Dane County Climate
Dane County, Wisconsin
NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate NormalsAvg Annual Temp
46.6°F
Annual Precip
38.3"
Annual Snowfall
39.0"
Extreme Heat Days
9
days >= 90°F/yr
Monthly Temperature
Precipitation Calendar
Growing Season & Gardening
5a
Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival
2,635
Supports most vegetables & fruits
Seasonal Overview
National Comparison
7-Day Outlook
Forecast
Current Conditions
Air Quality
Safety
Weather Alerts
Climate Advisory: Dane County
Climate Verdict
Dane County has a cool, averaging 46.6°F annually, moderate rainfall of 38.3 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 9.400000000000002 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 39.0 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.
Seasonal Breakdown
Winters are very cold — January averages 18.6°F. summers are warm — July averages 71.5°F. Residents experience a substantial 53°F difference between winter and summer.
Outdoor & Gardening Guidance
Growing season and gardening data is currently limited for Dane County. Check the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map and local extension office for specific guidance.
Regional Context
Dane County closely matches the Wisconsin statewide average temperature of 44.4°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Wisconsin.
Climate Profile
About Dane County Weather
Temperate for the Upper Midwest
Dane County averages 46.6°F annually, placing it about 7 degrees below the national median. It enjoys a humid continental climate with four very distinct seasons.
In the state's warmer bracket
With an annual average of 46.6°F, Dane County is significantly warmer than the state average of 44.4°F. It ranks as one of the warmest and most precipitous counties in Wisconsin.
Wetter than its northern neighbors
Dane County's 38.3 inches of annual precipitation is much higher than the state average of 34.5 inches. It is slightly warmer and wetter than neighboring Dodge County to the northeast.
Warm summers and snowy winters
The county sees 9 days per year exceeding 90°F and a July average of 71.5°F. Winters bring 39.0 inches of snow, which is less than the northern counties but still substantial.
Invest in moisture management
High annual precipitation of 38.3 inches makes basement waterproofing and sump pumps important for homeowners. Winter lows of 18.6°F in January also demand reliable, well-maintained furnaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Track your own weather in Dane County
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Data sources: NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information (NCEI), U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020. Forecast and alert data from National Weather Service API. Air quality data from Open-Meteo.
Climate normals are 30-year averages of weather variables. Station data is aggregated to county level. Forecasts and alerts are fetched live and may change frequently. Data is informational only — not a substitute for official National Weather Service forecasts or emergency weather warnings.