to your wardrobe.

Regardless of the time of year, for walking around Madison you will need comfortable shoes, as the city invites exploration on foot. Considering that every month sees on average from 7 to 13 days with precipitation, albeit small in volume, having an umbrella or a light waterproof jacket will be relevant almost always. An electronics adapter, if you are travelling from another country, should also be on your list. And, of course, don't forget your camera to capture all the beauty of this American city!