Madison, WI Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Madison
Located in Wisconsin, United States, Madison experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, often snowy winters. Afternoon temperatures peak near 81°F (27°C) in July and dip to about 28°F (-2°C) in January, with around 36.7 inches (932 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 81°F (27°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 28°F (-2°C)
- Record high: 97°F (36°C) · Record low: -28°F (-33°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: May (13 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (12.3 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid continental - warm summers and cold, often snowy winters
- Snow: about 21 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 81°F (27°C) and overnight lows stay near 65°F (18°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 28°F (-2°C) and lows around 14°F (-10°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 97°F (36°C) and dropped as low as -28°F (-33°C).
Rain, sun and snow
May is usually the wettest month. It brings about 4.2 inches (106 mm) of rain over 13 days, while February is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.3 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 21 days in a typical year, mostly from November through April.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 28° | 14° | 9 | 1.8 in | 5.2 h/day | 77% |
| February | 32° | 14° | 6 | 1.6 in | 7.1 h/day | 72% |
| March | 45° | 27° | 10 | 2.9 in | 7.9 h/day | 68% |
| April | 55° | 37° | 12 | 3.7 in | 8.6 h/day | 66% |
| May | 68° | 50° | 13 | 4.2 in | 9.8 h/day | 69% |
| June | 78° | 61° | 11 | 4.1 in | 11.4 h/day | 68% |
| July | 81° | 65° | 10 | 3.6 in | 12.3 h/day | 71% |
| August | 80° | 64° | 11 | 3.3 in | 11.2 h/day | 72% |
| September | 74° | 58° | 10 | 3.9 in | 9.5 h/day | 73% |
| October | 60° | 45° | 10 | 3.3 in | 7.1 h/day | 71% |
| November | 46° | 32° | 8 | 2.3 in | 6.1 h/day | 71% |
| December | 35° | 22° | 8 | 2.1 in | 4.9 h/day | 75% |
Madison month by month
Madison weather in January
January brings highs around 28°F (-2°C), lows near 14°F (-10°C), about 9 wet days and roughly 6 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Madison.
Madison weather in February
February brings highs around 32°F (0°C), lows near 14°F (-10°C), about 6 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days - typically the driest month of the year in Madison.
Madison weather in March
March brings highs around 45°F (7°C), lows near 27°F (-3°C), about 10 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Madison weather in April
April brings highs around 55°F (13°C), lows near 37°F (3°C), about 12 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Madison weather in May
May brings highs around 68°F (20°C), lows near 50°F (10°C), about 13 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Madison.
Madison weather in June
June brings highs around 78°F (26°C), lows near 61°F (16°C), about 11 wet days.
Madison weather in July
July brings highs around 81°F (27°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 10 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Madison.
Madison weather in August
August brings highs around 80°F (26°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 11 wet days.
Madison weather in September
September brings highs around 74°F (23°C), lows near 58°F (15°C), about 10 wet days.
Madison weather in October
October brings highs around 60°F (15°C), lows near 45°F (7°C), about 10 wet days.
Madison weather in November
November brings highs around 46°F (8°C), lows near 32°F (0°C), about 8 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Madison weather in December
December brings highs around 35°F (2°C), lows near 22°F (-6°C), about 8 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days.
Seasons in Madison
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Madison is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 56°F (13°C) and nights around 38°F (3°C); expect showers on roughly 34 days across the season, plus around 5 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Madison is mild and warm, with daytime highs averaging 80°F (27°C) and nights around 63°F (17°C); expect showers on roughly 32 days across the season.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Madison is crisp but comfortable, with daytime highs averaging 60°F (15°C) and nights around 45°F (7°C); expect showers on roughly 28 days across the season, plus around 2 snowy days.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Madison brings deep cold, with daytime highs averaging 32°F (0°C) and nights around 17°F (-9°C); expect showers on roughly 23 days across the season, plus around 13 snowy days. Wind makes those temperatures feel harsher than they sound - pair the forecast winds with the wind speed converter to judge conditions on exposed skin.
Climate questions, answered
What is the average temperature in Madison?
Is Madison hot in summer?
Is Madison cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Madison get in a year?
Best time to visit Madison
The best time to visit Madison is generally June to October, when this window offers the warmest, brightest days of the year. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 75°F (24°C).
Pack for Madison with a heavy insulated coat, hat and gloves for winter; a compact umbrella or rain shell - showers are a regular feature. Evenings can feel noticeably cooler than afternoons - July nights average 65°F (18°C).
Madison temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.