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Milwaukee County Climate

Milwaukee County, Wisconsin

NOAA NCEI 1991-2020 Climate Normals
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec48.5°AVG °F

Avg Annual Temp

48.5°F

Annual Precip

36.6"

Annual Snowfall

46.8"

Extreme Heat Days

13

days >= 90°F/yr

Monthly Temperature

54.4°F avgJFMAMJJASOND

Precipitation Calendar

Dry
Wet= snowfall
1.8"
1.8"
2.2"
3.9"
4.0"
4.9"
3.6"
3.9"
3.4"
3.0"
2.2"
2.0"
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec

Growing Season & Gardening

USDA Hardiness Zone

6a

Minimum winter temperature range for plant survival

Growing Degree Days

2,812

Supports most vegetables & fruits

Last spring frost (32°F): 04/26
First fall frost (32°F): 10/22

Seasonal Overview

Comfort ZoneSpring35°57°10.1"Summer67°73°12.3"Fall39°64°8.6"Winter23°28°5.6"20°40°60°80°100°

National Comparison

Warmer than 25% of US counties
Wetter than 37% of US counties
More seasonal variation than 82% of US counties

7-Day Outlook

Forecast

Current Conditions

Air Quality

Safety

Weather Alerts

Climate Advisory: Milwaukee County

Climate Verdict

Milwaukee County has a cool, averaging 48.5°F annually, moderate rainfall of 36.6 inches per year, rare extreme heat with only 12.700000000000001 days above 90°F annually, moderate snowfall of 46.8 inches annually. This climate profile shapes everything from energy costs to outdoor recreation opportunities.

Seasonal Breakdown

Winters are very cold — January averages 22.6°F. summers are warm — July averages 72.9°F. Residents experience a substantial 50°F difference between winter and summer.

Outdoor & Gardening Guidance

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

Regional Context

Milwaukee County is 4.1°F warmer than the Wisconsin statewide average of 44.4°F, it is somewhat wetter than average for Wisconsin.

Climate Profile

About Milwaukee County Weather

Wisconsin's Warmest Urban Climate

Milwaukee County is one of Wisconsin's warmest spots with a 48.5°F annual average, though it remains below the national median. The urban heat island and Lake Michigan proximity create a unique local climate.

Leading the State in Temperature

Milwaukee far exceeds the state average temperature of 44.4°F. It is also one of the state's wetter counties, recording 36.6 inches of precipitation annually.

Hotter and More Urbanized

Milwaukee is much warmer than Manitowoc to the north, which averages 44.7°F. It also records 13 extreme heat days, more than double the count of most surrounding counties.

Significant Heat and Moderate Winters

The county sees a warm 72.9°F July and a relatively mild 22.6°F January compared to the rest of the state. It still receives 46.8 inches of snow, though its 25.4°F winter average is Wisconsin's highest.

Cooling is Essential for Milwaukee

Cooling systems are a must here, as the 13 extreme heat days lead the region. Winter gear is still essential for the 47 inches of snow, but the cold is less biting than in inland Wisconsin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average temperature in Milwaukee County?
The average annual temperature in Milwaukee County, WI is 48.5°F, based on NOAA 30-year climate normals (1991-2020).
How much rain does Milwaukee County get?
Milwaukee County receives an average of 36.6 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 Milwaukee County?
Yes, Milwaukee County receives an average of 46.8 inches of snowfall per year according to NOAA climate normals.
How hot does Milwaukee County get in summer?
The average summer temperature (June-August) in Milwaukee County is 70.6°F. The county experiences an average of 13 days per year above 90°F.
How cold are winters in Milwaukee County?
The average winter temperature (December-February) in Milwaukee County is 25.4°F. January, typically the coldest month, averages 22.6°F.

Track your own weather in Milwaukee 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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