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Marathon County Climate

Marathon County, Wisconsin

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec43.6°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

43.6°F

Annual Precip

33.4"

Annual Snowfall

56.6"

Extreme Heat Days

5

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.1"
1.0"
1.7"
3.0"
3.8"
4.7"
3.8"
4.1"
3.9"
3.0"
1.8"
1.5"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

4b

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,238

Favors cool-season crops

Last spring frost (32°F): 05/06
First fall frost (32°F): 10/04

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring30°56°8.5"Summer65°70°12.6"Fall33°59°8.8"Winter15°21°3.6"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 8% of US counties
Wetter than 32% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 92% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Marathon County

Climate Verdict

Marathon County has a cool, averaging 43.6°F annually, moderate rainfall of 33.4 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 5 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 56.6 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 14.8°F. summers are pleasantly cool with July averaging 69.5°F. Residents experience a substantial 55°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

Winter sports enthusiasts benefit from reliable snow cover for 3-4 months annually.

Regional Context

Marathon County closely matches the Wisconsin statewide average temperature of 44.4°F.

Climate Profile

About Marathon County Weather

Core Wisconsin Climate Extremes

Marathon County’s 43.6°F annual average reflects a true Northwoods climate that is significantly cooler than the national median. This central region experiences a wide range of seasonal extremes.

Slightly Cooler Than the State Norm

The county is roughly one degree cooler than the statewide average of 44.4°F. It receives 33.4 inches of precipitation, putting it just under the Wisconsin norm of 34.5 inches.

Warmer Than the Far North

Marathon is warmer than northern neighbors Lincoln and Langlade, which both average 41.4°F. However, it experiences more extreme heat days than its lakeside peers in Manitowoc.

Formidable Winters and Solid Summers

With 56.6 inches of annual snowfall and a 14.8°F January average, winters are formidable. July warms to a 69.5°F average, featuring about 5 days of 90°F heat.

Preparing for All Four Seasons

A dual-season approach is required to handle the 18.0°F winter average and the occasional 90°F summer spikes. Reliable snow tires are essential for navigating the nearly 57 inches of annual snowfall.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Marathon County?
The average annual temperature in Marathon County, WI is 43.6°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Marathon County get?
Marathon County receives an average of 33.4 inches of precipitation per year, including both rain and meltwater from snow. This is based on NOAA 30-year climate normals.
Does it snow in Marathon County?
Yes, Marathon County receives an average of 56.6 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Marathon County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Marathon County is 67.4°F. The county experiences an average of 5 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Marathon County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Marathon County is 18.0°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 14.8°F.

Track your own weather in Marathon 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.

By Evan Brooks, Data EditorUpdated Reviewed by Evan Brooks, Data Editor
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