Weather in Milwaukee

Planning your day in Milwaukee? In this section, you will find the latest weather information, including current data, forecasts, and useful charts.

The climate in Milwaukee is characterized as continental, with four clearly defined seasons. The city experiences significant temperature fluctuations throughout the year, which is typical for this type of climate. Winters here are cold, with average temperatures dropping below freezing, while summers are warm and comfortable.

The summer months, especially July and August, are the warmest, with average temperatures around 21.8°C. Winter, in contrast, brings frosty weather, particularly in January and February, when the average temperature hovers around -3.4°C and -2.7°C respectively. Spring and autumn serve as transitional periods with more moderate temperatures. Precipitation is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, averaging 2-3 mm per month, without a distinct rainy season. The number of rainy days is also quite stable, ranging from 8 to 12 days per month.

In Milwaukee, the winter months, especially January and February, bring noticeable cold. In January, the thermometer drops to an average of -6.1°C at night and rarely rises above -0.7°C during the day. February is slightly warmer: nighttime lows can also reach -6.1°C, while the daytime high averages 0.7°C. The peak summer heat, falling in July and August, feels completely different: daytime temperatures here hold steady around 24.7°C, creating comfortable conditions for walking, while nights bring pleasant coolness with temperatures around 18.9°C.

The summer season in Milwaukee, spanning from June to August, gifts the city with pleasant warmth. June opens the summer with average daily highs around 21.4°C, gradually giving way to the hotter July and August, when the air warms up to the aforementioned 24.7°C. Nights during this time remain comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 14.9°C in June to 18.9°C in mid-summer. The winter period, from December to February, is conversely characterized by frosty weather. In December, average daytime temperatures fluctuate around 2.6°C, while nighttime lows drop to -2.3°C. January and February, as noted, are the harshest, with regular nighttime frosts down to -6.1°C and daytime temperatures often not exceeding the freezing mark.

The transitional seasons in Milwaukee are distinguished by a gradual shift in temperatures. Spring begins in March with cool weather, when daytime highs barely reach 5.3°C, and nights can still be frosty (averaging -0.8°C). By May, the city transforms: during the day, the air warms up to 15.6°C, and nighttime temperatures hold at 9.0°C. Autumn brings a gradual cooling. After a warm September with daytime temperatures up to 21.8°C, they drop to 15.0°C in October, and by November, the approach of winter is already felt with daytime highs around 7.2°C and nighttime temperatures dropping to 2.2°C. Throughout the year, daily temperature fluctuations in Milwaukee remain moderate: the difference between average daily highs and nighttime lows is usually 5-7°C, ensuring relative stability in the temperature regime throughout the day.

In Milwaukee, precipitation is distributed relatively evenly throughout the year, although its nature and intensity change depending on the season. The city does not experience a distinct rainy or dry season, but there are periods with slightly higher amounts of precipitation and wet days.

Winter months, such as January, February, and December, are characterized by low temperatures (averages from -3.4°C to 0.2°C), leading to precipitation primarily in the form of snow. About 2 mm of precipitation and approximately 9 days with precipitation are recorded during these months. March and November are transitional months; in March (average temperature 2.2°C) and November (average temperature 4.7°C), snowfall is also possible, especially in early March and late November, although precipitation amounts remain at 2 mm, and the number of days with precipitation is 10 and 8 respectively.

From April to October, when temperatures rise significantly, precipitation falls as rain. During this period, the amount of precipitation increases slightly to 3 mm per month. The highest number of days with precipitation falls in April, May, and October, when there are on average 12 wet days. Summer months, such as June, July, and August, also receive about 3 mm of precipitation, with the number of rainy days ranging from 10 to 11, indicating regular but not necessarily prolonged rains.

Thus, although the total amount of precipitation does not vary greatly from month to month (2-3 mm), it is worth noting that spring and autumn months (especially April, May, October) have the highest number of days with precipitation. Winter brings snow, while the rest of the year is characterized by rain. The "driest" month in terms of days with precipitation is November (8 days), while in terms of total volume, the winter months and November (2 mm) slightly lag behind the warmer months (3 mm).

When planning a trip to Milwaukee, it is important to consider its continental climate with four distinct seasons. The key principle when packing should be layering, as temperatures can fluctuate noticeably, especially during the transitional seasons. Comfortable walking shoes are an absolute necessity at any time of year, as the city is perfect for walking and exploring.

For a visit during the cold period, which usually lasts from November to March, when average temperatures range from freezing values to slightly above zero, you will need warm clothing. Be sure to bring a winter jacket (preferably windproof and waterproof, as even with a small total volume of precipitation, it can fall as snow or freezing rain about 9-10 days a month), warm sweaters or fleece tops, thermal underwear, as well as a hat, gloves, and a scarf. Don't forget warm, waterproof boots to keep your feet dry and warm.

In the warm season, from May to September, when the average air temperature varies from +12°C to +22°C, lightweight items will form the basis of your wardrobe: t-shirts, shorts, skirts, and dresses. However, evenings, especially near Lake Michigan, can be quite cool, so a light jacket, cardigan, or windbreaker will be very useful. Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses will be your indispensable companions during the summer months. In transitional months, such as April and October, the weather can be changeable: it might be pleasantly warm during the day, but noticeably cooler in the morning and evening, so the principle of layering is especially relevant here. Given that on average 10-12 days a month may be accompanied by precipitation, a compact umbrella or a light raincoat will come in handy at almost any time of year.