Milwaukee, WI Climate & Monthly Averages
The climate of Milwaukee
Located in Wisconsin, United States, Milwaukee experiences a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold, often snowy winters. Afternoon temperatures peak near 80°F (26°C) in July and dip to about 30°F (-1°C) in January, with around 38.1 inches (968 mm) of precipitation falling across the year.
Climate quick facts
- Hottest month: July - highs near 80°F (26°C)
- Coldest month: January - highs near 30°F (-1°C)
- Record high: 100°F (38°C) · Record low: -24°F (-31°C) (2015–2024)
- Wettest month: June (11 rainy days) · Sunniest: July (12.4 h sun/day)
- Climate type: humid continental - warm summers and cold, often snowy winters
- Snow: about 19 days a year
Temperatures through the year
The warmest stretch of the year centers on July. Highs average 80°F (26°C) and overnight lows stay near 65°F (18°C). The coolest month is January, with typical highs of 30°F (-1°C) and lows around 18°F (-8°C). Based on 2015–2024 weather data, temperatures have reached as high as 100°F (38°C) and dropped as low as -24°F (-31°C).
Rain, sun and snow
June is usually the wettest month. It brings about 4.4 inches (112 mm) of rain over 11 days, while February is the driest. July brings the most sunshine, averaging 12.4 hours of sun a day. Snow falls on about 19 days in a typical year, mostly from November through April.
Monthly climate table
| Month | High | Low | Rain days | Precipitation | Sunshine | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 30° | 18° | 9 | 2.1 in | 5.3 h/day | 74% |
| February | 33° | 18° | 7 | 1.9 in | 7.1 h/day | 70% |
| March | 42° | 28° | 11 | 2.9 in | 8.0 h/day | 71% |
| April | 52° | 37° | 13 | 4.1 in | 8.9 h/day | 70% |
| May | 63° | 48° | 12 | 4.3 in | 10.2 h/day | 72% |
| June | 74° | 58° | 11 | 4.4 in | 11.7 h/day | 72% |
| July | 80° | 65° | 10 | 3.2 in | 12.4 h/day | 73% |
| August | 79° | 64° | 10 | 3.1 in | 11.4 h/day | 73% |
| September | 73° | 59° | 10 | 3.8 in | 9.5 h/day | 74% |
| October | 60° | 47° | 11 | 3.8 in | 7.3 h/day | 70% |
| November | 47° | 34° | 8 | 2.2 in | 6.1 h/day | 70% |
| December | 37° | 25° | 8 | 2.2 in | 4.9 h/day | 73% |
Milwaukee month by month
Milwaukee weather in January
January brings highs around 30°F (-1°C), lows near 18°F (-8°C), about 9 wet days and roughly 6 snowy days - typically the coldest month of the year in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee weather in February
February brings highs around 33°F (1°C), lows near 18°F (-8°C), about 7 wet days and roughly 4 snowy days - typically the driest month of the year in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee weather in March
March brings highs around 42°F (6°C), lows near 28°F (-2°C), about 11 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Milwaukee weather in April
April brings highs around 52°F (11°C), lows near 37°F (3°C), about 13 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Milwaukee weather in May
May brings highs around 63°F (17°C), lows near 48°F (9°C), about 12 wet days.
Milwaukee weather in June
June brings highs around 74°F (23°C), lows near 58°F (15°C), about 11 wet days - typically the wettest month of the year in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee weather in July
July brings highs around 80°F (26°C), lows near 65°F (18°C), about 10 wet days - typically the hottest month and the sunniest month of the year in Milwaukee.
Milwaukee weather in August
August brings highs around 79°F (26°C), lows near 64°F (18°C), about 10 wet days.
Milwaukee weather in September
September brings highs around 73°F (23°C), lows near 59°F (15°C), about 10 wet days.
Milwaukee weather in October
October brings highs around 60°F (16°C), lows near 47°F (8°C), about 11 wet days.
Milwaukee weather in November
November brings highs around 47°F (8°C), lows near 34°F (1°C), about 8 wet days and roughly 2 snowy days.
Milwaukee weather in December
December brings highs around 37°F (3°C), lows near 25°F (-4°C), about 8 wet days and roughly 3 snowy days.
Seasons in Milwaukee
Spring (March through May)
Spring in Milwaukee is brisk and cold, with daytime highs averaging 53°F (11°C) and nights around 38°F (3°C); expect showers on roughly 36 days across the season, plus around 5 snowy days.
Summer (June through August)
Summer in Milwaukee is pleasantly warm, with daytime highs averaging 77°F (25°C) and nights around 62°F (17°C); expect showers on roughly 31 days across the season.
Fall (September through November)
Fall in Milwaukee is mild, with daytime highs averaging 60°F (16°C) and nights around 47°F (8°C); expect showers on roughly 29 days across the season.
Winter (December through February)
Winter in Milwaukee is bitterly cold, with daytime highs averaging 34°F (1°C) and nights around 20°F (-6°C); expect showers on roughly 24 days across the season, plus around 12 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 Milwaukee?
Is Milwaukee hot in summer?
Is Milwaukee cold in winter?
How many rainy days does Milwaukee get in a year?
Best time to visit Milwaukee
The best time to visit Milwaukee is generally May to October, when this window offers the warmest, brightest days of the year. Daytime temperatures in that window typically sit near 71°F (22°C).
Pack for Milwaukee 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).
Milwaukee temperature records (2015-2024)
Derived from ERA5 reanalysis data, 2015–2024. Official station records may differ.